Arran, Kingscross
Dun (Prehistoric)
Site Name Arran, Kingscross
Classification Dun (Prehistoric)
Alternative Name(s) Kingscross Point
Canmore ID 40075
Site Number NS02NE 1
NGR NS 0560 2827
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/40075
- Council North Ayrshire
- Parish Kilbride
- Former Region Strathclyde
- Former District Cunninghame
- Former County Buteshire
NS02NE 1 0560 2827
(NS 0560 2826) Fort (NR)
OS 6" map, (1924).
See also NS02NE 3.
The 'fort' at Kingscross is almost circular, measuring about 35ft in diameter within a wall 12 1/2ft thick, made of large inner and outer facing stones, the space between being rubble filled. Generally, only the foundations remain; the maximum height of walling being 5 1/2ft. The area enclosed, excavated by Balfour, is very irregular; the base of the wall at the S end is 5ft higher than at the N. Balfour found hearths, charcoal, bone fragments, a glazed stone and pieces of haematite iron. A considerable amount of red sandstone, a type of rock not obtainable locally, was used in the wall construction.
Source: J Balfour 1910.
NS 0560 2827. The remains of a dun occupy the N end of a rocky knoll above Kingscross Point. It is sub-circular, 19.0m in overall diameter and has walling as described above. The inner face of the W side has four courses and is 1.3m high. The entrance was probably on the N side but a pathway running N-S through the dun has denuded this point. The E half of the interior is on sloping bed-rock and the W part appears artificially heightened and levelled with earth. A scarped 'trench' 1.2m deep around the internal W arc appears an original feature but it is probably the result of excavations.
Re-surveyed at 1:2500.
Visited by OS (J R L) 13 November 1977.
Field Visit (March 2017)
NS 05566 28224 A path to a Viking grave (Canmore ID: 40078) and a dun (Canmore ID: 40075) bi-sects the remains of a rough, ill-defined structure identified by a perimeter of boulders, possibly outcrop and, also, earthen mounds. Parts of the SW side are formed from earthen banks and grass-covered boulders. Here, an arc of stones could suggest the presence of an annexe. The age and function of the structure is unknown but it may have some relation to agricultural activities as evidenced by the presence of rig immediately to the SW. The site was visited in March 2017.
Archive: NRHE and Arran Heritage Museum
Dugald MacInnes – Association of Certificated Archaeologists
(Source: DES, Volume 18)
Note (26 June 2018)
The location, classification and period of this site have been reviewed.
HES Survey and Recording 26 June 2018
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