Description

The monument is the remains of a settlement of Iron Age (800BC – AD400) date. Evidence from archaeological excavation suggests occupation may have continued until the 17th century. The settlement is broadly oval on plan, measuring about 140m from northwest to southeast by about 100m. It survives as upstanding earthworks on a low ridge, at about 210m above sea level.

The settlement enclosure is partially defined by double ramparts and ditches. It is bisected by a burn, which extends broadly from northeast to southwest. Within the enclosure and to the north of the burn, an additional set of earthworks encloses a smaller, broadly circular area, measuring internally about 58m by about 49m. South of the burn the area inside the ramparts is divided into a D-shaped enclosure on the east and open area on the west. The D shaped enclosure is built against the exterior bank of the settlement and measures internally about 35m from north to south by about 17m. A linear earthwork extends along the western side of the settlement. Excavations carried out in the late 1970s and early 1980s identified four phases of occupation, including roundhouses and rectilinear buildings.

The scheduled area is irregular. It includes 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. The scheduled runs up to but does not include the post and wire fence at the east. The above ground elements of all other post and wire fences and field gates are excluded to allow for their maintenance. 

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as it makes a significant contribution to our understanding or appreciation of the past as a well-preserved multi-phased settlement of Iron Age date. Excavation at this site has shown that occupation continued into the late medieval or post-medieval periods. The settlement has the potential to add to our understanding of Iron Age and later society in southern Scotland and the function, use and development of settlements and other enclosed sites. The monument survives as upstanding turf covered ramparts and ditches and there is significant potential for the survival of buried archaeological deposits within and around the site. The monument can significantly add to our understanding of domestic settlement, society, agriculture and economy during the Iron Age, medieval and post-medieval periods. It is part of a wider cluster of later prehistoric sites and can tell us about the character, development and use of settlements. It can tell us about the nature of Iron Age society, economy and social hierarchy in southern Scotland, as well as the long-term occupation and use of place.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography
No Bibliography entries for this designation

trove.scot

https://www.trove.scot/place/54060/

Source: Historic Environment Scotland