Scheduled MonumentsScotlandBurn of Selta, farmsteads, field system and associated remains
Post-Medieval · Farmsteads, field system and associated remains

Burn of Selta, farmsteads, field system and associated remains

Scotland
HES SM13419
Period
Post-Medieval
Site type
Farmsteads, field system and associated remains
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Burn of Selta is a post-medieval farmstead complex located in Orkney, Scotland, comprising domestic and agricultural structures alongside evidence of organised field systems. The site represents the settlement and land use patterns characteristic of Orkney's early modern period, when farming communities developed distinctive field arrangements adapted to the islands' terrain and agricultural practices. The farmstead's remains, including building platforms and associated field boundaries, provide archaeological evidence of the organisation of rural settlement and cultivation during this phase of Orkney's development. The complex demonstrates the relationship between domestic occupation and the wider agricultural landscape that sustained post-medieval Orcadian communities.

Burn of Selta, farmsteads, field system and associated remains is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM13419. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Burn of Selta, farmsteads, field system and associated remains?

Burn of Selta is a post-medieval farmstead complex located in Orkney, Scotland, comprising domestic and agricultural structures alongside evidence of organised field systems. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM13419.

What period does Burn of Selta, farmsteads, field system and associated remains date from?

Burn of Selta, farmsteads, field system and associated remains dates from the post-medieval period, and is classified as a farmsteads, field system and associated remains. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Burn of Selta, farmsteads, field system and associated remains?

Burn of Selta, farmsteads, field system and associated remains is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM13419.

What other scheduled monuments are near Burn of Selta, farmsteads, field system and associated remains?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including East Bigging, burnt mound 390m S of (2.2 km), Billia Fiold, enclosures, platforms and banks (2.5 km), Brockan, burnt mound 300m S of (3.2 km).

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