Scheduled MonumentsScotlandCleaved Head, promontory fort
Iron Age · Promontory fort

Cleaved Head, promontory fort

Scotland
HES SM11021
Period
Iron Age
Site type
Promontory fort
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic Environment Scotland

Overview

History & significance

Cleaved Head is a promontory fort situated on the Banffshire coast of northeast Scotland, dating to the Iron Age. The site occupies a naturally defensible headland position, with its seaward sides protected by cliff faces and its landward approaches defended by artificial works typical of Iron Age fortifications. Such promontory forts represent an important settlement form in Iron Age Scotland, functioning as defended domestic and possibly administrative centres. The fort's location on a coastal promontory would have afforded strategic advantages for both defence and access to maritime resources.

Cleaved Head, promontory fort is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM11021. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Cleaved Head, promontory fort?

Cleaved Head is a promontory fort situated on the Banffshire coast of northeast Scotland, dating to the Iron Age. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM11021.

What period does Cleaved Head, promontory fort date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Cleaved Head, promontory fort?

Cleaved Head, promontory 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 SM11021.

What other scheduled monuments are near Cleaved Head, promontory fort?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Longman Cairn, long barrow, Longman Hill (3.2 km), Banff, St Mary's parish church and burial ground (3.2 km), Banff Castle (3.3 km).

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