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

  SM10516_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600013684)

Summary

Description

The monument comprises the well-preserved remains of a deserted settlement of post-medieval date. This well-preserved fermtoun lies in pasture some 400m E of Easter Bleaton, on a W-facing terrace at about 300m OD, at the foot of Knockali and immediately above the floor of Glenshee.

The settlement extends over a distance of some 800m from N-S and includes at least fifty-two buildings, their walls reduced to the lowest courses or to stone footings, together with a series of attendant enclosures and four kilns. From the disposition of the buildings it is possible to distinguish at least eight separate units or farmsteads, perhaps reflecting the properties of individual tenants. On the slope above the N end of the fermtoun there is a line of five retting pools.

The remains are consistent with the transition from pre-Improvement nucleated townships to the dispersed farmsteads of the post-Improvement era. At least some of the remains, probably those at the S end of the site, are to be identified with 'up(per) Bleaton', depicted on Stobie's map of 1783, though it is less clear whether the remains at the N end are to be identified with 'Torvack'.

The area proposed for scheduling comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related material may be expected to be found. It is irregular in shape, measuring 785m along its W edge by 286m E-W at its widest point, as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance as an extensive and well-preserved fermtoun with the potential to contribute to an understanding of post-medieval settlement and economy in this part of Scotland. The site is important in that it represents a regional variation in response to a widespread process of agricultural improvements. The importance of the site is enhanced because it has seen little disturbance since its abandonment and retains high archaeological potential.

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.