Meams Hill

NO35NE 8 368 569.

(NO 368 569) A filled-in souterrain, known as the 'Weems-hole', with built sides and 6ft long lintel-stones is noted by Rev G Ogilvy (in manuscript in Barony Church, Kirrymuir, entitled 'View of the Parish of Kirrymuir' {c. 1748}) as running for 60 to 70 yards, first north and then east, on the top of the Hill of Meams (NO 372 571). Easton (NSA 1845), also quoting Ogilvy, says it lies on 'hill of Mearns'.

There was no local knowledge of this souterrain in 1863. McNicol's brother, Dr McNicol, having searched and dug on the hill without finding it (information from Mr McNicol, farmer, Balnagarrow). Wilkie was of the opinion that there had been confusion with a 'Weems Hole' on Mearns Hill a few miles NE of Brechin (not located) (information from Mr Wilkie, Overseer, Kinnordy).

Wainright (1963), however, was apparently convinced of its existence and suggested NO 368 569 50ft south of a quarry by the road, as the most likely site.

'This spot is not on the top of the Hill of Mearns' but it is on the crest of the road which passes over the shoulder of the hill and this may have been what Ogilvy (c. 1748) meant. It is over 750 feet above

sea level, unusually high for a souterrain settlement, but it has a southern aspect and it is effectively sheltered by the hill which rises steeply behind it. There are curious ground disturbances at this spot notably a long curved depression which could have been formed by the removal of stones from the souterrain but the superficial evidence is not sufficient to serve as a check on Ogilvy's estimate of length. Easton (NSA 1845) had conversed with someone who had been present at the opening of the souterrain before 1833. He had been informed that 'a great many human bones with some querns and other curiosities were found in it'.

NSA 1845; Name Book 1863; F T Wainwright 1963.

There is no trace nor any local knowledge of a souterrain on or near Mearns Hill. A large rubbish-filled quarry-pit that may have been identified as a collapsed souterrain lies about 20m S of the present quarry (N0 3680 5697), while further to the S are two long low terraces that would appear to have been left by former tracks running over this part of the hill.

Visited by OS (BS) 6 January 1977.