Outh

NT09SE 29 061 949

There are four turf-built sub-square enclosures scattered across the hill-side to the NE of Outh Farm over a distance of 220m from E to W; the three to the W display the traces of what may be buildings. These structures may be part of a small pre-Improvement township. Outh is depicted on Gordon's map of Fife (Fife Vicomus, Blaeu 1654).

An oblong raised platform occupies the lower side of the two enclosures to the W. At the more westerly of the two, the platform is occupied by the low footings of what may have been a building which measures 9.4m from NW to SE by 5.2m transversely over low banks spread to 1.5m in thickness. The other platform is somewhat larger (about 17m from WNW to ESE by 9m transversely) on the SW corner of which there are traces of walling. In the third a levelled platform is situated at the upper side of the enclosure and measures 12m from E to W transversely within substantial turf walls spread to 3.2m in thickness and 0.7m in height with an entrance on the S and a reduced section on the SW appears somewhat large for a turf-building. The remains of what may be a turf bothy are attached to the SW side of the same enclosure.

(Cleish91 603-608)

Visited by RCAHMS (PJD) 14 May 1992.

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