Jura, Lagg Bay

NR 596 787 Aerial reconnaissance in association with RCAHMS on 1 Sept 2010 identified a rubble-built hook-shaped jetty at the head of Lagg Bay, close to the high water mark. This is presumably earlier than the jetty and slipway some 150m to the NE, built in 1809–10 to improve the droving infrastructure between Jura and the mainland. Other hook-shaped jetties associated with droving are known at Fishnish on Mull (DES 2007, 58) and at Ardness in Morvern (DES 2009, 111), and their situation near the high water mark was probably to ensure that animals could be loaded and unloaded from firm dry ground. Though cattle are indifferent to wetness, they dislike loose or rocky foreshores. This type of jetty may therefore date to the 18th century or earlier. Later structures were designed to facilitate dry-shod loading of cattle at other states of the tide, either by building more-elevated jetties closer to low water (as at Lagg II) or by creating slipways or jetties with sloping top surfaces (as at Barr nam Boc, Kerrera (DES 2009, 45).

Archive: RCAHMS (intended)

Funder: Morvern Maritime Centre and RCAHMS

Colin Martin – Morvern Maritime Centre