Monument record MHG1121 - Possible Homestead or Palisaded Enclosure, Rinsary

Situated on summit of a glacial knoll in what is essentially a non-defensive position are remains of a double-ditched enclosure. It is generally as described by previous OS field surveyor (R L), except that there is some doubt as to authenticity of the ring-groove hut. The groove does not form a regular curving circle, and it encloses a mounded area 0.2m high. There is no trace of banks or stone-built ramparts associated with the ditches, and it may therefore have been a palisaded enclosure; as such it would be unique in Caithness. It is almost certainly some form of homestead.
Visited by OS (N K B) 24 March 1983.

Homestead (NR) OS 25" map, (1969)

Generally as described by previous OS field surveyor, except that only a small portion of ring-ditch hut on its SE quadrant is now evident; and no trace can now be seen of the palisade trench between the short stretch of ditch close by the gully and another similar ditch beside the entrance.
Surveyed at 1:2500. Visited by OS (R L) 7 March 1968.

Earthwork (NR) OS 6" map, (1964)

Situated on knoll in arable land, about 500m WNW of Rinsary, are remains of a double-ditched enclosure. A shallow gully flanks it on NW, and a small stream on SE.
A causeway, 5.2m broad, crosses the ditches on E side. These ditches do not appear to be palisade trenches, being 2 to 3m wide by 0.2m deep, and enclose a central area measuring some 24m E-W by 18.5m transversely. Within enclosure and on highest part of the knoll, are traces of a ring-groove hut circle, 7m diameter, the trench being 0.4m wide by 0.1m deep. Some 5m beyond the main ditches, on S and E, are traces of a palisade trench 0.4m wide by 0.1m deep, with an appropriate break at causewayed entrance, and widening into an evident ditch towards gully on W.
Visited by OS (J L D) 15 June 1960;
Visible on RAF air photographs CPE/Scot/UK 179: 1308-9.