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Souterrains 162m W of Westwood is a subterranean stone structure located in Angus, Scotland. These underground passages, known as souterrains or earth houses, are characteristic Iron Age and early medieval features found throughout eastern Scotland. Built into the natural sandstone bedrock of the Arbuthnott-Garvock Group, the monument exploits the Pragian-age geology beneath the site, which comprises sandstone interspersed with bands of conglomerate, siltstone and mudstone. This varied stratigraphy would have influenced the construction technique and stability of the underground chamber.
The souterrain follows a typical design of the period, consisting of a stone-lined passage cut into or built against the slope. Such structures served multiple purposes for their builders, whether as storage facilities for grain and other provisions, refuges during times of conflict, or ritual spaces associated with nearby settlements.
The monument is protected by Historic Environment Scotland as a scheduled ancient monument under reference SM6467, recognising its archaeological significance. The site's position on Angus's eastern slopes, set within landscape shaped by ancient geology, contributes to understanding how Iron Age and early medieval communities adapted their building practices to local conditions.
Souterrains, 162m W of Westwood is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM6467. View the official record →
Souterrains 162m W of Westwood is a subterranean stone structure located in Angus, Scotland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM6467.
Souterrains, 162m W of Westwood 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 SM6467.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Mylnefield, ring ditch and souterrain 595m ESE of (8.3 km), St Peter's Church & graveyard, Invergowrie (8.3 km), East Pilmore, unenclosed settlement 1000m E of (8.6 km).
This page is just one thread. A full Aubrey report pulls together 14 strands of Souterrains, 162m W of Westwood's history, each drawn from the record and mapped to the exact spot:
Every location is different. Not every section appears for every place, only what the historical record actually holds turns up in a report.
Souterrains, 162m W of Westwood stands on Arbuthnott-Garvock Group, bedrock that formed in the Pragian. The rock here is sandstone with subordinate conglomerate, siltstone and mudstone.