SCOTLAND - New Light Shed On Iron Age Monuments

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                                          New Light Shed On Iron Age Monuments



                                 Report Reveals Similarities Between Caterthun Hill Forts






Published: 21/06/2008



                             NEW light has been shed on two Iron Age monuments in Angus.



The Brown and White Caterthun hill forts perch on top of two prominent hills between Brechin and Edzell.

They are protected by systems of earthworks and ditches and, until now, had been considered as two separate sites.

But a new report, commissioned by Historic Scotland and launched in Arbroath yesterday, reveals there are more similarities between them than was thought.

Archaeologists uncovered evidence suggesting they are part of a single unit.

The findings are the results of investigations carried out at the 2,000-year-old forts over three years to assess rabbit damage.

Radiocarbon methods were used to date the sites, and microscopic analysis revealed something of the environment and economy of their era.

The investigation, which took place between 1995 and 1997, was funded by Historic Scotland and carried out by the Centre For Field Archaeology and Edinburgh University’s Department of Archaeology.

Doreen Grove, of Historic Scotland, said the findings of the fieldwork project had resulted in a better understanding of the two sites and a re-evaluation of their history.

“Before these studies were carried out, we tended to focus on the differences between the two Caterthuns and the thinking was that White Caterthun, with its clearer lines and stonework, probably succeeded the less complex-looking Brown Caterthun,” she said.

“We now know that the forts were built by native Iron Age chiefs and occupied for much of the first millennium BC. They probably functioned as combined, military and ceremonial centres.”

She added: “The report provides us with a new insight into these fascinating ancient sites, however there remains a great deal that we do not know about them and much left still to discover.”



http://www.archaeologynews.org/Link.asp?ID=299757

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Two Hill forts stood here.

The so called Brown Caterthun is the older of the two, dating from around 2500 B.C. It is called "Brown" because it was constructed of peat and earth.
Five concentric ramparts ring the top of a hill.

Although some of this can still be seen, the White Caterthun is the more impressive. It gets its name from the stone which was used in its construction and it dates from around 500 B.C. It is sited on an adjacent hill to the Brown Caterthun. The photograph shows some of the ring of stone remaining at the White Caterthun.

Access to the site really needs a car, but once there, it is possible to park easily and a fit person could very easily visit both sites in an hour or so.

The scenery in the area is attractive in any event and from either fort you can enjoy pleasant views on a clear day. The photograph at the top of this page entitled "Angus Glens" was taken from the Brown Caterthun.

The forts are between Balrownie and Pitmudie 5 miles from Brechin.

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White Caterthun



Stone Fort in Angus.

An impressive construction, White Caterthun features a double rampart of light-coloured stones.

The full rampart is still present (though toppled) and in the inside you can see what could possibly
be the remnants of a well and several round huts almost hidden by the abundant heather.

The views from the top are impressive in both directions, towards the sea and the highlands.

From afar, the frame set by the two caterthuns against the mountains is quite striking as they
seem to flank the gateway to the Highlands.