Strone Rungie, Culgower
Battle Site (Early Medieval)(Possible), Long Cist(S) (Early Medieval)
Site Name Strone Rungie, Culgower
Classification Battle Site (Early Medieval)(Possible), Long Cist(S) (Early Medieval)
Canmore ID 7089
Site Number NC91SE 1
NGR NC 981 114
NGR Description Centred NC 981 114
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/7089
- Council Highland
- Parish Loth
- Former Region Highland
- Former District Sutherland
- Former County Sutherland
NC91SE 1 centred 981 114
(Centred; NC 981 114) Site of the Conflict Of Strone Rungie (NR) (between the men of Sutherland and Caithness).
OS 6" map, Sutherland, 2nd ed., (1909)
On the shore at Strone-Rungie, between Culgower and West Garty, a number of cairns were exposed under wind-shifted sand about 1762, some of which, together with bones, were still to be seen about 1840. There is a tradition that a battle took place hereabouts, said by some (NSA 1845; Mackay 1894) to have been between the natives and the Norse invaders; and by others (OSA 1793; ONB 1871) between the Sutherland and Caithness men.
In the construction of the railway in 1870 near the headland, Sron Rubha na Gaoithe (Stron-Rungie), two skeletons were found lying side by side, with flag stones at head and feet, indicating them to be those of very tall men,the skulls long and finely shaped and bones long and massive, the teeth perfect.
Statistical Account (OSA) 1793; New Statistical Account (NSA) 1845; Ordnance Survey Name Book (ONB) 1871; J Mackay 1894.
The E end of the area is covered with grass covered mounds which appear to be only sand-dunes. No evidence of 'cairns' was noted.
Visited by OS (W D J). 27 May 1960.
No change since report of 27 May 1960.
Visited by OS (J B), 2 April 1976.
