Eynhallow

HY 36041 29076 A desk-based assessment and walkover survey of the island of Eynhallow was undertaken in April 2007. A total of 65 sites were recorded, ranging from post-medieval buildings to prehistoric structures. Of particular interest was the identification of a previously unrecorded burnt mound in the N of the island, several possible prehistoric burial mounds and a well preserved sequence of field dykes. Although further work is required to understand these boundaries, initial assessment suggests there is clear phasing and chronological depth to these features which may include potential prehistoric land divisions.

Report to be deposited with the Orkney SMR and RCAHMS.

Funder: Hunter Archaeological Trust, Viking Society for Northern Research, Orkney Archaeological Trust, Orkney College Geophysics Unit.

This group of buildings known as Lower Barns is situated on the SW side of an oval enclosure about 80m NE of Eynhallow Church. They were described in some detail by J Storer Clouston (Mooney 1923, 74-5, 155, plan), who noted the presence of two kiln-barns and two stables, but all were overgrown on the date of visit. Three unroofed and a small roofed building set between the central and western buildings are shown on the 1st edition of the OS 25 inch map (Orkney Sheet LXXIX.7, 1882).

Visited by RCAHMS (GFG) 12 August 2015

Moore and Thomas 2008, Site 35