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Remains of a motte. A circular motte created by scarping and levelling a natural gravel knoll, the west quadrant of which has been recently quarried. It lies within a loop in the River Feugh. This was probably a hunting lodge of the Gifford Family who held the forest of Strachan in the 13th century. Excavation revealed post pits of a building circa 9m by 12m on the top of the mound with a palisade round the edge. Ovens were found which had re-used mill stones as bases for the ovens. The remains of a V-shaped ditch, 1m deep and 4m wide, was found round the base of the motte. A large quantity of pottery of 13th-14th century date was found along with some bronze and silver jewellery. There is some evidence to suggest that the site was probably set on fire sometime in the 14th century and never re-occupied. Burnt post remains were found, both collapsed and in situ with stones on the summit showing signs of extreme burning. The ditch round the base was almost certainly intentionally back-filled. The excavation in 1981 also revealed clear evidence of a medieval presence on the site. A total of 13 pieces of flint were recovered, of which seven were flaked pieces comprising a microburin, a snapped blade, a retouched pieces and four tertiary flakes.
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Historic Environment Records (HER)