Scheduled MonumentsScotlandCairnhead,fort
Iron Age · Fort

Cairnhead,fort

Scotland
HES SM1957
Period
Iron Age
Site type
Fort
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Cairnhead fort is an Iron Age fortified settlement located in Wigtownshire, south-western Scotland. The site comprises a univallate or multivallate enclosure typical of Iron Age defensive architecture in south-western Scotland, constructed through the construction of substantial earthen or stone ramparts. As a fort of this period, it represents settlement patterns and territorial control strategies employed by Iron Age communities in the region, broadly dating to the period between the 8th century BC and the 1st century AD. The monument's survival and scheduled protection reflect its significance as evidence for understanding Iron Age settlement hierarchy and defensive practices in south-western Scotland.

Cairnhead,fort is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM1957. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Cairnhead,fort?

Cairnhead fort is an Iron Age fortified settlement located in Wigtownshire, south-western Scotland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM1957.

What period does Cairnhead,fort date from?

Cairnhead,fort dates from the iron age period, and is classified as a fort. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Cairnhead,fort?

Cairnhead,fort 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 SM1957.

What other scheduled monuments are near Cairnhead,fort?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Steinhead,fort 550m ESE of Isle Farm (1.1 km), Dinnans,two forts (2.1 km), St Ninian's Chapel, Isle of Whithorn (2.1 km).

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