Archaeology Notes

Event ID 644134

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/644134

HY21SE 22 2821 1176.

(HY 282 117) The promontory known as 'Point of Onston' has been cut off on the south side by two carefully constructed lines of rampart and ditch. The ramparts are now only 2 to 3ft high and have, seemingly, been formed of the upcast from the ditches, of which the outer is 19ft and the inner 16 ft wide from crest to crest. There are slight gaps in the lines, any one of which may mark an entrance.

RCAHMS 1946, visited August 1928.

This earthwork may well be an example of 'Scandinavian ness-taking.' The stones of a former revetment continue out into the loch at the north end of the earthwork.

Information from Orkney survey 1960, Wainwright notes, plan.

A promontory earthwork as described by the RCAHMS. The ramparts and ditches are best defined on its east side, and have been destroyed at the centre by cultivation. On the west side, only vague traces remain in the form of three 'rises' in the ground which have been greatly spread by cultivation. Centred at HY 2830 1175.

The entrance was at the NE corner and is marked by a causeway.

Surveyed at 1/2500.

Visited by OS (RB) 10 May 1966.

Scheduled as Diamond Cottage, defended promontory.

Information from Historic Scotland, scheduling docum,ent dated 10 January 1994.