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

  SM376_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600003281)

Summary

Description

The monument is a later prehistoric fort, a defended settlement dating from the early to middle phases of the Iron Age (c.500-100BC). The monument was originally scheduled in 1927 and again in 1961, but the area designated was larger than necessary to protect the archaeological remains. The current rescheduling rectifies this.

The monument lies at around 220m OD on the N end of a natural spur overlooking Preston Cleugh. The interior of the fort is roughly oval in shape, with a flattened E side, and measures approximately 75m E-W by 60m N-S. On the NW, W and S sides it is defended by three substantial ramparts with two medial ditches giving an overall height of over 3m in places. On the N and E of the fort, the steep natural defences of the site reduce the need for ramparts, with only the inner rampart continuing on the N and a separate section of rampart built to cover the E side. The main entrance to the site is from the W, but there is also a smaller entrance on the E. The footings of circular buildings have been recorded within the fort.

The area to be scheduled is irregular in shape, measuring a maximum of 140m N-S by 150m E-W, as shown in red on the attached plan. The top 30cm of road surface within the scheduled area is specifically excluded from the scheduling.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance as an excellent field example of its type, with the potential to enhance our knowledge of prehistoric settlement, economy, environment and social organisation.

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.