Downie Hillock

On Downie Hillock, an afforested knoll commanding extensive views in all directions, there is a fort. No trace of defences can be seen around the perimeter of the level oval summit of the knoll which measures 34.0m N-S by c.18.0m transversely, but at a lower level there is a terrace about 2.0m wide formed by scarping the slope. The entrance is in the S where the terrace widens to c.13.0m to provide space for an additional defence in the form of a short length of ditch flanking a break in the outer defensive scarp. (GRC NH95NE 11)

Surveyed at 1:2500.

Visited by OS (RL) 19 January 1971

After the clearing of trees from the fort interior and perimeter, a low bank on the southern edge of the interior can now be seen.

Sponsor: Grampian Regional Council.

I Shepherd 1991i.

The remains of a small fortification can be seen on the Downie Hillock, which is a relatively prominent knoll in a small forestry plantation in the low undulating country W of Brodie Castle. It is oval on plan, and the visible defences comprise a single rampart reduced to little more than a scarp that can be traced round the margin of the summit, which measures about 34m from N to S by 18m transversely (0.05ha). The whole clearing is clothed in a deep litter of dead bracken, obscuring the character of the rampart and a slight terrace that extends along the W flank below the scarp and is possibly linked to the shallow ditch with an external bank that can also be seen at the S end. Both this bank and ditch and the inner scarp are pierced by an entrance on the S.

Information from An Atlas of Hillforts of Great Britain and Ireland – 31 May 2016. Atlas of Hillforts SC2917