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

  SM4414_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600010331)

Summary

Description

The monument is a complex of 12 hut circles and 9 associated field systems and areas of field clearance, all dating to the Bronze Age. The complex of small farms on Torr Righ Mor is one of the best surviving of this period on Arran.

These hut circles, clearance heaps and field banks lie on a heathery moorland, large parts of which are covered in peat. In a number of cases clearly defined field banks disappear under peat. The visible features are those prominent enough to show through the peat cover. The recent excavations to the N of the area proposed for scheduling showed that extensive remains of structures and field systems lie protected by the peat. That is, the landscape of the Bronze Age lies virtually untouched across the moor.

The excavations on the N part of the Torr have also shown the very considerable amounts of structural and economic information which can be found in sites of this kind. The settlement complex remaining in the S part of the Torr is an archaeological resource of very high value. Because of the certain survival of features which are not now visible on the surface of the moor a broad area encompassing the visible remains is proposed for scheduling. It measures a maximum 0f 1690m (N-S) by a maximum of 980m (E-W), resting on the boundary fences of the moor at N, E and S. An area of forestry measuring 60m (E-W) x 670m (N-S) is specifically excluded.

Statement of National Importance

The complex of monuments is of national importance firstly because of the excellent preservation of the remains. Excavation nearby has shown that the visible and buried archaeology is of the highest quality and has suffered little damage over the centuries. It is of national importance also because of its extent. The area contains what can clearly be interpreted as a number of small farms. An opportunity will be preserved to examine in detail not only the working of individual farms but also the relationship between different farming units.

They are also of national importance because of the longevity of the use of the structures demonstrated in the recent excavations to the N. Occupation was proved for a great part of the Bronze Age. The complex of monuments is of national importance to the themes of prehistoric settlement, agriculture, development and organisation of the landscape and the development of fortified sites.

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.