Condition

6
Structures and field systems
Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age
1307
SMR 653 & 2341
Shetland

Description

The remains of a complex of structures are visible as concentrations of earthfast stones in association with slight earthworks. They appear to be of prehistoric date and to represent a house and two small fields or enclosures, situated within a larger enclosure. The structures are poorly defined on the surface but may be better preserved below the peat. (i) Intermittent earthfast stones which protrude through the peat to the N of the area may be part of an enclosure wall or bank. A second row of stones, visible in a peat cutting to the S side, may be part of this same feature. If this is so, the enclosure appears to be semi-circular in form, measuring approximately 100m in width. It backs onto the coast edge and contains structures (ii)-(iv). (ii) A group of earthfast stones mark the remains of a sub-rectangular or oval structure. This is probably a small enclosure or field, measuring about 13m by 6m. It occupies gently sloping land, some 20m from the coast edge. To the rear of the enclosure, a stone setting may be part of a second, associated structure; probably a crue but possibly a house or cairn. The setting is sub-rectangular in shape and measures about 3m by 2m. (iii) A rectangular enclosure, measuring 14m by 16m, is defined by occasional earthfast stones. It extends to the coast edge and may already have been truncated by coastal erosion. (iv) Part of a sub-rectangular or oval earthen bank is recessed into the slope to the rear of the area. It stands up to 1.4m high and is 1.3m wide. It encloses an area some 6m by 8m. The interior is filled with rubble derived from an overlying crue, which is of much later date. Trenching in the area is reported to have yielded a number of rough stone implements. It is likely that this structure represents a prehistoric house, as has been previously reported. 23 May 2015: As described. No threat of erosion on hard stable coast edge, much of sites lies well behind the coast edge.

Location

458220.00
1166440.00
27700
60.3777313
-0.9459744

Submitted photographs

Image Date Caption User
Linear feature showing representative nature of remains, lookng N 23/05/2015 Linear feature showing representative nature of remains, lookng N training1
Linear feature showing representative nature of remains, lookng N
General view of area, looking W 23/05/2015 General view of area, looking W training1
General view of area, looking W

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