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MHG21082 - Fort - Lochan Mor

Summary

A complex based on a small ditch and bank defended promontory fort, to which is attached a square building enclosure, possible stock enclosures, and at the NE corner a small dun-like enclosure.

Type and Period (3)

Protected Status

Full Description

Recorded by Dr Thomas C. Welsh in 1993.

A complex based on a small ditch and bank defended promontory fort, to which is attached a square building enclosure, possible stock enclosures, and at the NE corner a small dun—like enclosure. The site is also at least part affected by stone clearance from improved pasture to east. The focus, (fig. 6a) is a roughly triangular area formed by the hollow between the level ground to east and a morainic ridge overl;oking the east side of Lochan Mor, the third (northern) side being a col between an eminence on this ridge and a spur projecting from the level ground. The main defence is provided by a ditch and bank, the latter extending beyond the ditch onto the spur, and generally 6m thick. The idea of defending what is largely a natural hollow seems bizarre, however at various levels within the hollow are three building foundations and several platforms excavated out of the slopes. There are remains of a 4m thick wall across the W and N sides, and the eminence at NW angle has a structure on top. At the south angle of the promontory fort is a mound 23 m square, formed by what may be a continuation of the fort wall on east, extended around the north and south sides, with a more elevated west half, into part of which is an intrusion or intentional pit open to east. The structures suggest some form of defensive compound containing either stone or timber buildings, and it might indicate the existance of a tower house. It is not clear whether it is contemporary with the promontory fort or built over the angle, but the combination suggests the fort may have been adapted as a bailey enclosure. There is some stone clearance piled on the mound. A rubble structure projects from the east side, linking with what may be an artificial bank on a natural terrace edge, to serve as a forework, otherwise there is a lack of the expected defences for a mediaeval tower—house.

However attached to the south side, on sloping ground, is an oval enclosure, again formed around a natural hollow, which may have served as a defended stock pound. A similar development occurs around a large natural hollow on the north side of the promontory fort. In this case the hollow is deeper, and this may have functioned as an outwork as well as as a stock enclosure. On the NE corner of this is a sub—circular enclosure formed by a massive rubble wall 6 m thick, to which is attached a rectangular foundation. The complex may be multi—period, but suggests at least one phase was to provide defensive enclosures for stock, a likely requirement as this is close to the Rathad nam Meirleach (Thieves' Road) reputedly used in cattle raids. As the complex forms an arc around the shore of Lochan Mor, supplemented by natural ridges, it is possible that more provision for holding cattle was available. The shore on this side is a bird sanctuary. <1> <2>

The feature is visible on SEPA LiDAR data. <3>

Sources/Archives (3)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NH 9009 0948 (84m by 168m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NH90NW
Civil Parish	DUTHIL AND ROTHIEMURCHUS
Geographical Area	BADENOCH AND STRATHSPEY

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (2)

Related Investigations/Events (1)

External Links (1)