Lismore, Eilean Nan Caorach
Ballast Mound (Period Unassigned), Landing Point (Period Unassigned), Lime Kiln (Period Unassigned), Storehouse (Period Unassigned)
Site Name Lismore, Eilean Nan Caorach
Classification Ballast Mound (Period Unassigned), Landing Point (Period Unassigned), Lime Kiln (Period Unassigned), Storehouse (Period Unassigned)
Canmore ID 281489
Site Number NM94NW 46
NGR NM 901 468
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/281489
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DP 175161
Kiln 1, interior of upper pot revealed by collapse. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175163
Discussing the characteristics of Kiln 1 during a field visit, 2005. From left, Dr Paula Martin of the Morvern Maritime Centre, and Dr Stewart Nisbet and Dr John Hughes of the University of Paisley. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175172
Kiln 2, looking upwards towards the top opening from the pot floor. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175173
Kiln 2, looking upwards towards the top opening from the pot floor. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175174
A loose example of one of the Preston Grange bricks. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175176
Kiln 3 from the SE. Bulging and cracking of its frontage is evident. Scale 2 metres. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175177
Kiln 3 from the SE. Bulging and cracking of its frontage is evident. Scale 2 metres. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175185
The quarry floor, looking E. The purpose of the long mounds is not known. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175186
The quarry floor, looking SE. The purpose of the long mounds is not known. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175190
Small building set against the quarry face within a walled enclosure 40 m SW of the kiln complex. It is probably an explosives magazine. Scale 2 metres. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175195
The roofed cottages, now a holiday home, were probably once bothies for lime-workers. The building to the right incorporated a high-walled enclosure probably a coal store, while the gabled building on its left side (now with corrugated roofing) is believed to have been a smithy. Another roofed building on the seaward side of the walled enclosure was probably a store for the processed lime. Kiln 1, with its levelled access causeway, is seen left of centre. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175200
The lean-to structure on the seaward side of the enclosure was probably a store for the processed lime. (Paula Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175201
Remains of one of two wells on the island. Behind is the wide entrance to the unroofed enclosure which was probably a coal store. (Paula Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175139
Aerial photograph of Sheep Island from the SE. The three kilns and associated buildings are clustered round the small bay. A built quay is visible at the left edge of the bay, while a presumably earlier cleared strip runs up the centre of the beach. Towards the left, just below the quarry face, is a gunpowder magazine, while there is another building of uncertain function above the foreshore further to the left. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175162
Kiln 1, interior of upper pot revealed by collapse. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175164
Kiln 2 from the SE. Scale 2 metres. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175167
Draw-arch, Kiln 2; view from inside. Note the partly-collapsed lining of end-laid bricks around the rough stonework of the arch. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175178
Kiln 3 from the SE, looking upwards. Bulging and cracking of its frontage is evident. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175192
The quay frontage to the SE of Kiln 3. Beyond, at top centre, is a horseshoe-shaped reef (an Càrn = pile of stones) which appears to have served as a ballast dump. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175194
The reef (an Càrn = pile of stones) which appears to have been a ballast dump is exposing as the tide falls. Port Appin on the mainland shore lies beyond. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175148
Kiln 3, Sheep Island. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175149
Sheep Island (Eilean nan Caorach). View along the kiln frontages, looking NE. The lime-workers’ bothy, now a holiday home, is on the right. Above it, on the skyline, is Kiln 1. Between the bothy and Kiln 1 is a complex of stores and workshops. Kiln 2 is left of centre, with a tree growing out of its top. Kiln 3, with its extension, is at the upper left. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175155
Kiln 1 from the SW showing structural section. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175158
Kiln 1, E draw-arch. Scale 50 centimetres. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175168
Draw-arch, Kiln 2; view from inside. Note the partly-collapsed lining of end-laid bricks around the rough stonework of the arch. Their frog sides, where exposed, are stamped ‘Preston Grange’. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175170
Kiln 2, detail of the join between the rock-cut lower part of the pot lining with the end-laid bricks of the upper levels. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175181
Draw-arch of Kiln 3, showing evidence of construction, repair, and strengthening with stonework, bricks, and iron bars. Scale 50 centimetres. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175193
The quay frontage with Kiln 3 in the background. Scale 2 metres. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175143
Aerial photograph of Sheep Island from the W. The cleared strip up the centre of the beach leading towards Kiln 1 is clear. On the right is a horseshoe-shaped reef (an Càrn = pile of stones) which appears to have served as a ballast dump. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175150
Kiln 1 from the E. Scale 2 metres. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175160
Kiln 1, fallen-out end of a draw-arch and stoke-hole. Scale 2 metres. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175171
Kiln 2, the brick-lined upper levels of the pot. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175182
Kiln 3 and its extension from the N, showing the quay on the left. Beyond, at top centre, is a horseshoe-shaped reef (an Càrn = pile of stones) which appears to have served as a ballast dump. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175187
The quarry floor, looking SE. The purpose of the long mounds is not known. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175156
Kiln 1 from the NW showing its top-level approach causeway. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175166
Draw-arch, Kiln 2. Note the broken end wall giving access to the pot. Scale 50 centimetres. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175169
Draw-arch, Kiln 2; view from the broken-down end wall showing the kiln lining on the far side. The lower part is cut from the natural rock, while the upper level is cased in end-laid bricks. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175183
Industrial debris exposed in the foreshore SW of Kiln 3. Scale 2 metres. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175140
Aerial photograph of Sheep Island from the N. The three kilns and associated buildings are clustered round the small bay. A built quay is visible at the right edge of the bay, while a presumably earlier cleared strip runs up the centre of the beach. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175141
Aerial photograph of Sheep Island from the S. The three kilns and associated buildings are clustered round the small bay. A built quay is visible at the left edge of the bay, while a presumably earlier cleared strip runs up the centre of the beach. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175152
Kiln 1 from the SW showing structural section. Scale 2 metres. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175159
Kiln 1, fallen-out end of a draw-arch and stoke-hole. Scale 2 metres. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175175
Kiln 3 and extension, general view from the E. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175188
Pile of graded limestone adjacent to Kiln 2. Scale 2 metres. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175198
The open-roofed coal store. The gabled building on its left side (now with corrugated roofing) is believed to have been a smithy. Another roofed building against the seaward wall of the enclosure was probably a store for the processed lime. (Paula Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175147
Kiln 2, Sheep Island. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175165
Kiln 2 from the S. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175179
Kiln 3 from the E. The bulge in its frontage is evident. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175180
Front wall of the extension to Kiln 3. A 2-m scale is placed at the join. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175196
The roofed cottages, now a holiday home, were probably once bothies for lime-workers. The building to its right is a high-walled enclosure, probably a coal store, while the gabled building on its left side (now with corrugated roofing) is believed to have been a smithy. Another roofed building on the seaward side of the enclosure was probably a store for the processed lime. Kiln 1, with its levelled access causeway, is seen left of centre. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175197
The two cottages, now a holiday home, were probably workers’ bothies. (Paula Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175202
Brick-lined pot-top of Kiln 3, showing the natural growth which is the primary threat to these buildings. (Paula Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175137
Aerial photograph of Sheep Island from the SE. The three kilns and associated buildings are clustered round the small bay. On the left is a horseshoe-shaped reef (an Càrn = pile of stones) which appears to have served as a ballast dump. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175138
Aerial photograph of Sheep Island from the SE. The three kilns and associated buildings are clustered round the small bay. A built quay is visible at the right edge of the bay, while a presumably earlier cleared strip runs up the centre of the beach. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175142
Aerial photograph of Sheep Island from the S. The three kilns and associated buildings are clustered round the small bay. A built quay is visible at the left edge of the bay, while a presumably earlier cleared strip runs up the centre of the beach. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175144
Near-vertical aerial photograph of Sheep Island (Eilean nan Caorach) from the NE. The three kilns and associated buildings are clustered round the bay. A built quay is visible at the top edge of the bay, while a presumably earlier cleared strip runs up the centre of the beach. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175145
General plan of the lime works on Sheep Island. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175146
Kiln 1, Sheep Island. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175151
Kiln 1 from the SE. Scale 2 metres. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175153
Kiln 1 from the S showing structural section. Scale 2 metres. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175154
Kiln 1 from the E. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175157
Kiln 1, E draw-arch. Scale 50 centimetres. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175184
The quarry floor, looking E. The purpose of the long mounds is not known. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175189
Small building set against the quarry face within a walled enclosure 400m SW of the kiln complex. It is probably an explosives magazine. (Colin Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175191
Small building set against the quarry face within a walled enclosure 40 m SW of the kiln complex. It is probably an explosives magazine. Scale 2 metres. (Paula Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
DP 175199
The lean-to structure on the seaward side of the enclosure was probably a store for the processed lime. (Paula Martin)
Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin
2005
© Courtesy of HES (Dr Colin and Dr Paula Martin Collection)
- Council Argyll And Bute
- Parish Lismore And Appin (Argyll And Bute)
- Former Region Strathclyde
- Former District Argyll And Bute
- Former County Argyll
NM94NW 46 901 468
NM 901 468 This small island is dominated by its limestone quarry and associated structures. A setting of three single-chamber kilns fringes its southern bay. All differ in detail and may be of different dates. Other buildings include a store, now partly adapted for other purposes, and workers' cottages which have been converted to a holiday home. A cleared boat landing is aligned on the NE kiln, while a stone-built quay, which shows evidence of several structural phases, lies to the S.
An extensive ballast bank, labelled on the 1871 1st edition OS map as An Càrn, uncovers at low water 200m S of the quay.
Archive to be deposited in NMRS.
Sponsor: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
C Martin and P Martin 2005.
