This afternoon, I visited what is believed to be an Iron-Age (1st century AD) site named Duncarnock Fort near Barrhead which the locals have named 'The Craigie'.

The site is 204m high and is naturally defended by a near-vertical face on the west and crags around the north and east sides. On the top there is evidence of walls and an entrance.

Although the site has never been excavated, archaeologists have provisionally assigned an Iron-Age date (1st century AD) with occupation possible lasting until the 8th century.

The site is very similar in size and elevation to that of the more famous Dunadd site near Kilmartin Glen.

As regards the name, 'Dun' means 'Fort' and I suspect that 'carn' means 'rocky hill' from which follows 'Fort on the Rocky Hill' which appears very apposite.

Below is a fixed image of the hill. Whilst the two video clips show (a) the view from the summit and (b) a view of the summit/occupation area.

The site affords superb views of Glasgow and the West. Great place for a picnic on a summers day!

Labels: Barrhead

posted by Nigel Cole @ 10:33 AM