MHG63946 - Illicit still site - Kilmachalmack, Strath Oykel
Summary
An illicit still site at Kilmachalmack, Strath Oykel.
Type and Period (1)
- STILL (19th Century - 1801 AD? to 1900 AD)
Protected Status
- None recorded
Full Description
An illicit still site at Kilmachalmack, Strath Oykel. The site was recorded by A Coombs of NoSAS in 2024.
It lies on the east side of Meur Lub nan Sgalan a tributary of the Kilmachalmack burn which flows north into the River Oykel. The building sits within a tight S bend of the burn c.4m from the edge of the water. The whole area had previously been planted with conifers but was clear felled around 2013. The building is c.4m N-S by c.5m and made of drystone walling. The east gable of the building is set into the slope of the hill. The gable wall is c.3m N-S internally and stands c.1.5m high with about 8 courses of visible stonework. The south wall is c.4.5m E-W internally and only 1-2 courses survive above ground as there are the remains of a large conifer tree immediately to the south of the wall which has disrupted the masonry. The north wall is in slightly better condition and has a doorway at the west end. The west gable survives c.0.5m high internally and c.0.75m high externally. The east end of the building appears slightly curved internally, this may have accommodated the still.
Local information was provided on the presence of the remains of an illicit still within a large area of commercial forestry to the south of the River Oykel. The report was provided by a local forester who visited the site in 2013 during the clear felling of the surrounding trees. The forester’s great grandfather Alex Forbes who died in 1952 apparently operated the still. Previous research into the history of the nearby settlement of Achnahanat had provided historic evidence of illegal distilling in the area. <1>
The site is visible in vertical aerial photography, the best being those taken in 2016. <2>
Sources/Archives (2)
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred NH 4799 9671 (12m by 12m) (2 map features) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | NH49NE |
| Geographical Area | SUTHERLAND |
| Civil Parish | KINCARDINE |
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Investigations/Events (0)
External Links (0)
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