Marybank, Achnasoul Wood

NH45SE 52 48803 51813

The North of Scotland Archaeological Society recently undertook a survey of a previously unrecorded ringed earthwork in Achnasoul Wood, near Marybank. The site comprises a ditch and two concentric earth banks, with a raised central area. It is most likely a motte and bailey, although a henge has also been suggested. The site is located in a mature coniferous plantation on a linear terrace of undulating morainic deposits. The wood appears to be a firmly-established plantation and is depicted on the OS 1st edition map of 1870. The site was recorded on a scale of 1:200. The earthwork is sub-circular and has an overall diameter of between 58 and 61m. The encircling ditch and earth banks are broken in the NW and SE by causeways which give access to the central area.

The raised central area or motte is located in the northern part of the enclosed area. It appears to be an enhanced natural knoll, roughly 25m in diameter at its base. The summit of the knoll is encircled by an incomplete earth bank, enclosing an area 11m in diameter. A possible 1m wide entrance to this area was noted to the SE.

The surrounding ditch, with external and internal earth banks, may have been excavated in recent times to give better drainage to the area. The ditch in the southern section is waterlogged for most of the year. The ditch is generally between 4 and 5m wide and 1.5m deep, with the two causeways being 5m in width. The outer earth bank is complete and varies in height, up to a maximum of 2m. To the N it merges with the natural upslope. The inner bank is less complete, with the southern section surviving best. Other features within the site include a small area dug out to form a structure, a 10m diamter enclosure within the central area and the remains of a small sub-rectangular building, 5m x 3m.

M Marshall 2005