Description

The monument consist of the remains of roundhouses (hut circles) and elements of an associated field system, probably dating to the Bronze Age (between 2500 and 800 BC). It is visible as the heather covered upstanding remains of four, possibly five, roundhouses, a scattering of cairns, and the remains of field banks. The monument lies around 160m above sea level, in a prominent position on a low hill with views in all directions.

Four roundhouses can be clearly identified, and a possible fifth may be located to the northwest. These measure between 8m and 13m in diameter within stony banks up to 0.6m in height and 3m in width. Two have been terraced into the slope. The terminals of two of the roundhouses have been expanded and a secondary roundhouse inserted into the interior of one. There is a scatter of small cairns, measuring up to 5m in diameter and 0.5m in height, within which the fragmentary remains of field banks are visible.

The scheduled area is irregular on plan, to include the remains described above and an area around within which evidence relating to the monument's construction, use and abandonment is expected to survive as shown in red on the accompanying map. The monument was first scheduled in 1935, but the documentation does not meet current standards: the present amendment rectifies this.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

This monument is of national importance because it can make a significant addition to our understanding of the past, in particular of Bronze Age society and agriculture in north Scotland. It is a good example of a later prehistoric settlement and field system that retains its field characteristics and demonstrates a range of different house forms. As a well-preserved example it can significantly expand understanding of prehistoric domestic buildings, agriculture and economy. The monument's importance is enhanced by its association with the wider landscape of later prehistoric settlement. The loss or damage of the monument would diminish our ability to appreciate and understand the character of Bronze Age settlements, as well as society and economy during this period.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

Historic Environment Scotland http://www.canmore.org.uk reference number CANMORE ID 5916 (accessed on 03/05/2016)

The Highland Council HER references are MHG11264 and MHG40468 (accessed on 03/05/2016)

Barber, J W and Crone, B A 2001 The duration of structures, settlements and sites: some evidence from Scotland in Raftery, B and Hickey, J (eds) Recent Developments in Wetland Research, Seandálaíocht: Mon 2, Dept Archaeol, UCD, and WARP (Wetland Archaeol Res Proj) Occasional Paper 14: Dublin., 69-86.

Canmore

https://canmore.org.uk/site/5916/

HER/SMR Reference

MHG11264
MHG40468

Source: Historic Environment Scotland