Outh Hill

NT09NE 19 centred 060 951

Outh Hill is covered by the remains of turf-walled fields and rig, extending over some 36ha as well as numerous smaller rectilinear folds and occasional small oval folds. On the hill to the E of North Lethans there are three sub-rectangular turf-walled structures, which may be buildings, amongst the rigged fields. North Lethans is depicted on Gordon's map of Fife (Fife Vicomotatus, Blaeu 1654).

The fields are essentially large sub-rectangular or oval enclosures sometimes as much as 250m in length. The rig appears to be earlier than the field-banks in places, but it is not self-evident that there is a phase when the rig was unenclosed. The rig, which varies considerably in width at between about 3m and 12m and displays a reverse-S (e.g. NT 0595 9555), would appear to have been sub-divided. There is some sequence in the use of the fields since the bank of one of the group of fields at North Lethans postdates that of one of those to the S at NT 0601 9550 (some 20m from N to S by 12m transversely and some 0.35m in height) is partly shaped by rig cultivation and may be natural.

The westernmost of the three turf buildings (Cleish 91 606, NT 0573 9544) has two compartments and measures 8m from SW to NE by 3.4m transversely within walls spread to 1.8m in thickness and 0.5m in height with what may be an entrance into the NW side of the NE compartment. The other two structures are also of two compartments, but are more reduced and smaller (about 10m by 5m over walls spread to 1.5m in thickness and 0.5m in height).

(Cleish 91 605-8)

Visited by RCAHMS (PJD), 14 May 1992.

Scheduled as 'Outh Hill, buildings and field system 275m NE of Lethans Muir Lodge [comprising] the remains of at least three rectangular buildings visible as low turf banks, several square or rectangular folds again defined by turf banks, turf-walled field boundaries, and upstanding rig and furrow cultivation features. The structures and field systems were in use probably in the 18th century, but it is possible that earlier medieval remains also exist. The site lies on SW-facing ground between 275m and 315m above sea level, to the NE of the A823 road at North Lethans. A small watercourse fed by a spring lies around 80m south of the core of the monument.'

Information from Historic Scotland, scheduling document dated 2 November 2011.

CFA Archaeology Ltd undertook an assessment of the likely effects on archaeology and built heritage (cultural heritage assets) of the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Development.

Twenty-three cultural heritage assets have been identified within the site boundary, including a farmstead and field system which are designated as a Scheduled Monument and considered to be of national importance, further farmstead and field system remains which form a relict landscape and as a group are considered to be of regional importance, and a number of remains relating to 19th century mining activity, and a World War Two RAF radio station and accommodation buildings which are considered to be of local importance.

Funder: REG Windpower

CFA Archaeology Ltd