In 1992, Tam Ward and fellow members of the Biggar Archaeological Society were commissioned to identify and record archaeological sites among the hills of upper Clydesdale. There was concern that some might be threatened by construction of the M74 motorway.
A particularly intriguing site was identified on the hill-side south of Little Law, near Roberton, where aerial photographs had revealed various circles marked out in the moorland vegetation.
A survey of these shadowy remains identified a collection of eight ring enclosures, several hut circles, and over 30 cairns of loose stones. These were carefully recorded in the traditional way, using string lines and tape measures.
It was concluded that most of the earthworks were prehistoric, although some had been damaged by tank tracks when the area was used for military training during World War Two.
A group of four circular earthworks aligned north to south is especially curious. The largest of these circles seems to have no entrance but has a stone structure at its centre.
It was suggested that this might be some form of funerary or ritual monument—a place of mystery, and a link to ancient times that we can only imagine.
