Caterthuns

Two Iron Age hillforts near Brechin in Angus, Scotland, situated about one kilometre apart on a ridge overlooking Strathmore, dating to c. 750-200 BC. The White Caterthun features an oval dry-stone wall originally several metres high and twelve metres thick, showing evidence of vitrification where intense heat fused the rocks into a glass-like substance. A well or cistern occupies its centre. The Brown Caterthun has five or six earthen embankments with nine radiating entrances and shows evidence of periodic burning. Both forts display very little evidence of permanent settlement, leaving their purpose -- military, mercantile, or ceremonial -- uncertain. They are designated as a scheduled monument.