Papa Westray, Backiskaill
Naust(S) (Post Medieval)
Site Name Papa Westray, Backiskaill
Classification Naust(S) (Post Medieval)
Canmore ID 2892
Site Number HY45SE 49
NGR HY 48449 50826
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/2892
- Council Orkney Islands
- Parish Papa Westray
- Former Region Orkney Islands Area
- Former District Orkney
- Former County Orkney
Field Visit (June 1982)
Backiskaill HY 4844 5082 HY45SE
In the shoreline above the old jetty at Backiskaill is a row of contiguous nausts, built of turf and erect slabs, 2m to 2.5m wide and up to 5.5m long. The three northernmost open at beach level, and derelict winches stand at the heads of two of these. The three to the S are truncated, with their floors some 0.5m above the top of the beach. To the S, a small limpet shell-midden, probably representing shellfish used for bait, has been exposed by erosion.
RCAHMS 1983, visited June 1982
(OR 842).
Field Visit (1998)
Six contiguous noosts are sited around the head of the shore, close to a shell midden. The noosts have walls constructed from turf and upright slabs. They measure in the region of 2m to 2.5m wide and are up to 5.5m long. Two derelict winches are located nearby. The shell midden is almost wholly comprised of limpet and most probably derives from fishermen's bait.
Moore and Wilson, 1998
Orkney Coastal Zone Assessment
