Cromal Mount
Fort (Period Unassigned)
Site Name Cromal Mount
Classification Fort (Period Unassigned)
Canmore ID 163552
Site Number NH75NE 29
NGR NH 783 556
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/163552
- Council Highland
- Parish Ardersier
- Former Region Highland
- Former District Inverness
- Former County Inverness-shire
Note (16 March 2015 - 4 August 2016)
Cropmarks have revealed an arc of at least two ditches cutting across the corner of the arable field SE of Cromal Mount, a probable motte standing on edge of the escarpment overlooking Ardesier, though whether they are the remains of a bailey or the defences of an earlier fort barring the SE approach to what was in effect a promontory on the escarpment is not known. The cropmarks of the ditches themselves are not very well defined and are possibly pierced by an entrance facing SE, two ditches extending to its SW to the lip of the escarpment, and possibly three northwards to disappear at the corner of the field. While the arc may be traced over a total distance of 100m, it is unclear what the original extent of these fortifications may be, and whether they include elements of the works demolished in the early 19th century (NSA, 14, Inverness-shire, 470-1), which included an 'earthen mound' or 'raised approach' leading up to the motte from this side. An evaluation carried out in 1989 concluded that the present topography of the motte and its surroundings had been extensively modified by quarrying for sand and gravel, though the remains of a low bank were found enclosing the summit of the motte (Carter 1989; 1990).
Information from An Atlas of Hillforts of Great Britain and Ireland – 04 August 2016. Atlas of Hillforts SC2904