A coastal exposure, over 50m long, contains structural remains but is so overgrown that these are not clearly identifiable. The section face stands up to 3m in height and along with series of upright slabs there are anthropogenic soil deposits which contain inclusions of bone and shell. The site has been eroding for many years and collections of artefacts and unworked bone have been collected and deposited at Tankerness House Museum. Previous recorders have interpreted the site as a broch and associated settlement. The site has never been thoroughly assessed, however, and it may be that significant remains of both earlier and later periods are also present.
ShoreUPDATE 10 May 2015
As described, the remains visible in section are largely unchanged. This site lies in a low-energy environment and the coast edge is well-vegetated. A concrete tank has been built against the section at the southern end.
Site Upade 25/04/2019
Not much change since 2015. No evidence of recent exposures. Structural remains imply North east wall face butted by upright slab. No bone or shell evidence which was previously mentioned can be seen, potentially due to overgrowth or collapse. Changes in vegetation establishing itself, potentially stabilising the structural integrity.
Artefact was found in rubble, abutting the wall. This artefact has been retrieved.
Location
327200.00
1009600.00
27700
58.9673576
-3.2676852
Submitted photographs
Image
Date
Caption
User
25/04/2019
Water tank built against section
Alexandria4
25/04/2019
Coursed wall abutting orthostat in coastal section
Alexandria4
25/04/2019
Artefact in situ
Alexandria4
25/04/2019
Section with wall and abutting orthostat
Alexandria4
11/05/2015
Bu of Cairston mound behind coast edge
training1
11/05/2015
Bu of Cairston view along coast edge
training1
11/05/2015
Bu of Cairston detail of stonework in section
training1
11/05/2015
Bu of Cairston detail of stonework
training1
11/05/2015
Bu of Cairston concrete tank built against section
training1
11/05/2015
Bu of Cairston view of coast edge
training1
Submitted updates
Update id
Date
User
3244
25/04/2019
Alexandria4
Tidal state
Mid
Site located?
Yes
Proximity to coast edge
Coast edge
Coastally eroding?
active sea erosion
Threats
vegetation growth; water erosion (e.g. stream, etc)
Visibility above ground
Limited visibility (partial remains)
Visibility in section
Limited visibility in section
Access
accessible on foot (no footpath)
Local knowledge
has local associations/history
Description
A coastal exposure, over 50m long, contains structural remains but is so overgrown that these are not clearly identifiable. The section face stands up to 3m in height and along with series of upright slabs there are anthropogenic soil deposits which contain inclusions of bone and shell. The site has been eroding for many years and collections of artefacts and unworked bone have been collected and deposited at Tankerness House Museum. Previous recorders have interpreted the site as a broch and associated settlement. The site has never been thoroughly assessed, however, and it may be that significant remains of both earlier and later periods are also present.
ShoreUPDATE 10 May 2015
As described, the remains visible in section are largely unchanged. This site lies in a low-energy environment and the coast edge is well-vegetated. A concrete tank has been built against the section at the southern end.
Site Upade 25/04/2019
Not much change since 2015. No evidence of recent exposures. Structural remains imply North east wall face butted by upright slab. No bone or shell evidence which was previously mentioned can be seen, potentially due to overgrowth or collapse. Changes in vegetation establishing itself, potentially stabilising the structural integrity.
Artefact was found in rubble, abutting the wall. This artefact has been retrieved.