Earthwork record MAB45298 - HILLHEAD PLANTATION

Remains of a field system which is associated with a dyke along its northwest margin just below the long cairn NO77NE0008.

Remains of a field system which is associated with a dyke along its northwest margin just below the long cairn NO77NE0008. Site visit in 1986 recorded the dyke (primarily earthen and some 50cm high), stone clearance heaps evident in groupings of threes or fours but not associated with any internal demarcations (walls), and areas which looked like artificial stances or platforms for buildings. These were most marked on the northeast facing flank of the hill, where at least three are visible, but there were also platforms on the north and east slopes. A pre-afforestation survey undertaken by Headland archaeology 1998, which covered part of this area located only four cairns (NO77NE0023) and a boundary dyke. The boundary dyke is now grass covered, but is composed of stone and soil, is between 2-3m wide and 0.5m high. It forms the northern boundary of the present unimproved land. No traces of platforms were observed during the walkover survey and it was suggested that some at least were the result of rabbit activity creating partially raised areas of short cropped grassland within the heather. Historic OS maps indicate that the area was tree covered in the 19th and part of the 20th century.

HOLDEN, T, 1998, ARBUTHNOTT FORESTRY SURVEY (Bibliographic reference). SAB775.

HOLDEN, T, 1998, DES : ARBUTHNOTT FORESTRY SURVEY, 5 (Bibliographic reference). SAB792.

CAIRNS AND DYKE

Record last edited

Aug 13 2020 10:42AM