Site type FORTLET (ROMAN), LINEAR FEATURE
Canmore ID 70823
Site Number NX89SW 41
NGR NX 80413 90113
Council DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY
Parish GLENCAIRN
Former Region DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY
Former District NITHSDALE
Former County DUMFRIES-SHIRE

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Archaeological Notes

NX89SW 41 80408 90102

Trial excavation confirmed the dimensions and character of a site revealed during RCAHMS aerial survey in 1989 (S S Frere 1990). Defended by a single ditch, it measured c.62m NE-SW by at least 50m transversely; severe plough damage had occurred. A single period of occupation, probably in the Flavian period, ended in deliberate demolition. The fortlet may testify to an as yet undetected line of communication from Nithsdale to Stranraer.
L J F Keppie 1993

A short distance to the E of the Roman Fortlet there is a broad ditch extending from N to S across the low ridge on the S bank of the Cairn Water. Its function is not known.
Information from RCAHMS (DCC) 16 June 2008

Notes and Activities

Frere, S S (1990) 'Roman Britain in 1989. I Sites explored', Britannia, vol.21
Page(s): 312

Keppie, L J F (1993b) 'Roman Britain in 1992. I Sites explored. 2. Scotland', Britannia, vol.24
Page(s): 281

Wilson, A (1989) 'Roman penetration in west Dumfries and Galloway: a field survey', Trans Dumfriesshire Galloway Natur Hist Antiq Soc, 3rd, vol.64
Page(s): 13