Description

The monument comprises the remains of two prehistoric houses, likely to date to the Bronze Age (between around 2000 and 800 BC). It is visible as a pair of adjacent structures defined by low drystone walls with intermittent turf-covering. The larger house appears to be heel-shaped and is reminiscent of those found in Shetland. It measures 5.5m NW-SE by 6.5m within low rubble walls spread to over 2m thick. The W wall of this structure has two visible faces, defined by thin orthostats placed 1.2m apart. The second house lies immediately SE of the first, separated by a narrow passageway. This structure is smaller, measuring approximately 4.5m in diameter within narrower walls. Inner and outer facing stones can be traced in places and several earthfast upright slabs are visible within the house interiors. The overall form of the houses is clearly visible and they survive in good condition. The monument was first scheduled in 1975, but the documentation did not meet modern standards: the present amendment rectifies this.

The scheduled area is an irregular oval on plan to include the remains described above and an area around them within which evidence relating to the monument's construction, use and abandonment is expected to survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as it has an inherent potential to make a significant contribution to our understanding of prehistoric settlement, land-use and agriculture in Orkney. This is a well-preserved example of a pair of probably Bronze Age houses. There is high potential for the survival of buried archaeological deposits and features which can enhance our understanding of the site's chronology and function. The site is of additional interest as it is one of a number of monuments in Auskerry, a relatively remote Orkney island: studied together, the Auskerry monuments have high potential to inform us about changes in settlement, daily life and agriculture during prehistory over several millennia. The loss of this monument would impede our ability to understand the development and nature of prehistoric settlement, both in Orkney and across Scotland in general.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as HY61NE 8.

References

RCAHMS, 1984, The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. The archaeological sites and monuments of Eday and Stronsay, Orkney Islands Area, The archaeological sites and monuments of Scotland series no 23, Edinburgh, 34, no 192.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland