Archaeology Notes

Event ID 668841

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/668841

NJ62SW 3 6495 2450

(NJ 649 245) Earthwork (NAT)

Cairns (NR) (Twice)

OS 6" map, (1959)

A settlement (information from R W Feachem, September 1957), consisting of stone rampart 5' to 6' broad at base and 2' high in places, enclosing an area about 200yds in diameter (ONB 1867) in which are numerous hut circles. The entrance is on the west, gaps on the SW and NE probably being comparatively modern (Yeats 1883). (ONB makes no specific mention of the 'Tumuli' {OS 6" map, 1867} within the enclosure. These may be the hut-circles).

Name Book 1867; Yeats 1883.

A settlement comprised of an ill-defined, overgrown earth and stone bank (0.6m maximum height and spread to 4.5m maximum width) enclosing a sub-circular area (200.0m NE- SW by 170.0m NW-SE) containing traces of eight probable hut circles. In the WNW is a distinct 'bend' in the bank resembling an offset entrance but there is no apparent break in the debris, and the purpose of this change of alignment is uncertain.

In the SSW a break of c.10.0m in the bank may be the main entrance. Another break of 3.0m in the N where an old track cuts though is presumably later. Yet another break some 30.0m E of this track may be due to erosion.

Inside the enclosure is a curving bank (about 18.0m long, 4.0m wide and 0.5m high) about 40.0m to the E of the entrance; this appears to be contemporary with the settlement but its purpose is obscure.

The best-preserved hut circle "A" (shown on OS 25" map, 1901) shows traces of walling in a slight bank around its circumference, but the others are only visible as ill-defined platforms, six being 7.5m in diameter, and the two most south easterly ones being 6.5m and 9.0m in diameter. The interior of the enclosure is scarred by small surface quarries, particularly in the NE, and several other hollows are uncertainly quarries or mutilated hut platforms.

One of the 'tumuli' shown on OS 25" map is hut 'A', the other three are irregular stony mounds, c.2.5m in diameter, of uncertain character. There is no trace of contemporary cultivation.

Resurveyed at 1/2500.

Visited by OS (ISS) 26 July 1973.

No change to previous field report.

Surveyed at 1:10 000.

Visited by OS (JM) 18 August 1977.

(Location cited as NJ 6490 2450; classified as Fort and Site of Regional Significance). Hill fort; the largest enclosed site (c. 200 by 170m) in NE Scotland. Now surrounded by a forestry plantation.

The low rounded summit (at altitude 250m OD) is enveloped by a stone bank (spread to approx. 4m width and 0.5m height) fringed on inner edge by quarry-scoops. It is difficult to trace the entire circuit but a gap is apparent on the W and may be the original entrance. 8 huts (c. 7-8m in diameter) as well as platforms or quarry-scoops in the interior.

[CUCAP air photography listed].

NMRS, MS/712/35.

On the date of visit this settlement was choked with rank gorse, broom and heather. None of the internal features, which include several hut-circles, could be identified, nor was it possible to establish the exact character and dimensions of the enclosing bank or wall.

Visited by RCAHMS (JRS), 6 November 1996.