Monument record MHG52630 - Hut circle - Boor, Poolewe

A hut circle near Boor, Poolewe, was recorded by C Dagg in 2008 during a walkover survey in advance of a proposed hydro-electric scheme. On a slight slope under a steep rocky face is a ring of large stones and rubble walling. Internal diameter is 6m and there is no visible entrance (photos 28-30). Running SE from this to the terrace edge is a field boundary of large, probably cleared stones which turns east to run for a short distance along the terrace edge. This is likely to be contemporary with the hut circle and represent prehistoric field clearance. <1>

184424 881034 Boor 1 JB016: The hut circle was visited by A Welti and J Buchanan in 2009 as part of research for a dissertation on hut circles in Wester Ross. This was part of a degree course overseen by Aberdeen University. The platform of this circular stone structure is dug into and built out from a natural level terrace on a fairly steep slope . It has panoramic views over land and sea. A wall of large stones adjoins the W edge of the HC, running N/S. Inner facing stones show clearly on the W wall. The possible SE entrance is too tumbled to enable measurement. This is one of a group of 3 HC's, together with JB017 (MHG49738) and JB018 (MHG49707), with a possible 4th at roughly NG8402 8100. There are different phases of field walls, and several sets of lazy beds over the whole area. A burnt mound is visible by the stream 200m W of JB016. The circular structure has average inner diameter 8.15m, external diameter 11.6m, wall thickness 1.7m with maximum height 0.8m. The possible entrance faces SE. <2> <3>

[Note: a database was set up as part of research for the dissertation and was subsequently expanded as an extension of the We Digs Project (see website link below). The full access database can be made available to enquirers/researchers if requested - contact HER for details].

Note: NGR adjusted to position as seen on 2014 vertical APs [IS-L 22/03/2017].