Monument record MHG30909 - Wall - near Strathnaver, Sutherland

A stretch of wall was recorded near Strathnaver in 1984. It was exposed at its northern end by a lochan, where it descended a grassy bank within the highest limits of the lochan and disappeared underwater in a narrow stretch. There were no signs of re-emergence on the opposite side. This total stretch was c.10m long. Six courses of stone were visible at its maximum height and it was constructed of stones of varying sizes. Where it disappeared into the peat it was around 0.3m high and no coursing was visible. It was suggested that the lower (northern) courses may have been rebuilt 'recently'. The exposed section had a maximum height of 0.5m and a width of 0.9m. <1>

This feature can be seen quite clearly on aerial photographs taken between 1999 and 2011, with the northern end where it enters the lochan the most clear. It appears to extend southwards for some 40m before turning southeastwards and then running for at least a further 21m. There are slight indications that it may continue further in the same general direction for a further c.93m to meet the burn which flows from the lochan. If the latter is so then it encloses an area of c.0.7ha., with the burn forming the other sides of the enclosure. There are also indications that it may meet the burn at the point where a further wall runs roughly eastwards from the opposite side of the burn to the ruined buildings of the Fastly farmstead. It is probably related to this farmstead (see MHG18211). <2>