Westhall

NO43NE 8 4563 3542.

(NO 4563 3542) Souterrain (NR) (site of)

OS 6" map, (1971)

In April 1869 a souterrain was found at Kerryston Bank. It was noticed when the foundations of a new house were being laid "upon a rising ground on the estate of Westhall". Jervise (1871) visited the site.

This souterrain seem not to have been built in the normal souterrain manner. According to Jervise, its walls consisted of flagstones set on edge, and his illustration makes it quite clear what he means. His section, however, suggests that at least the end of the souterrain was built of stones laid flat in the usual souterrain tradition, and Warden, who may have had access to other information, speaks of "converging walls", suggestive of corbelling. The structure was entirely destroyed. Jervise notes: "It is probable that the weem had been opened long ago, when the flags which covered the top had been carried off for building purposes." No finds were made in 1869.

Examination of deeds and leases revealed that the house built in 1869 was Kerryston Bank, thus locating the site of the souterrain to NO 4563 3542.

In the garden on Kerryston Bank are the upper stones of three or four querns, two of which are of a kind which could have come from souterrains.

A Jervise 1871; A J Warden 1880-5; F T Wainwright 1963.