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St Kilda, Soay, The Altar
Altar (Medieval), Enclosure (Period Unknown)(Possible)
Site Name St Kilda, Soay, The Altar
Classification Altar (Medieval), Enclosure (Period Unknown)(Possible)
Canmore ID 3961
Site Number NA00SE 3
NGR NA 06772 01543
NGR Description Handheld dGPS
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/3961
- Council Western Isles
- Parish Harris
- Former Region Western Isles Islands Area
- Former District Western Isles
- Former County Inverness-shire
Desk Based Assessment (25 January 1966)
A square building 5ft each way and 3ft 6ins in height - an alleged altar. It appears to have been closed in with a turf wall 30ft N-S and 20ft E-W, the 'altar' being at the N end (J Mathieson 1928 ), although Sands said it was encircled by small standing stones (J Sands 1878).
Information from OS (BRS) 25 January 1966
Sources: J Mathieson 1928; J Sands 1878.
Field Visit (9 August 1967)
NA 0675 0157.
Although access to Soay was not possible at time of visit, this structure was noted through binoculars, and would appear to agree with the dimensions given above, and also with the illustration in Norman Heathcote's 'St Kilda' (N Heathcote 1900). The enclosuring 'wall' could not be seem, however. The purpose of the structure is still not certain.
Visited by OS (J L D) 9 August 1967
N Heathcote 1900.
