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)

  • --- 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

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