R141 - Rodel, Harris
Promontory Fort (Period Unassigned)(Possible), Structure (Period Unassigned)
Site Name R141 - Rodel, Harris
Classification Promontory Fort (Period Unassigned)(Possible), Structure (Period Unassigned)
Canmore ID 336438
Site Number NG08SE 18
NGR NG 05465 83021
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/336438
- Council Western Isles
- Parish Harris
- Former Region Western Isles Islands Area
- Former District Western Isles
- Former County Inverness-shire
Field Visit
R141 NG 05465 83021. Headland or promontory location facing sea to south-east c. 50 x 40m of outcropping containing a number of structural remains. The most obvious are recorded thus:
(a) On tongue of land leading to promontory c. 40m from apex, area of two possible structural outlines (or graves), each c. 2 x 1m defined by mixture of set and looser stones. Maximum surviving height c. 0.2m.
(b) Adjacent to (a) and c. 3m to south-east, structural remains c. 4 x 2.5m defined by large shingle stone foundations. Clearly defined.
© Stone cell c. 2.5 x 2m located c. 20m from apex and revetted into outcrop c. 1m deep. Partly infilled with collapsed stone. Adjacent and associated (?) sharing common wall, a smaller cell c. 2 x 1m.
(d) Stone cell c. 2 x 1m located c. 10m from apex utilising natural outcropping and infilling of larger stones to create structure. Maximum depth c. 0.75m. Adjacent and associated (?) sharing common wall, smaller cell c. 1 x 1m.
(e) Stone cell c. 2 x 1m utilising natural outcropping and infilling of large stones to create structure. Surviving to c. 1m in height against bedrock at back (south-east).
(f) Area of defined positioned stones c. 1 x 1m infilled with smaller stones leaving open depth of c. 0.5m. Function unclear but several examples or similar phenomena in vicinity.
(g) Stone cell c. 1.5 x 1.5m lower down cliff on seaward side. Well defined by both larger and smaller rubble.
Unclear as to whether the site was originally 'fortified' as position and relationship to other local 'duns' suggests. Natural bedrock planes lend themselves to naturally revetted fortifications with little adaptation needed.