Description

The monument consists of the remains of a promontory fort, probably of late Iron Age or early Medieaval date. This defensive site is called "Dun Bhilascleiter" which derives from the Norse "Villisklettr." The site is built on cliffs over 50m high. The defences consist of a turf and stone rampart which runs to the cliff face at each side of the promontory's neck. Part of the neck is occupied by a ruined modern house (built about 1907 using stone from the defences).

The rampart is between 1m and 2m thick, 0.4m high and is interrupted by the modern house at a point two-thirds of the way from the rampart's E end. There is no evidence of foundations to the N of the house where a dun is supposed to have stood. There is a grave of about AD 1800, marked by rough head and foot stones, to the SW of the house.

The area to be scheduled is irregular and measures a maximum of 80m N-S by 50m E-W to include the fortified promontory but excluding the modern house as shown in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it is a defensive site inhabited for a lengthy period of time. It may provide evidence through excavation for Iron Age fortification, later re-fortification, land use and domestic occupation.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NB 55 NE 1.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland