Scheduled MonumentsScotlandKirkton,souterrain NW of
Iron Age · Souterrain

Kirkton,souterrain NW of

Scotland
HES SM1875
Period
Iron Age
Site type
Souterrain
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Kirkton souterrain is an Iron Age underground chamber located northwest of Kirkton in Sutherland, northern Scotland. The structure belongs to the distinctive class of souterrains found throughout Scotland, which are typically stone-built subterranean passages and chambers constructed during the Iron Age, though some may have continued in use into the early medieval period. These monuments are thought to have served various functions, including storage, refuge, or ritual purposes, though their precise original use remains debated among archaeologists. The souterrain at Kirkton represents an important example of Iron Age settlement infrastructure in the far north of Scotland and contributes to our understanding of prehistoric Scottish settlement patterns and construction techniques.

Kirkton,souterrain NW of is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM1875. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Kirkton,souterrain NW of?

Kirkton souterrain is an Iron Age underground chamber located northwest of Kirkton in Sutherland, northern Scotland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM1875.

What period does Kirkton,souterrain NW of date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Kirkton,souterrain NW of?

Kirkton,souterrain NW of 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 SM1875.

What other scheduled monuments are near Kirkton,souterrain NW of?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Grannie's Heilan Hame, chambered cairn 30m NNE of (6.5 km), Proncy, hut circle 330m NNE of (6.5 km), Embo Street,cairn SE of (7.5 km).

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