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

  SM4528_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600010443)

Summary

Description

The monument is a fort or defended settlement of the Iron Age with the remains of a probably contemporary field system around it. The fort occupies the top of a spur commanding the head of the Machrie Plain. The sub-oval enclosure measures 41m (E-W) x 30m transversely over ruinous walling spaced to 2.5m and 0.4m high.

A wall of similar proportions divides the enclosure into two unequal parts. There are possible entrances at E and W. The division of the enclosure into two by a low wall could represent two constructional phases, or differing functions. There are no traces of houses in interior.

To the S and SE of the enclosure are the remains of low dykes, probably part of a field system contemporary with the fort; it is similar in character to the system to Auchencar. An area measuring a maximum of 300m (N-S) x 300m (E-W), to include the fort and the whole visible field system, is proposed for scheduling.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance because small forts or defended settlements are very rare on Arran. Monuments exit for the period following the Bronze Age, for which we have evidence of a high population; the monument is of national importance to the theme of the development of society in later prehistory.

The monument is also of national importance to the themes of Iron Age settlement, defence and, because of the associated field system, economy. It is of particular interest because of the survival of the field system, and because of the possible stratigraphic depth indicated by the division of the enclosure.

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.