Following the launch of trove.scot in February 2025 we are now planning the retiral of some of our webservices. Canmore will be switched off on 24th June 2025. Information about the closure can be found on the HES website: Retiral of HES web services | Historic Environment Scotland
Brechin, Dubton
Roundhouse(S) (Iron Age), Souterrain (Iron Age), Bead (Period Unknown), Whetstone (Iron Age)
Site Name Brechin, Dubton
Classification Roundhouse(S) (Iron Age), Souterrain (Iron Age), Bead (Period Unknown), Whetstone (Iron Age)
Canmore ID 275788
Site Number NO56SE 303
NGR NO 58600 60400
NGR Description Centred on
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/275788
- Council Angus
- Parish Brechin
- Former Region Tayside
- Former District Angus
- Former County Angus
NO56SE 303 586 604
This site is the location of a proposed development, in an area adjacent to Dubton Farm, Brechin. As a first step, an desk-based assessment was carried out to ascertain what likely impact any develpoment here would cause to the locality. No archaeological excavation was carried out, but maps and aerial photos were studied. Further work will be necessary if the develooment is to go ahead. Existing sites and buildings that will be affected were studied and listed.
S Badger 2005
Archaeological Evaluation (15 November 2010 - 23 November 2010)
NO 586 606 A trial trench evaluation of 5370m2 (7%) of a development area at Dubton Farm was undertaken 15–23 November 2010. A scatter of generally shallow pits and linear features was recorded. Rig and furrow cultivation marks were also recorded across parts of the site, generally aligned NW-SE.
Two suites of archaeological remains were exposed and evaluated. The first consisted of the remains of a post-built roundhouse c6m in diameter. The second consisted of the remains of a souterrain and an associated post-built roundhouse. The curved underground passage appears to follow the curve of an arc of pits along its inner edge, and this arc is likely to represent the remains of a timber built roundhouse.
Archive: Angus Council SMR and RCAHMS
Funder: Scotia Homes (North) Ltd
CFA Archaeology Ltd, 2010
Information also reported in Oasis (cfaarcha1-89636)
Archaeological Evaluation (21 December 2015 - 23 December 2015)
NO 58675 60345 A trial trenching evaluation was carried out, 21–23 December 2015, in advance of a residential development. A total of 16 trenches were excavated, of which three contained features of archaeological significance. The features included three small undated pits, a stone spread and a large undated pit. These are interpreted as isolated features which do not require further mitigation.
Archive: NRHE (intended)
Funder: Scotia Homes
Stephen Cox – Headland Archaeology Ltd
(Source: DES)
Excavation (29 February 2016 - 11 March 2016)
NO 58616 60622 An excavation was carried out, 29 February – 11 March 2016, in advance of a residential development. The excavation recorded two discreet concentrations of prehistoric settlement activity.
The first consisted of a large post-built roundhouse with an E-facing porch, within which was located a penannular souterrain. The souterrain consisted of two chambers accessed from the SW terminus and separated by a narrow doorway. A small tunnel connected the first chamber of the souterrain with a NW/SE running ditch, which allowed water to drain into the souterrain. Evidence for timber lining was found in the form of stakeholes spaced along the inner edges of the souterrain cut.
The second concentration of activity was located c125m to the NE and consisted of another post-built roundhouse with an E-facing entrance porch. Both structures appear to have been abandoned at a similar time during the Roman Iron Age and have associated ritual pits placed in their entrance ways.
Archive: NRHE (intended)
Funder: Scotia Homes (North) Ltd
Matthew Ginnever – Headland Archaeology Ltd
(Source: DES)
OASIS ID: headland1-245896
