Monument record MHG8627 - Possible Dun, Scotsburn House

Dun (NR) OS 25" map, (1968)
In cleared woodland on a grassy eminence which is bordered by a ravine in W and by natural slopes in S, is a dun, within a sub-circular outer defence, augmented by additional outworks to NNW at easiest approach.
c13m diameter between the centres of a mutilated rubble wall, surviving to a max height of 1m internally and 2m externally, spread to c7m wide. No wall faces can be seen, and small size of stones suggests a timber-laced construction. An outcrop is incorporated in wall in SW. The entrance is in NNW. Within dun is a depression choked with stones; it may have been a well.
The outer defence, enclosing an area c35m diameter, survives in W as a ruinous wall spread to c2.5m, with occasional facing stones visible suggesting a wall thickness of c2m, and elsewhere as a stony scarp c2m max height. The entrance is in NNW, coincident with dun entrance. The base course of outer wall face can be seen at foot of scarp to E of entrance, and 3 inner facing stones in roots of a tree suggest that wall was c6m wide at this point. W side of entrance is formed by wall turning outwards then back to SW to end on brink of the ravine. Outer facing stones are visible intermittently for about 8m. The outermost defence in the NNW protecting the entrance is another ruinous wall commencing at ravine and running parallel to the inner defence for a distance of c40m before petering out. There are indications that it may have continued to encircle the dun, but this is uncertain. There is an ill-defined break opposite the other entrances. In NE and SE are two depressions, probably later quarry scoops. ISSFC 1902; Visited by OS (N K B) 23 November 1970.

Probably a broch. RCAHMS 1979.

Undoubtedly this defensive work can be considered as a broch based on its size and shape, but the total absence of any exposed facing stones and structural details, and the incorporation of rock outcrop in the wall suggests that it is more likely to be a dun. Only rubble stones are visible, hence the suggestion that the wall may have been timber-laced. Visited by OS (N K B) 10 March 1981.

Photos and records held by G Mortimer, Bothwell Rd, Hamilton, Lanark. Letter written July 1985.

Photo from track to N shows defences at W end of natural knoll overlooking arable fields to S - HAW03/2005

The site was visited by Roland Spencer-Jones of the North of Scotland Archaeological Society on the 18th of December 2013. At the time of this visit, the site was heavily overgrown with gorse and vegetation, making it very difficult to get through to see the details of the circular structure. A break in the vegetation on the western side allows entry to the sunken area. The surrounding 'defences' of walls and platforms were easier to see although the vegetation obscured any distinguishing features to suggest whether this was the site of a dun or a broch. Although, Spencer-Jones noted that as it was situated on a low ridge, part way down a slope it would suggest that this was a broch site rather than a hill-top dun. <1>

The site was visited by members of the Notrh of Scotland Archaeological Society (NOSAS) on the 14th of May 2014. Bracken was cleared from the site at this time and a rough survey using tapes, pacing and GPS readings was carried out. It was also noted that there could possibly be a central stone built structure but this was not determined due to thick vegetation. A plan of the site was also produced at this time. <2>