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

  SM13630_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600002617)

Summary

Description

The monument is the remains of four roundhouses, probably dating to the Iron Age (between 600BC and AD 400). They are visible as the turf-covered upstanding remains of four structures defined by substantial circular banks and set around 160m to 260m apart in a roughly triangular arrangement. The monument lies at 90m above sea level, close to the junction between the Forss Water and Allt Torigil.

The two largest roundhouses lie to the southwest and southeast and are visible as substantial structures measuring 12.5m and 14m in diameter respectively within circular banks of turf and stone 2m and 3.5m wide. A rectangular structure of probable later date, defined by low turf covered boulders and measuring 21m north to south by 8m transversely, lies to the north of the easternmost roundhouse, while the western structure is overlain by a sheep shelter and bothy. The two remaining roundhouses lie to the north and are positioned adjacent to one another. They are distinctly smaller in size, measuring 6.5m and 9.4m in internal diameter within turf covered pennanular banks measuring up to 1m in height. The southern roundhouse has a slightly sunken interior, while a large slab and mound beyond the entrance of the northern structure may represent a porch structure.

The area to be scheduled is in three parts, two of which are rectangular in plan and the third circular, to include the remains described above and an area around within which evidence relating to the monument's construction, use and abandonment is expected to survive as shown in red on the accompanying map.

Statement of National Importance

This monument is of national importance because it can make a significant addition to our understanding of the past, in particular of Iron Age society and the construction, use and development of settlement in the north of Scotland. It is a good example of later prehistoric settlement that retains its field characteristics and there is significant potential for the survival of archaeological deposits within and around the roundhouses. As a well-preserved example of a settlement, the monument can significantly expand our understanding of domestic buildings, agriculture and economy. The monument's importance is enhanced by its association with a wider cluster of later prehistoric remains. The loss or damage of the monument would diminish our ability to appreciate and understand the character and development of Iron Age settlements in Caithness, as well as society and economy during this period.

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.