Kip Knowe

NT82SW 183 From 8395 2324 to 8397 2300

Vertical aerial photographs (RAF 106 G/Scot/UK 121 frames 4144-5: 20 June 1946) record an extensive area of contour cultivation over the steep N and W flanks of Kip Knowe above the head of the Atton Burn. Much of the area has subsequently been afforested. The cultivation generally follows the contours of the hillside, gradually changing its orientation from NE to SW through to NW to SE as it rounds the flank of the hill. The cultivation measures 340m by 250m overall. On the N, the lower limit of the cultivation is defined by drains and tributaries of the Atton Burn. A scooped enclosure (NT82SW 39) lay at the bottom of the cultivation at NT 8381 2321. On the W, aerial photographs suggest that a further area of contour cultivation (NT82SW 184), on a slightly different alignment, overlay and destroyed the continuation of the contour cultivation down to valley floor. Only a few pronounced lynchets appear to survive in this area. The SE edge of the contour cultivation is undefined as is the upper limit which stops below the settlement on the summit of Kip Knowe (NT82SW 7). On the NE, the old road from Clifton to Auchope crosses the upper edge of the cultivation and the NW edge of a rectangular enclosure (NT82SW 185) also overlies the uppermost part of the cultivation.

Information from RJ Mercer (University of Edinburgh) 23 March 1987

RCAHMS MS 2598. No. 13/139