Field Visit

Date 13 April 2016

Event ID 1013592

Category Recording

Type Field Visit

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1013592

Strathearn Fort Survey

This multivallate fort is situated in rough pasture at the NW end of a high, steep-sided spur extending from Beld Hill, which is located on the northern edge of the Ochil Hills. It is overlooked by higher ground to the SE to which it is joined by a narrow saddle, but it has a fine outlook over Strathearn. The fort, which is D-shaped on plan, measures 65m from NW to SE by up to 39m transversely within three grass-grown lines of defence on both the NE and SE flanks of the spur, while a steep rocky precipice protects the SW. It is clear that these earthworks have been extensively modified on the SE on at least one occasion in the past and all have been reduced by erosion.

The innermost defence consists of a low rampart on the SE, with a substantial outer scarp. It measures up to 4m thick and 0.7m high, but gradually expands to 7m thick as it runs NNE from the precipice towards the entrance in the E, where it ends in a round stony terminal. A similar, but much slighter terminal marks the N side of the entrance, but the inner rampart thereafter is reduced to a narrow terrace above a steep scarp up to 3m thick and 1.6m high on the NE. A palisade slot, measuring 0.8m broad and 0.2m deep, runs from the terminal along the crest of this terrace for about 30m, before stopping abruptly at the foot of the rocky outcrop that occupies the NW sector of the fort. However, the rampart continues beyond this point and after rounding the outcrop it turns S to meet the precipice once more.

The medial defence, which is situated below the inner rampart, is marked by a terrace on the SE, measuring up to 6m broad and 1.7m high. Its outer scarp is revetted by a line of spaced boulders that gives way to a low rampart about 12m from the entrance. The zone between this and the foot of the inner rampart is occupied by another line of spaced boulders which fades out about 4m SSW of a point where the inner rampart begins to expand as it approaches the entrance. What may be a continuation of these parallel lines of boulders occurs on the N side of the entrance, where a short palisade slot is situated behind the inner line immediately N of the entrance passage. The inner line of boulders continues for a further 17m around the NE side of the fort, where the principal defence is marked by a rampart which is reduced to a level terrace 3m broad above a steep scarp 1.2m high. This follows the line of the upper rampart and also terminates at the precipice.

The outer defence consists of a rampart and ditch, but the former fades into the steep natural slope about half-way along the spur's NE flank, while the latter, which is rock-cut and largely infilled, is unfinished immediately N of the entrance. Where best preserved, the rampart measures up to 4.5m thick and 2m high, while the ditch measures 2.8m broad and 0.15m deep.

There is a simple entrance up to 4m wide passing through the defences at the E corner of the fort. It is lined on both sides with large boulders, but there is a notable rise at the point where it crosses through the inner rampart and enters the fort. The interior is relatively level SE of the rocky outcrop, which supports a recent cairn measuring 1.5m in diameter and 0.6m high; but otherwise no internal features are visible.

The evolution of the fort and its defences may be complex, but it is plain that at some point the ramparts on the SE were knocked down and replaced by palisades.

Visited by HES (ATW, GG), 13 April 2016.