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

  SM6037_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600011929)

Summary

Description

The monument comprises the remains of a fort of prehistoric date surviving as a series of earthworks adjacent to the modern farm of Garvald Mains.

The fort lies at approximately 180m OD on the SW end of a plateau above Donolly Burn to the W. Steep slopes to the S and W make this a good defensive site. The fort commands extensive views over the locality and particularly to the N where major prehistoric fortified sites at Traprain Law, North Berwick Law and the Garleton Hills are visible.

The fort is defined by a single rampart enclosing a sub-circular area some 80-90m in diameter. The rampart survives up to 4m high externally and is founded at least partially on outcrop. The effect of height has been enhanced somewhat by ploughing around the base of the ramparts.

The main body of the rampart appears to comprise mixed earth and rubble but there are clear indications of a stone wall surmounting this construction, particularly in the NE sector. The interior of the fort, although levelled by ploughing, is higher than the surrounding area. The ramparts have a maximum internal height of 1.2m.

The area to be scheduled is sub-circular with a maximum diameter of 120m as marked in red on the accompanying map. It encompasses the fort and the immediate area around it in which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to add to our understanding of prehistoric defensive settlement. The ramparts appear to contain evidence for complex and possibly multi-period construction. The interior is likely to contain the remains of contemporary domestic buildings.

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.