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

  SM10679_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600013738)

Summary

Description

The monument comprises Dun Ara, fort, castle, harbour and depopulated settlement, which is prehistoric and medieval in date visible as upstanding remains and earthworks. The monument is situated at about 10m O.D. on and around the summit of a prominent outcrop on Mull's N coast, 1.3km WNW of Glengorm Castle.

The monument consists of a broad curtain wall delineating the platform which constitutes the outcrop summit, 1.3m-1.8m in thickness and surviving to a maximum height of 1.8m on the NE side, enclosing the remains of four substantial buildings. The remains of a further eight buildings survive to the E beneath the outcrop whilst a harbour was artificially constructed along the shore to the SW. The monument currently stands in pasture though the outcrop summit is not grazed.

The medieval curtain wall was probably constructed over the remains of an Iron Age fort. A fragmentary drystone wall survives to the immediate N of the entrance to the castle complex on the E and further E at the base of the outcrop there is a possible revetment; these may represent defensive outerworks.

The curtain wall is of stone and lime construction, as is the largest of the interior buildings which measures 12.3m by 5.7m over walls 1.3m in thickness with opposing entrances. The remaining buildings seem to have been constructed without lime mortar and may have had a subsidiary function to the main building which most probably formed the hall of the castle. Dun Ara was probably the stronghold of the MacKinnons who held lands in Mull by 1354. It seems to have fallen out of use by the late medieval period.

The sub-rectangular buildings to the E are associated with cultivation strips and field clearance heaps. This settlement may have originated during the time at which the castle was in use. Most survive as turf-covered footings and none of the walls survive to a greater height than 1m. The harbour to the SW may have been augmented in the Modern period, however, it is likely that it was originally constructed to serve the castle. A quay and boat-landing, a small jetty and two boat noosts are associated with the harbour.

The area proposed for scheduling comprises the remains described above including an area around them within which related archaeological material may be found. It is irregular on plan, with maximum dimensions of 250m NE-SW and 165m NW-SE, and is marked in red on the accompanying map extract.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance as a well-preserved example of a medieval defended stronghold with an associated settlement and contemporary harbour. Its early abandonment adds to its archaeological potential and the lack of documentary sources increases the importance of the physical remains. Its significance is increased by its rarity and its potential to contribute to our understanding of power structures and social organisation of the medieval period.

The survival of its associated harbour and settlement adds to its significance with the potential for the study of such a discrete coastal site of the medieval period. Traces of a later prehistoric defended settlement is also preserved which is important as an example of Iron Age monuments of this type and allows for compartive study.

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.