Archaeology Notes

Event ID 714380

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/714380

NT27SW 23 20 73.

The remains of an ancient hill fort have been discovered on Corstorphine Hill by Mr T D Bathgate, FSA.Scot. It is situated in a strong natural position overlooking the Forth, and is within the Zoological Gardens. The remains of 2 circular, stone-lined chambers or pits, are visible. The entrance is partly visible and clearly defined, as well as a gallery trench in front. A communicating trench can be traced from the entrance of the 2 chambers, and these two show traces of having been connected by a passage - No outlying ramparts or trenches are visible...

Information from The Scotsman, 29 August 1933.

"Hill fort discovered on Corstophine Hill near the golf links in 1933." I can't get any sense about this from anyone. It should be regarded as at present very doubtful, but worth investigation.

OS 6" map annotated by O G S Crawford.

No trace of this antiquity was encountered during perambulation of the area. Neither Mr R B K Stevenson of the NMAS, nor Mr R W Feachem of the RCAHMS knows of the existence of the alleged fort, and doubt its authenticity.

Visited by OS (J D) 2 December 1953.

Mr MacPherson, head keeper at the Edinburgh Zoological Gardens, and employed there since 1925, had no knowledge of this alleged hill fort.

Visited by OS 27 January 1954.