Description

The monument comprises the remains of an enclosed settlement of prehistoric date represented by cropmarks visible on oblique aerial photographs.

The settlement lies on a gently sloping hillside with extensive views to the N and W. It comprises two conjoined elements which appear to represent a primary enclosure and an annexe. The probable primary element is a square enclosure, measuring some 20m by 20m across its interior, defined by a ditch some 2-3m in width. This enclosure is aligned NE-SW and has a well-defined single entrance situated centrally in its NE side.

A larger, sub-circular enclosure appears to have been built onto the SE side of the primary enclosure, using the

SE ditch of the latter as part of its circuit. The remainder of the circuit is formed by a ditch approximately 3-4m wide, enclosing an area some 40m in diameter. There are no clear indications of an entrance to this enclosure. The site appears to represent an agricultural settlement of later prehistoric date. The annexe may represent the secondary addition of a stock enclosure or an expansion

of the primary settlement area.

The area to be scheduled encompasses the visible features and an area around them in which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive. It has maximum dimensions of 160m ENE-WSW by 115m as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to contribute to our understanding of the nature and development of agricultural settlement in the prehistoric period. The relationship between the primary enclosure and annexe, both functional and chronological, will have implications for our understanding both of the economic regimes practiced in prehistory and of the development of prehistoric settlement.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NT 46 NW 43.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland