Monument record MHG12069 - Possible Fort, Eilean Nan Caorach
Summary
No summary available.
Location
Grid reference | Centred NC 3509 7160 (100m by 100m) (Buffered by site type) |
---|---|
Map sheet | NC37SE |
Geographical Area | SUTHERLAND |
Old County | SUTHERLAND |
Civil Parish | DURNESS |
Map
Type and Period (2)
Full Description
A probable fort or possible monastic settlement on Eilean nan Caorach, a large rocky plateau with sea-cliffs on 3 sides and on fourth sloping down very steeply to a broad isthmus. A track climbs diagonally up this slope from , and at crest of the slope is a very strong wall of massive boulders, some of them 3 ft to 4 ft each way. The wall is pierced by an entrance at head of the track and behind the wall at E end is a stone hut circle, 12 ft in diameter internally. There are many other circular depressions on the summit, some of which may be huts, but many must be shell-holes as the site lies in a naval firing range.
R G Lamb 1972 (see archive).
This fortification is generally as desribed by Lamb. The strong wall on S side of a plateau extends for about 65m; it averages 2.2m wide and 0.5m high. Many outer facing stones survive, some particularly large, but there is little indication of an inner face. The small, sub-circular stell which abuts the wall almost undoubtedly post-dates it. No further structures could be identified from numerous shell-holes. Therefore from size and position of the wall, and the natural strength of site, it can be assumed that this is a promontory fort.
Surveyed at 1:10,000. Visited by OS (J B) 2 June 1980.
Additional information to R J Lamd 1972: The entrance gap through the wall is 2.5m wide and lined with boulders similar to those forming the foundation of the wall. The hut circle measures 3.7m overall. R G Lamb 1980.
Sources/Archives (1)
- --- SHG310 Text/Publication/Monograph: Lamb, R G. 1980. Iron Age promontory forts in the Northern Isles. BAR British Series. 79. 71.
Finds (0)
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (1)
Record last edited
Jan 28 2008 12:00AM