Whithorn - Forts and Settlements

Forts and Settlements

See Archaeological and Historical Collections relating to Ayrshire and Galloway. vol.V. p.64. "There are ten forts and camps in Whithorn."

Drummoral fort (no photo - all measurements are approx) A large fort on a rocky ridge which has a narrow flat top 91.4m. long, running east-west with a high rampart fortifying the western portion. Its tallest point is 9.2m. to 12.2m. on the north. It is crossed by two ditches; the inner ditch is 33.5m. long, 9.2m. wide at top, and 2.4m. deep ; the outer ditch is 4.0m. wide. Behind the defences the ridge runs west at two levels each 7.6m. to 12.2m. wide for a distance of about 40.2m. where it then falls away for 18.3m. to 21.3m. to a rocky point.

Iron Age promontory fort, Carghidown. The contour survey, and partial excavation of an Iron Age promontory fort revealed an intermittent succession of roundhouses and an open yard, ultimately enclosed by a rampart and ditch. This rampart appears to have been short–lived (lasting no more than a year or two), and to have been destroyed in a single event, contemporary with the final occupation of the roundhouse, which also appears to have been abruptly abandoned. It is suggested that this may have been result of a violent attack. It is further suggested that the site, given its lack of natural defensibility and secluded location, may have acted as a refuge, in contrast to more prominent fortified sites in the area.

Iron Age promontory fort, Castle Feather with five earthen ramparts and ditches on the north and three on the south. The site was later used for a Tor-Hous or Medieval Castle which had 4ft thick internal walls, with the revetting of the scarp of the inner ditch in stone.

Promontory fort, Cairnhead, Portyerrock Bay.

Steinhead Mote, promontory fort.

Isle Head fort, Isle of Whithorn.

south White Port fort

north White Port fort

Neolithic settlement near Dinnans