Monument record MHG10213 - Loch Borralie

NC36NE 67 384 675.

The settlement centred on the dun (NC36NE 5) is probably that of Borralie. T C Welsh 1972m. <1>

The early modern settlement (name unconfirmed) comprises two longhouse footings, one overlaid by the post-Clearances sheepfold. The larger is 18m by 5m and up to 0.5m high. Three smaller footings to the W and S of NC36NE 5 are associated together with a small enclosure to the S. A breached wall encircling the group to the NW is probably contemporary with the later sheepfold.
Visited by OS (JB) 28 April 1980.

Complex of 3-4 buildings and 3 enclosures, over an area c 200 m SW/NE x 60 m.
A) At NC 3839 6753 is a rectangular structure measuring 12 m WSW/ENE x 3.7 m internally with bank on N measuring 1.8 m thick. Appears dug into outerwork of dun 123 with structure's walls perhaps formed of dun material; alternatively, material was dug out of outerwork to create platform for structure. Possible entrance on NW. 5 m to W is a probably associated small structure measuring 8.9 m NNW/SSE x 5.6 m externally. Defined by rather scrappy turf-covered bank with intermittent boulders, difficult to trace on E. On N bank measures 1.3 m wide and maximum 0.25 m high; length of low, turf-covered bank extends SW from corner of structure for 15.4 m, forming terrace or yard probabley associated with it
b) Another group of remains lies between dun 123 and sheepfold 125. There is a possible structure, measuring 9.4 m NNE/SSW x 6.3 m externally, defined by clear stone footings forming wall base on S and E. On W appears built onto adjacent ?enclosure wall. Interior filled with boulders, at least some recently dumped (plastic bags among them), ringed with nettles. Possible cross wall in interior, but partly marked by rubble. Wall averages 0.8 m thick and maximum 0.2 m high. Along W side, turf-covered stony bank extends for 8.9 m NNE/SSW, possibly turning ESE for c 3 m at edge of sheepfold 125, but main axis of bank runs beneath sheepfold. Bank is 0.9 m wide.
C) On N side of sheepfold 125 is bank forming 3 sides of rectangle. Measures 15.7 m E/W externally, with bank 0.75 m wide. Would have measured 6.4 m wide externally assuming S wall was removed by construction of sheepfold. Length of stony bank extends ESE from feature for 8.2 m, meeting sharp, possible revetted break of slope that runs S to join SW corner of structure (b).
D) In area to N and NW of complex, extending at least to drystone wall 126, are several clearance cairns representing cultivation, either of in-field associated with Medieval/post-Medieval complex or earlier, associated with dun 123.
Longhouses, outbuildings and yards making up a small township or farmstead, built into and around dun 123 (probably robbing it in the process) and in turn disturbed and overlain by sheepfold 125. Associated with enclosure 169 on loch shore below. See NMRS NC36NE 67.
On steep-sided grassy spur at 20 m AOD, with ground sloping to Loch Borralie to S, SE, and E.
Recommendations: Detailed survey. <2><3>