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

  SM6073_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600011965)

Summary

Description

The monument consists of the remains of a broch, an Iron Age fortified dwelling. The monument was first scheduled in 1994. However, access works associated with the construction of a nearby marina considerably changed the surrounding land form shortly after it was scheduled. This rescheduling seeks to clarify the scheduled area in light of these alterations.

The broch is represented by an irregular mound, some 3m high. It has plainly been quarried into in the past, notably for the Methodist chapel, built in 1829, which stands on its NW side. No details of the dimensions or construction of the broch are visible at present, but there are reliable accounts of a broch-like structure being partly revealed at various dates. The surviving mound represents the remains of this activity, and almost certainly overlies the foundation levels of the broch. It is situated on a small promontory at the W end of the Ayre of Vidlin, projecting into Vidlin Voe. Its coastal location is now slightly at a remove due to the construction of the marina and its associated works.

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 and bounded on the W by the outer face of the church and the boundary of its access track. On the N, NE, E and SE it is bounded by the access track and car park for the nearby marina. The road, carpark and lay-bys are all excluded from the scheduled area. It has maximum dimensions of 41m NNE-SSW by 24m transversely, as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance as a large broch mound, the remains of an Iron Age settlement type, a type characteristic of the Northern Isles. It has the potential to contribute to an understanding of prehistoric defended settlements and economy. Its importance is increased by its proximity to other monuments of potentially contemporary date.

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.