Archaeologists excavated the site in 1978 and again in 1980. They recorded the shape of the circle, the soil layers above and beneath the structures, and pottery and other evidence of life style. Pieces of eight pottery vessels, a loom weight, and a decorated stone were dug up.

None of the finds lend themselves to radiocarbon dating, but researchers place them in the British Bronze Age, between 2100 and 700 BC. The shape of the vessels suggest that some may have contained liquids and one vessel may have been used in a cremation cemetery.

(Ref.: Procedures of the Society of Scottish Antiquities, v.118 (1988), pp.99-110.)

Near the top of the illustration above, is the stone quarry. At this site were the remains of a Roman hill fort with multiple ramparts. After World War I, the Ministry of Works petitioned the Ministry of Transport to stop quarrying operations at this site to preserve the remains of the fort. The Ministry of Transportation decided that the stone was needed for construction and national security. Quarrying operations continued and the fort was completely destroyed.

Near the summit of Black Cairn Hill is situated the remains of another Roman hill fort with a single rampart. This site still exists and is illustrated above.

(Ref.: Procedures of the Society of Scottish Antiquities, v.116 (1986), pp117-184.)