Monument record MHG26225 - Balnallan, Morayhill

NH74NE 61 757 497

A farmstead comprising one partially roofed L-shaped building is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Inverness-shire 1871-6, sheet v), but it is not shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1994).
Information from RCAHMS (SAH) 7 June 1996

The farmstead is named as Balnallan on the Ordnance Survey 1st edition. An archaeological evaluation was carried out in connection with a proposed extension to Morayhill Quarry and confirmed the existence and survival of the foundations of Balnallan. The foundations were visible above ground as turf covered wall footings and this was confirmed by trial trenching. <1>

Subsequent excavation of the structures in 2008 revealed that the roofed structure is likely to have been a sandstone-built, three-sided building with a pantile roof and a clay floor. No western wall was identified where this joined the building to the east, and there is likely to have been a wooden partition or doors. The adjoining building, shown as unroofed on the OS 1st edition, was probably a byre. The excavation also identified enclosure walls to the east of the buildings, also depicted on the 1st edition and possibly the walls of a garden enclosure. The finds assemblage was largely of 19th century date and probably relates to the occupation of the building. A fragment of 18th-century wine glass was also recovered, which is an unusual object in this setting and is likely to have been a prized heirloom pre-dating the building. <2>