Description

The monument is the remains of four roundhouses, probably dating to the Iron Age (between 600BC and AD 400). They are visible as the turf-covered upstanding remains of four structures defined by substantial circular banks and set around 160m to 260m apart in a roughly triangular arrangement. The monument lies at 90m above sea level, close to the junction between the Forss Water and Allt Torigil.

The two largest roundhouses lie to the southwest and southeast and are visible as substantial structures measuring 12.5m and 14m in diameter respectively within circular banks of turf and stone 2m and 3.5m wide. A rectangular structure of probable later date, defined by low turf covered boulders and measuring 21m north to south by 8m transversely, lies to the north of the easternmost roundhouse, while the western structure is overlain by a sheep shelter and bothy. The two remaining roundhouses lie to the north and are positioned adjacent to one another. They are distinctly smaller in size, measuring 6.5m and 9.4m in internal diameter within turf covered pennanular banks measuring up to 1m in height. The southern roundhouse has a slightly sunken interior, while a large slab and mound beyond the entrance of the northern structure may represent a porch structure.

The area to be scheduled is in three parts, two of which are rectangular in plan and the third circular, to include the remains described above and an area around 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

This monument is of national importance because it can make a significant addition to our understanding of the past, in particular of Iron Age society and the construction, use and development of settlement in the north of Scotland. It is a good example of later prehistoric settlement that retains its field characteristics and there is significant potential for the survival of archaeological deposits within and around the roundhouses. As a well-preserved example of a settlement, the monument can significantly expand our understanding of domestic buildings, agriculture and economy. The monument's importance is enhanced by its association with a wider cluster of later prehistoric remains. The loss or damage of the monument would diminish our ability to appreciate and understand the character and development of Iron Age settlements in Caithness, as well as society and economy during this period.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

Historic Environment Scotland http://www.canmore.org.uk reference number CANMORE ID 7699 (accessed on 04/04/2016).

The Highland Council HER reference is MHG1547.

Mercer, R J 1985 Archaeological field survey in Northern Scotland. Volume III. 1982-1983. Edinburgh: University of Edinburgh, Department of Archaeology.

ScARF 2012 Hunter, F and Carruthers, M (eds) Iron Age panel report, Scottish Archaeological Research Framework: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Available online at http://www.scottishheritagehub.com/sites/default/files/u13/ScARF%20Iron%20Age%20June%202012.pdf.

Canmore

https://canmore.org.uk/site/7699/

HER/SMR Reference

MHG1547

Source: Historic Environment Scotland