Description

The monument comprises an enclosed settlement of prehistoric date, visible as a cropmark on oblique aerial photographs. It lies in a cultivated field 325m NNE of Foggieburn, on the gently sloping SW flank of Gallows Hill.

The palisaded enclosure is interpreted from the aerial photographs as a continuous narrow trench, sub-circular in shape, enclosing an area measuring 30m by 26m. Originally this trench held a timber fence of closely spaced posts. Inside there are a curvilinear feature, measuring 10m in length, and two possible circular features measuring c. 2.5m in diameter. These could be interpreted as part of a roundhouse and pits or postholes.

Palisaded enclosures are characteristic of the first half of the first millennium BC. This type of ditch is often associated with settlement.

The area to be protected is a circle centred on the remains described. It includes an area around them within which related material may be expected to be found, as marked in red on the accompanying map extract.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

Cultural Significance

Intrinsic characteristics: the monument is unexcavated and has considerable potential to enhance our understanding of defended settlements in the Strathdon area, specifically palisaded enclosures. The addition of internal features indicate that there is likely to be preservation of archaeological remains of the settlement, which would further enhance our knowledge of how these sites are used and the longevity of that use.

Contextual characteristics: this type of palisaded enclosure represents one of a regional type of settlement. It lies to the west of the higher ground in a more lowlying area and is surrounded by five other palisade enclosures within 11km. Its place in the landscape could potentially enhance our understanding of the prehistoric landscape in this region and how differing settlement patterns emerge through the prehistoric period in Scotland. The addition of the internal features means that this site is a more rare example of a type known throughout Scotland and adds great value to palisaded enclosures in the region.

National Importance: The monument is of national importance because of its potential to contribute to an understanding of prehistoric settlement and economy. Its importance is increased by its proximity to other monuments of potentially contemporary date. The complexity of the site, with internal features means that if destroyed there would be a diminuition of potential to the understanding of palisade enclosures in this area.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is recorded by RCAHMS as NJ52NE32 and by the Aberdeenshire Council SMR as NJ52NE0028.

Aerial photographs:

AAS, 1983, NJ52NE0028, Foggieburn, AAS/83/16/S10/23.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland