Description

The monument comprises the remains of an earthwork situated in woodland close to Ardblair Castle. The earthwork takes the form of a flat-topped platform defined by a scarp up to 1.5m high, on which the slight traces of abank can be seen in places. There are the remains of an external ditch on the S.

The area enclosed measures about 40m by 33m. Local tradition has it that the earthwork was once enclosed by water, and its situation on the edge of marshy land, and close to Ardblair Castle suggests that the site may be an early precursor of the Castle.

The area to be scheduled measures a maximum of about 100m NW-SE by about 87m transversely, to include the visible remains of the earthwork and an area around in which related material is likely to survive, as marked in red on the attached map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as a possible early medieval defensive site, situated within wet ground that might permit the preservation of organic remains. It has the potential to enhance considerably our understanding of medieval defensive works. It is of particular importance because the site may be the precursor of nearby Ardblair Castle.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NO 14 SE 2.

Reference:

NSA (1845) The new statistical account of Scotland by the ministers of the respective parishes under the superintendence of a committee of the society for the benefit of the sons and daughters of the clergy, 15v, Edinburgh, Vol. 10, 915.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland