Documents

Where documents include maps, the use of this data is subject to terms and conditions (https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/termsandconditions).

The legal document available for download below constitutes the formal designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The additional details provided on this page are provided for information purposes only and do not form part of the designation. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within this additional information.

• Type

  Legal Documents

  Title

  SM10500_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600013678)

Summary

Description

The monument comprises a prehistoric homestead, visible today as a substantial earthwork. The monument is situated on a knoll some 300m W of the village of Dalmor and 120m W of the River Naver, on the NE slope of Cnoc Dalveghouse, at a height of about 40m OD. The site has commanding views to the N, S and E overlooking Strath Naver.

The homestead consists of a stone-walled enclosure defended by a massive ditch and outer rampart. The enclosure is roughly circular in form with a maximum internal diameter of 12m. It is enclosed by a wall which stands up to 1.5m high but has become spread up to 3m across. Originally the enclosure wall was probably surmounted by a timber palisade and the interior probably contained one or more buildings.

The configuration of the causeway entrance in the SE is unlike any other so far encountered in Sutherland. The passage is 5.8m long, flanked by intermittent slabs on edge, and continues into the enclosure interior rather than ceasing on the regular boulder-lined inner face.

A massive ditch, from 6.5-8m wide and up to 2.2m deep, encircles the S and NW sides of the enclosure, while an outer rampart still stands up to 1m high. Both the ditch and the outer rampart are broken in the W. The site is protected on the NE side by the natural slope. Clearance heaps with indications of field plots and banks, probably contemporary with the homestead, lie nearby to the E (at NC 717 552).

The monument probably dates to the later Iron Age (from about the time of Christ up to c. 500 AD). It has previously been classified as a broch or a dun (and, indeed, is called a dun on the OS map), but more recent research points to its identification as a small defended settlement or homestead.

The area proposed for scheduling comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related material may be expected to survive. It is circular in plan with a diameter of 70m, as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to contribute to an understanding of prehistoric settlement and economy. Its archaeological potential is significant given its excellent state of preservation and its importance is increased by its proximity to other monuments of potentially contemporary date for the purposes of comparative study; its causeway entrance arrangement, for example, is unusual in this locality.

References

Bibliography

About Scheduled Monuments

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Scheduling is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for monuments and archaeological sites of national importance as set out in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

We schedule sites and monuments that are found to be of national importance using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Scheduled monument records provide an indication of the national importance of the scheduled monument which has been identified by the description and map. The description and map (see ‘legal documents’ above) showing the scheduled area is the designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The statement of national importance and additional information provided are supplementary and provided for general information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within the statement of national importance or additional information. These records are not definitive historical or archaeological accounts or a complete description of the monument(s).

The format of scheduled monument records has changed over time. Earlier records will usually be brief. Some information will not have been recorded and the map will not be to current standards. Even if what is described and what is mapped has changed, the monument is still scheduled.

Scheduled monument consent is required to carry out certain work, including repairs, to scheduled monuments. Applications for scheduled monument consent are made to us. We are happy to discuss your proposals with you before you apply and we do not charge for advice or consent. More information about consent and how to apply for it can be found on our website at www.historicenvironment.scot.

Find out more about scheduling and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.