Monument record MHG5068 - Dun Arkaig, Skye

(NG 3499 4261) Dun Arkaig (NR) <1>

Dun Arkaig, a ruined broch in a dilapidated condition, the outer wall being reduced to a height ranging from 3' - 5' on the E, S, and W, and to the foundation on the N The inner wall apparently stands from 3' - 7' in height, but it is entirely hidden by the stones which encumber the interior. The wall seems to be about 13' thick at the foundation, and as the external diameter is about 54' the internal diameter would be about 28', rather less than usual, with the wall thicker than in the usual Skye broch. The entrance is in the NE but it is blocked by stones. It measures 3' in width at the outside. In the wall on the E is a ruined gallery; it is clearly defined at its rounded southern end. On the W side is seen a section of an outer casing wall, 5'6" thick at the base, rising about 3' in height with a rapid batter, built against the main wall of the broch. The building in this piece of structure does not equal that of the main building. <2>

Listed by A Graham 1949. <3>

Dun Arkaig, a broch, as described above, occupies a commanding position halfway up the slopes on the SE side of the Ose valley. It is situated midway along an oval-shaped basalt outcrop bounded by steep rock faces. Across the outcrop, some 10.0m NE of the broch is a stone wall, now completely collapsed, which at the east end, turned southwards and appears to have joined the broch midway along its SE side. There are traces of a wall from the broch entrance to the outwork.

The broch has been much robbed, doubtless for the large sheep pens immediately to the north.
There are several ruined houses, each with outbuildings and traces of others close by, together with yards and enclosures.
Visited by OS (A S P) 17 May 1961. <4>

1.01 3500 4273 Township (Possible); Sheep Pens