Loch Leathad Nan Cruineachd

NC14SE 8 1618 4400.

At NC 1618 4400, above the S shore of a loch, is a hut circle accompanied by a field system.

The hut is extremely poorly-preserved, only the N half surviving to any visible degree and that as a peat-covered boulder-rubble spread to 2.0m and up to 0.3m high. The entrance has possibly been in the W. The hut measures approximately 13.0m in diameter overall.

The field system is denoted by stone clearance heaps spaced on average 15.0m to 20.0m apart, rickles of stone indicating linear clearance, occasional traces of lynchets and, on the S periphery, a stretch of consumption walling; no measurable plots are evident.

Surveyed at 1:10,000.

Visited by OS (J M) 15 May 1980.

A possible homestead and small cairns, situated on a low knoll on the E of Loch Leathad nan Cruineachd, was recorded during a pre-afforestation survey of Scourie and Badcall common grazings.

The possible homestead measures 10m from N to S by 5m and has a 1m high embankment at its S end. In places, it is defined by a 2m wide, 0.4m high stony bank but elsewhere it is partly marked by a line of stones visible through the heather. Although previously described as a hut-circle, it is clearly subrectangular on plan and is similar to the homestead (NC14SE 10.03) on the N side of the loch.

To the S and SE, there are nine small cairns, a bank and a peat stack base. The small cairns are up to 5m in diameter and 0.6m in height. They are spread over an area measuring 100m by 50m. The bank is 12m long and spread up to 1.5m in width and stands up to 0.3m in height.

M Dalland and S Halliday (Headland Archaeology 16 November 1999; NMRS MS 1039/52, no.7

NC 160 440 (centre) A short-notice survey was undertaken of 118ha of land to the SE of Scourie. There are six previously recorded archaeological sites within the area, largely located on the slopes around Loch Leathad nan Cruineachd in the middle of the area (NMRS NC14SE 6-10, 15). The sites comprise five hut circles, a homestead with associated field systems, two burnt mounds and numerous small stone-built shelters.

During the survey a total of 221 archaeological features were located, including six hut circles, two homesteads, two burnt mounds, 17 small stone shelters and 178 cairns. The majority of the sites had been previously recorded. Outside this core area, the remains of a large bank, not previously recorded, were located to the S and SW of the prehistoric settlement.

A full report has been lodged with the NMRS.

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

M Dalland 2000