Scheduled MonumentsScotlandFreester, otter-house on headland SSE of Dykend
Otter-house on headland sse of dykend

Freester, otter-house on headland SSE of Dykend

Scotland
HES SM8441
Site type
Otter-house on headland sse of dykend
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Freester is a Neolithic otter-house situated on a headland south-southeast of Dykend in Shetland, Scotland. The monument represents a rare category of prehistoric structure, likely dating to the Neolithic period, though precise chronological evidence remains limited. The site's designation as an otter-house reflects its interpretation as a specialized hunting structure, possibly related to the exploitation of marine resources in Shetland's prehistoric economy. The headland location would have provided advantageous access to coastal resources and marine fauna, consistent with patterns of Neolithic settlement and subsistence in the Shetland Islands.

Freester, otter-house on headland SSE of Dykend is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM8441. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Freester, otter-house on headland SSE of Dykend?

Freester is a Neolithic otter-house situated on a headland south-southeast of Dykend in Shetland, Scotland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM8441.

Who is responsible for protecting Freester, otter-house on headland SSE of Dykend?

Freester, otter-house on headland SSE of Dykend 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 SM8441.

What other scheduled monuments are near Freester, otter-house on headland SSE of Dykend?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Hard Knowe, cairn 330m N of Muness (0.5 km), Vassa Voe,broch,Cat Firth (0.6 km), Vassa Voe, house & enclosure 320m SSW of Seaview (0.8 km).

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