Site Report

WoSASPIN 5780

(NS 2789 5086) Dun (NR)
OS 1:10000 map (1980)

Aitnock fort, a possible dun (information from K Steer, RCAHMS, 5 November 1955) occupies the summit of a cliff which rises about 60ft perpendicularly from the Rye Water, at the SW angle of Hindog Glen. On the SW, where the land rises gently, it was defended by a deep ditch and stone walls, the foundation of part of which still remains, 15ft thick, composed of rough stones and boulders. The inner wall is 16 yds in diameter, and the outer wall is 12 yds away. The ditch has been largely filled with debris, and is horseshoe shaped, but may formerly have been circular, like the walls.
Excavations by Smith in 1901-2 showed that the interior was about 30ft in diameter, the floor had been levelled, then covered with yellow clay over which lay a pavement of rough slabs and water pebbles.
On the pavement was an accumulated deposit, in some places 6ins deep, in and on which the relics were found, viz stone objects, a glass bead, 1st or 2nd century Samian fragments, also coarse ware, burnt bones, iron objects quern fragments etc. A sandstone cauldron was found near the centre of the interior. It is still in situ and may weigh about 2 cwts. Close by was a fireplace of slabs set on edge. An irregular lump of sandstone was found, bearing two pecked cup marks one on each side, almost opposite each other.
Four denarii, two of Antoninus Pius and one each of Vespasiam and Hadrian, came from parts of an upper black layer of occupation, 2ft above the older one.
Smith's collection of material from here was donated to the NMAS in 1981 (Acc. Nos: HH 308-23 and HH 378-81).
J Smith 1919; 1895; A S Robertson 1970; J Curle 1932; Proc Soc Antiq Scot 1931

Aitnock fort consists of a rocky knoll, protected on the E by a vertical drop, on the N by steep natural slopes, and defended on the remaining sides by two stone walls, now much spread and grass-covered, and an outer ditch.
The remains of the inner wall have a maximum height of 0.3m above the knoll and an exterior height of 1.2m. The outer wall, where best preserved, has an interior height of 0.3m and on exterior height of 1.1m., it is 5.0m. from the inner wall. Outside this wall, in the W quadrant, are the remains of a ditch 8.0m wide and 1.6m deep. The surface of the mound is uneven and many large stones are exposed. An excavation in the N of the knoll is due to quarrying.
Visited by OS (DS) 4 September 1956

This possible dun is generally as described in the previous field report, except that the walls are so reduced that no inner dimensions can be given.
Resurveyed at 1:2500.
Visited by OS (JTT) 29 October 1964

These wasted and turf-covered remains are consistent with a dun, but it is similar in situation and construction to the homesteads to the W, viz NS25SW 6 and NS25NW 24.
Visited by OS (JRL) 28 February 1983