Archaeology Notes

Event ID 673664

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/673664

NM44SW 1 4409 4312.

(NM 4409 4312) Dun Choinichean (NR)

OS 1:10,000 map, (1976)

Dun, Dun Choinichean: This dun occupies the summit of a rocky crag on the lower slopes of Sron Bhuidhe about 370m NNE of Kilbrenan farmhouse. It has measured some 12m from NE to SW by at least 6m transversely within a dry-stone wall whose surviving remains vary from 2m to 3.4m in thickness. On the SE, where it has been entirely destroyed, the wall was probably of slighter construction because of the greater natural protection afforded by an almost vertical rock-face 4.6m high, on this side. Considerable stretches of inner and outer facing-stones remain in situ, as shown on the plan (RCAHMS 1980).

At one point on the W the outer face survives to a height of 2.0m in ten courses, and on the N the inner face rises 0.65m above the debris-choked interior. Within the thickness of the dun wall on the N there are two stretches of inward-facing revetment, whose even well-coursed stonework suggests very strongly that they represent the outer wall of an intra-mural gallery. A slight depression in the core material may indicate the presence of a similar feature on the WSW. The entrance, which is checked for a door, is situated on the WNW. It is noteworthy that the lowest course of the outer face is carried across the mouth of the entrance-passage, thus forming a step of threshold. In addition to being obscured by debris from the dun wall, the interior is also overgrown by dense scrub.

RCAHMS 1980, visited 1974.

Surveyed at 1:10,000.

Visited by OS (RD) 13 May 1972.