Aerial Photographic Interpretation
Date 15 December 2021
Event ID 1152856
Category Recording
Type Aerial Photographic Interpretation
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1152856
This large timber enclosure, which has been partly excavated and shown to be of late Neolithic date (Thomas 2015), is situated on level ground at the foot of Challoch Hill. It has been recorded as cropmarking on oblique aerial photographs (RCAHMSAP 1992) and comprises three concentric rings of postholes forming a subcircular enclosure measuring about 290m in overall diameter. The outer ring of postholes (NX15NW 76.2) is irregular in form with distinct in-turns on its S side that lend it a scalloped appearance. The middle ring (NX15NW 76.1) measures about 130m in diameter and a probable entrance in the form of a double row of postholes with bowed sides extends SSW from it for distance of about 32m. Excavation identified that smaller timbers (interpreted as supports for planking of a continuous fence) were once set between the large postholes of both the outer and central rings. No evidence for similar features was found in association with the inner ring (NX15NW 76.1), which measures about 108m in diameter.
This timber enclosure is associated with a complex of features, including a cursus (NX15NW 76.04), round barrows (NX15NW 76.03 and NX15NE 69.05), a timber circle (NX15NE 69.01), a possible henge (NX15NE 69.03) and a pit-alignment (NX15NE 69.02).
Information from HES Archaeological Survey (K. Millican) 15 December 2021.
