On top of Dun Fionn, there is a round eminence which seems to have been a vitrified fort, such as abound in the N Highlands, though it is now concealed by soil and grass.
J Headrick 1807.
Hardly a trace remains of this fort (Balfour 1910). McArthur (1873) describes the ruins of a wall, 3-5ft thick, running round the flat summit of the hill, and following its configuration, enclosing an area about 140ft in circumference. Balfour's dismissal of the suggestion that this fort is vitrified is probably sound (c/f An Cnap: NS04NW 2).
J McArthur 1873; J Balfour 1910; R McLellen 1970.
NS 0464 3384 A small oval fort situated on the edge of a vertical north facing cliff. It consists of an earth and stone bank, 0.6m high and spread to 3.0m enclosing an area 30.0m east-west by 10.0m. The bank has been mutilated on the east and north-east and although there is no entrance visible it was probably on this side. There are no facing stones and no sign of vitrifaction.
A probable annexe on the east side, 1.9m below the main enclosure, consists of a flat area 14.0m by 10.0m levelled into the slope. A defensive ditch, now partially silted, has been dug on this side where the approach is easiest. It is 15.0m long, 6.0m wide and 0.8m deep.
A series of natural bracken-covered terraces lie on the steep southerly hillslope; they vary in width from 4.0m to 15.0m and have clearly been cultivated, perhaps from prehistoric times. There is no evidence of agricultural features except for a modern head dyke crossing the lower of these terraces.
The name 'Dun Fionn' could not be confirmed locally.
This fort is similar in its size and situation to that on Bennan Head (NR92SE 3).
Surveyed at 1:10 000.
Visited by OS (B S) 3 November 1977.
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