Oblique view of South range of steading from South West.

Description Oblique view of South range of steading from South West.

Date 16/3/1998

Collection Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu

Catalogue Number D 23936 CN

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 742290

Scope and Content South range of steading, Sibster Mains Farm, Highland, from south-west Sibster Mains Farm has a large steading arranged around a square courtyard, dating variously from the late 18th century to the mid- to late 19th century and into the 20th century. It is thus a fine example of agricultural development through three centuries and is particularly notable for its 18th-century kiln barn. This shows the corner of the south range from the south-west showing a large barn in the foreground and, perpendicular to it, parallel with the road, is the rear elevation of the cart shed. Both buildings are rubble-built with pitched, slated, gabled roofs. By the 1870s Caithness was dominated by large farms operating a four- or five-course rotation with cereal and cattle being important. A witness to the Crofters' Commission, James Waters of Bower, claimed that half the cultivated land of Caithness was divided into 55 large arable farms which were rented by only 15 tenants, leaving 40 with no resident farmer. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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