Hillfort history

“I recall when as a lad of about 12 years of age, being mystified by the ridges remaining of the small hillfort below the village of Rait at its eastern end,” writes Donald Abbott of Invergowrie.

“The name of the village seems to derive from Rath, pronounced Ra, meaning a circular fort or dwelling which these remains of some 30 feet in diameter represent. It gets a mention in the Statistical Account for Scotland – Rait and Kilspindie of 1791-95. Viz

“It must be remembered that the Reverend gentleman who wrote this account was probably the best educated person in the parish of Kilspindie and Rait, but not necessarily the best qualified in historic or antiquarian matters.

“The remains of the hillfort were then covered in stinging nettles, not conducive to my short trousers. However, I was with my father, uncle Dave Watt who lived at Woodside, Rait and my older cousin, David Watt.

“Uncle Dave, who was a retired Dundee policeman, soon hoisted me on his back away from the menace of the nettles. We had entered into the vicinity from the crossroads below the Rethy the brae leading up to Rait. After examining what remained of the fort, we then navigated our way up the Rait burn, struggling to cross it below Rait farm (now the Antiques Centre) and from there back to Rait. Happy memories.”