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

  SM1445_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600004194)

Summary

Description

The monument is a substantial broch mound dating probably from the Iron Age (between about 600 BC and AD 400). The broch mound is roughly oval in shape, measuring approximately 30m E-W by 25m transversely, and standing up to 2m high. The mound appears slightly truncated on its NW side, probably as a result of past ploughing. A trench dug E-W across the centre of the mound in antiquity reportedly revealed a section of curved drystone walling, which is no longer visible; a small turf-covered mound immediately NE of the broch mound may represent spoil from this trench. Several large stones with attached iron fixings on the mound surface may be associated with use of the site in World War I, when a flag pole or mast is reported to have been erected. The broch mound is located on level ground some 35m from the cliff edge, at 10m above sea level. It has extensive views over Swanbister Sound and beyond to Scapa Flow. The monument was first scheduled in 1938, but the documentation did not meet modern standards: the present amendment rectifies this.

The scheduled area is irregular on plan to include the remains described above and an area around them within which evidence relating to the monument's construction and use is expected to survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map.

Statement of National Importance

This monument is of national importance because it has an inherent potential to make a significant addition to our understanding of the past, in particular of Iron Age society in Orkney and the function, use and development of brochs. This is an impressive example of a large broch mound in an exceptionally rich archaeological landscape. Although the monument has seen some disturbance in antiquity, it is likely to retain its structural integrity and to preserve much of its original fabric. By analogy with excavated Orcadian brochs such as Howe of Howe, the Hillock of Breakna is expected to have a complex development sequence and to be rich in artefacts and other occupation debris. Its importance is enhanced because of its position in the landscape, which is undoubtedly significant. It could further our understanding of the function and siting of broch towers, the relationship between brochs, and the significance of these monuments to the societies that built and used them. The loss of the monument would significantly diminish our ability to appreciate and understand the development, use and re-use of brochs, and the nature of Iron Age society, economy and social hierarchy, both in Orkney and further afield.

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.