Condition

2
Settlement- possible broch
Iron Age
1548
Orkney

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.

Location

327200.00
1009600.00
27700
58.9673576
-3.2676852

Submitted photographs

Image Date Caption User
Water tank built against section 25/04/2019 Water tank built against section Alexandria4
Water tank built against section
Coursed wall abutting orthostat in coastal section 25/04/2019 Coursed wall abutting orthostat in coastal section Alexandria4
Coursed wall abutting orthostat in coastal section
Artefact in situ 25/04/2019 Artefact in situ Alexandria4
Artefact in situ
Section with wall and abutting orthostat 25/04/2019 Section with wall and abutting orthostat Alexandria4
Section with wall and abutting orthostat
Bu of Cairston mound behind coast edge 11/05/2015 Bu of Cairston mound behind coast edge training1
Bu of Cairston mound behind coast edge
Bu of Cairston view along coast edge 11/05/2015 Bu of Cairston view along coast edge training1
Bu of Cairston view along coast edge
Bu of Cairston detail of stonework in section 11/05/2015 Bu of Cairston detail of stonework in section training1
Bu of Cairston detail of stonework in section
Bu of Cairston detail of stonework 11/05/2015 Bu of Cairston detail of stonework training1
Bu of Cairston detail of stonework
Bu of Cairston concrete tank built against section 11/05/2015 Bu of Cairston concrete tank built against section training1
Bu of Cairston concrete tank built against section
Bu of Cairston view of coast edge 11/05/2015 Bu of Cairston view of coast edge training1
Bu of Cairston view of coast edge

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.
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