Archaeology Notes

Event ID 648410

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/648410

NC37SE 1 3509 7149.

NC 351 716. A probable fort or possible monastic settlement on Eilean nan Caorach, a large rocky plateau with sea-cliffs on three sides and on the fourth sloping down very steeply to a broad isthmus. A track climbs diagonally up this slope from the east, and at the crest of the slope is a very strong wall of massive boulders, some of them 3 ft to 4 ft each way. The wall is pierced by an entrance at the head of the track and behind the wall at the east end is a stone hut circle, 12 ft in diameter internally. There are many other circular depressions on the summit, some of which may be huts, but many must be shell-holes as the site lies in a naval firing range.

Information from R G Lamb 1972.

This fortification is generally as desribed by Lamb. The strong wall on the S side of a plateau extends for about 65.0m; it averages 2.2m wide and 0.5m high. Many outer facing stones survive, some particularly large, but there is little indication of an inner face. The small, sub-circular stell which abuts the wall almost undoubtedly post-dates it. No further structures could be identified from the numerous shell-holes. Therefore from the size and position of the wall, and the natural strength of the site, it can be assumed that this is a promontory fort.

Surveyed at 1:10,000.

Visited by OS (J B) 2 June 1980.

Additional information to R J Lamb 1972: The entrance gap through the wall is 2.5m wide and lined with boulders similar to those forming the foundation of the wall. The hut circle measures 3.7m overall.

R G Lamb 1980.

The wall is currently as described by both Lamb and OS (JB) with an entrance break in the wall at point 34988 71932 (figure 1). The stone hut mentioned is at GR 35051 71927 (figure 2). Another possible stone hut is located at 35003 71944. This consists of a sunken circular feature surrounded by rocks of various sizes.

Lieu 2000, 1.

There was evidence to suggest the presence of a fort at the site. The location was on a natural promontory and would provide a suitable place for a building outlined by the original description. However on inspection this year there was nothing to suggest the presence of a fort. The area was heavily scared with bomb creators. Closer inspection of the site revealed large boulders had been marked as reference points for Aircraft on bombing runs. The depressions originally recorded by RG Lamb in 1972 refer to established shell holes rather than huts. There are the remains of a possible entrance on the western side of the promontory but nothing to establish the site as a sizeable fort. The circular stone hut remains in same condition as was recorded last year.

Street 2001, 10.