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MHG38048 - Settlement - Loch Airigh Na H-Aon Oidhche

Summary

3 sub circular structures of moss covered stones which appear to be of considerable antiquity, probably medieval at the latest.

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

NG 5980 4827 and NG 5950 4901 The survey of the townships of Arnish and Torran plus the surrounding area was carried out by ACFA in April 2000 as part of a continuing programme of recording the physical remains of human activity on Raasay.
A survey was carried out on the area from the Tairbeart N to the path from Fladda to Umachan and the following sites were recorded:
NG 6047 4902 Small settlement (3 structures).
NG 6053 4904 Small settlement (5 structures).
Full report will be lodged with the NMRS.
Sponsors: Glasgow Archaeological Society, CBA Challenge Funding.
J Macdonald and J Scott Wood 2001

Site 35: On a grassy ledge facing east over the Inner Sound of Raasay and just to the south of a burn about a kilometre south of Umachan, are 3 sub circular structures of moss covered stones which appear to be of considerable antiquity, probably medieval at the latest.

Feature 35A, lying about 10m out from the cliff, away from the tumble, measures 1.70m by 3.60m with the north gable fairly straight but curving at the south end. There is no visible evidence of a doorway but if any it may have been at the south end. Stones are standing to a height of 0.50m and the structure is fairly crudely built. Internal tumble makes the interior appear oval in shape at first sight. To the south-southeast is a small circular annexe measuring about 1.0m in diameter internally.

A few metres to the west, Feature 35B is a sub-circular structure built into the rockfall from the cliff. It measures 3.90m by 2.60m and the back or west wall consists of massive blocks of tumbled rock. The curving front (east) wall is quite well built of double width stone, surviving to a height of 0.70m. The wall is about 0.60m wide. There is a fairly well built entrance in the northeast corner of the arc.

Feature 35C almost adjoins B and again is sub-circular, 2.20m by 3.60m. There is a possible entrance from the east or alternatively from the south, both possibilities obscured by tumble. On the west arc of the wall there is a large stone which seems to be very well positioned and could have been levered into that position quite deliberately, but questions arise as to why such a large stone was not used as part of the foundation level The walls of this structure stand to a general height of 0.50m and a maximum of 0.80m. To the south there is a small circular annex, about 0.80m in diameter, roughly built abutting the main wall and irregularly shaped due to tumble.

To the northwest of A Feature 35D appears to be the remains of a small lambing pen built in the tumble underneath the cliff. The 2m long arc of rough walling is about 0.30m high, enclosing an area 1.20m by 1.60m. <1>

NGR adjusted based on 2020 vertical aerial photographs. <2>

Sources/Archives (2)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NG 6043 4899 (47m by 47m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NG64NW
Geographical Area	SKYE AND LOCHALSH
Civil Parish	PORTREE

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Investigations/Events (1)

External Links (2)