Lewis, Berie

NB14SE 7 1748 4313.

There is a small Iron Age settlement at NB 1746 4313, on Berie, a rocky headland now almost isolated from the mainland by a cliff fall. It has been partially excavated by Mr N Galbraith, History Master at the Nicholson Institute, Stornoway, who has revealed a homestead composed of three roughly built cells, one incorporating outcrop rock in its construction, and what is probably the remains of a hearth raised above the general floor level. A circular structure exposed c.10.0m to the west may prove to be connected to this complex. There is obviously more to be uncovered immediately to the north. The remains of a wall are visible along the edge of the cliff to the east, and the narrow neck, which connects the headland with the mainland, shows evidence of a retaining wall on its east side.

Rough stone implements, quantities of pottery fragments, some of coarse thick ware, others of finer, thinner ware, and quantities of iron slag, were picked up during field investigation.

Mr Galbraith is awaiting a report on a quantity of relics including almost a whole 'earthenware jar', which were sent for identification some time ago to Aberdeen University.

Surveyed at 6" scale.

Visited by OS (R L) 2 July 1969.