Field Visit
Date 1998
Event ID 576853
Category Recording
Type Field Visit
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/576853
This extensive site, previously described as being a collection of ill-defined hillocks, may in fact be the remains of a small fort. It was once thought to be the site of a Danish fort. The site and the land which immediately surrounds it has not been cultivated and is very overgrown. While this impedes an examination of the remains, these are sufficiently substantial to be described as an artificial mound or platform with adjoining enclosure. The platform stands up to 3m high, measures 54m by 30m, and is aligned north-south, parallel to the coast. The top of the platform is relatively level but rises slightly to the periphery, possibly indicating the presence of a surrounding bank. Some stone is visible in the sloping sides, suggesting there may have been a revetment wall. A smaller mound lies to the south east side of the platform and may indicate the presence of buried remains here. To the seaward side of the platform a curvilinear bank encloses an area of at least 50m by 10m. The banks are earthen and although somewhat reduced by cultivation and coastal erosion, have the appearances of defences. Bone pins are said to have been recovered from this area. The site has a direct line of view to Stromness and beyond through Hoy Sound.
In all, this site, with its tradition of being a Danish fort, the substantial and defensive nature of the remains and the strategic location strongly suggests that this is a fortification of early historic or medieval date. In view of the fact that such a site would be unusual in an Orcadian context and that it is already subject to coastal erosion, it is recommended that assessment should be carried out as a matter of the highest priority.
Moore and Wilson, 1998
Orkney Coastal Zone Assessment
