Archaeology Notes

Event ID 919981

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/919981

ND05NE 11 0582 5930.

(Name: ND 0585 5927) Lorg an Fhamhair (NAT)

OS 6" map, Caithness, 2nd ed., (1907)

On the W end of the summit of the hill of Port-an-Eilein, about 1/2 to 3/4 mile NE of Shurrery church, is a flat, exposed rock-surface measuring 10ft square. Towards the N end, near the medial line, there has been hollowed out the impression of a human left foot. It is exactly 12ins in length, 6ins in breadth across the sole and 4 1/2ins across the heel, while the depth of the impression is about 1 1/4ins. The artificial character of the mark is quite obvious. The rock on which it is carved is said to have been called 'Clach na Luirg'.

RCAHMS 1911, visited 1910.

Incised human feet on rocks are ancient, well-authenticated and widespread; examples are recorded in Ireland and the Western Isles down to the 16th century. Kings are said to have placed their feet in these impressions when being crowned or while holding court.

J R C Hamilton 1966.