Field Visit

Date July 1981

Event ID 619320

Category Recording

Type Field Visit

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/619320

Apart from the two parish churches, Peterkirk is the only

church in Westray in Clouston's list, and the only reference

given is to the OS map. [R1]

Perched on a small rocky knoll close to shore; practically

all building traces gone. Church evidently built on site of an

ancient structure. - Indications of rude drystone walling here

and there along banks, numerous fragments of coarse 'broch'

pottery picked up at time of visit. [R2]

Further erosion along a geo from the W has exposed more of

the OS wall. Much more of this is now visible, it is not straight

and there appears to be masonry of at least three periods. It is

not possible to say which if any of these goes with the short

length of E-W wall which OS suggested as N wall of church. At S

side of mound above cliff is a confusion of close-packed erect

slabss. The slab mentioned by OS on N of mound is one of several

which are associated with odd bits of masonry protruding through

turf. It is impossible to say which walls are of the church and

which belong to the underlying prehistoric structure. On NW arc

of mound, 3 slabs of a small cist-like slab-formed box visible.

No midden material apparent. About 30m SE on flat ground is a

rectangular slab-formed structure just visible in the turf, 1.5m

back from the shoreline.

Information from Orkney SMR (RGL) Jun 81.