were they mighty fortresses of warlords, ritual enclosures for gathering tribes together, or seasonal meeting places?
In this area forts may well have had multiple functions. Some, like Green Castle and Black Castle, were obviously defensive being situated on the top of hills, with steep ramparts and deep ditches. Others are less so, but seem to be guarding important routes like at White Castle in the Lammermuirs. However, the Chesters, seems to go against all the rules of a good fortress, being overlooked by a high hill. It is also possible that the massive hill fort at Traprain Law was as much a ritual and trading centre as a place of defensive settlement.
