Continued entries/extra info

[Page] 23 Plan 24A Markinch Parish

Note: Terraces - Continued from page 21
"There is no very definate tradition why or
when these terraces were formed. The most
probable conclusion is that they are the work of the Roman
invaders, who, under Agricola, overran this part of the Country, Covering it
with entrenchments and fortifications, as a basis for more distant operations. For advancing
this Opinion in preference to any other, our reasons are briefly these:- 1st. In a military point
of view, and according to the modes of warfare then in use, the position is one of the Strongest
which the whole Country affords. The natural advantages of its Situation must have
rendered it nearly impregnable with but a handful of defenders, while as a
fortified Camp, it was Capable of receiving Several legions. 2nd. It forms one of
a chain of Similar fastnesses, most advantageously Situated for Commanding
the Surrounding Country with Ccoast and with the interior. 3rd. The extent of the
works, the great amount of labour and industry required for their Completion
and, above all, their form and Regularity, so little in unison with the rude
and desultory habits of the aboriginal inhabitants, and so unsuited to their Savage
modes of warfare; while in all these respects they very exactly Characterize the
enterprise and Skill of their invaders, and their Superior advancement in the art
of defensive warfare. "
New Stat. Acct. [Statistical Account]

Note: "Colonel Miller thinks this hill has been a Roman Station; and that by them the terraces were con-
structed".
Full. [Fullertons] Gazetteer.

Note: The Terraces are certainly not ancient British work - but I see no reason for going so far back as the Roman era to account for them.
John Bayly Capt.R.E. [Captain Royal Engineers]