Most of Scotland's hills, mountains and moorlands are used as areas of rough grazing and, in some instances, are managed for sporting activities such as stalking and grouse shooting. They may be heather moorlands or rough grasslands, and they may have been drained in the past. However, this land use type excludes those areas of hill ground that have recently been improved by fertilising, ploughing or direct drilling with clover or grass seed.
Rough grazing lands have evolved to their present extent as a result of woodland clearance, grazing and episodes of farming over some 6,000 years. These marginal areas bear witness to pre-19th century agriculture and settlement, and contain other remains that can date back to the prehistoric period.
Archaeological landscapes are most likely to survive in this type of modern land use. Nevertheless, there will be extensive areas with little sign of historic use.
HES DP068379
