Scheduled MonumentsScotlandThe Catrail,linear earthwork,Robert's Linn Bridge to Leap Burn
Linear earthwork,robert's linn bridge to leap burn

The Catrail,linear earthwork,Robert's Linn Bridge to Leap Burn

Scotland
HES SM3466
Site type
Linear earthwork,robert's linn bridge to leap burn
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

The Catrail is a linear earthwork stretching across the borderlands of Roxburghshire, Scotland, between Robert's Linn Bridge and Leap Burn. This ditch and bank system, oriented broadly north-south, is typically dated to the early medieval period, though its precise origins remain uncertain and may encompass multiple phases of construction or use. The earthwork extends for several kilometres and has been interpreted variously as a territorial boundary, defensive line, or livestock barrier associated with the kingdom of Northumbria or the emerging Scottish realm. Its physical form consists of a substantial ditch with an accompanying bank, features characteristic of early medieval administrative or defensive boundaries in northern Britain.

The Catrail,linear earthwork,Robert's Linn Bridge to Leap Burn is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM3466. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is The Catrail,linear earthwork,Robert's Linn Bridge to Leap Burn?

The Catrail is a linear earthwork stretching across the borderlands of Roxburghshire, Scotland, between Robert's Linn Bridge and Leap Burn. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM3466.

Who is responsible for protecting The Catrail,linear earthwork,Robert's Linn Bridge to Leap Burn?

The Catrail,linear earthwork,Robert's Linn Bridge to Leap Burn 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 SM3466.

What other scheduled monuments are near The Catrail,linear earthwork,Robert's Linn Bridge to Leap Burn?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including The Catrail,linear earthwork,W of Leap Burn to 100m E of Langside Burn (2.1 km), Cairn Sike,earthwork 1220m NE of Hawkhass House (3.9 km), Hawkhass Linn,earthwork 520m NE of Hawkhass House (3.9 km).

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