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MHG64163 - Structure - Loch Comhnard

Summary

It may possibly be a still as it is close to a source of water.

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

A walkover survey was carried out by Cannich Archaeological Services in 1999 of parts of the RSPB reserve at Corrimony prior to tree-planting.

Section 6, Site 23: Structure. Situated about 5 m from the north bank of a small burn which flows east - west downhill to a confluence with another burn which is the more northwesterly of two flowing into the south end of Loch Comhnard. On the south and east sides a wall three to four courses high and 40 cm in vertical height revets the sloping side of a hollow. On the north side the well-built wall is replaced by a line of large single stones, although more can be felt below the ground. The internal diameter of this part of the structure is 5.5 m, but the circle is not closed, as the line of single stones continues round to the west, leaving a gap 2.5 m, and running southwards 3 m behind the north end of the west stretch of well-built walling, eventually joining up with it on the south side, thus producing a bipartite structure with two different types of wall construction. The vegetation in the interior is mainly heather, with some grass and bracken.

No definite identification can be made. The good condition of some of the walling makes it unlikely to be a prehistoric circular house, and the situation on a fairly steep hillside between steeply banked burns makes it unlikely to be a sheep pen or shepherd's bothy. It may possibly be a still, as it is close to a source of water; it is also fairly well hidden and not easy to spot from any distance, and yet it has a good view down to Loch Comhnard and to the road on the other side of the loch. The reason for the bipartite construction is still not explained, however, and it is impossible to tell whether it was originally built like this or whether it is the result of the extension of a simpler structure. <1>

Note: Site not visible on aerial photographs so location based on grid coordinates. (TB 2/5/25)

Sources/Archives (1)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NH 3572 2746 (8m by 8m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NH32NE
Civil Parish	URQUHART AND GLENMORISTON
Geographical Area	INVERNESS

Finds (0)

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Related Investigations/Events (1)

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