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

  SM11795_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600014092)

Summary

Description

The monument comprises a hut circle of later prehistoric date, situated at about 330m above sea level on a terrace of the SW flank of Millhuie Hill.

The hut circle, which represents the remains of a roundhouse dating to about 2000 to 3000 years ago, survives as a circular grass and heather covered bank measuring about 15m in diameter overall and up to 0.3m high. The interior is about 10m across, enclosed by the bank (wall footing) spread up to about 2.5m wide. A gap in the SW side of the bank marks the probable location of the entrance.

The area to be scheduled is circular on plan, centred on the hut circle, to include the hut circle and an area around in which evidence relating to its construction and use may survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map.

Statement of National Importance

Cultural Significance

The monument's archaeological significance can be expressed as follows:

Intrinsic characteristics: The monument is a well-preserved example of a later prehistoric roundhouse dating to the first or second millennium BC. The non-intensive landuse has resulted in the preservation of upstanding features and, in addition, the probable survival of archaeological deposits relating to the site's construction, use and abandonment. The monument therefore has considerable potential to enhance understanding of later prehistoric roundhouses and the daily lives of the people who occupied them. In addition, it is likely that deposits survive that could provide data relating to the later prehistoric environment.

Contextual characteristics: The monument is a good representative of what may have once been a numerous class. Comparison of local architectural features in hut circles in this area with those of other prehistoric roundhouses in Scotland may enhance our understanding of regional variation in later prehistoric settlement. The close proximity of this monument to two burnt mounds (prehistoric sites associated with baking stones to heat large volumes of water) some 250 to 300m to the S, and another hut circle about 600m to the NW, further enhances the value of this monument.

National Importance

The monument is of national importance because it has an inherent potential to make a significant addition to the understanding of the past, in particular the later prehistoric period. Its relatively good preservation, and its group value when considered with other prehistoric monuments nearby, enhances this potential. The loss of, or damage to, the monument would significantly diminish the capacity of the class to contribute to our understanding of the development of later prehistoric architecture, society, economy in Scotland in general and the prehistory of Western Strathdon in particular.

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.