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MHG53702 - Farmstead and mill, Ardroe

Summary

A post-medieval farmstead and mill with associated structures at Ardroe, Assynt.

Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

Full Description

A post-medieval farmstead and mill were surveyed by the Assynt Hidden Lives group in December 2009.

"Site 83A consists of two buildings and walled enclosures perched on a relatively flat terrace on a low hillside overlooking a broad rocky bay to the south. It is a large, well-built and proportioned structure with one single compartment. An entrance opening is present on the east wall along with two chambered window bays. The west wall has only a single window bay with only one chambered side and the north gable houses a large fireplace with a small opening directly above it. On the east side of the fireplace is a wall press. There is no opening in the south gable. There are good quoins and lintels on the windows and door surrounds, which use good quarried stone. Construction is otherwise in varied rubble, with evidence of lime mortar bonding and lime render externally. A small building with a gable end abuts the north end of the main structure. The building is enclosed on its east side by a drystone wall and features a built up platform in front of its east wall. The building is of a typical construction with varied rubble brought roughly to course with frequent pinning and checking stones. Clearance cairns and other walled enclosures are visible within this complex.

Site 83B is a drystone building is associated with the farmstead situated to the west. A mill is built on top of a rocky outcrop above beach head made from beach stone and random rubble, low walls. A burn runs through the centre of this structure which is in a hidden spot and almost seems deliberately concealed. A stone built porst 8m long by 4m wide with two parallel drystone walls sit just above the beach head below the mill." <1>

Two roofed buildings and parts of enclosures are shown at this location on 1st edition Ordnance Survey mapping and so date at the latest to 1878. <2>

The buildings were also identified by Stuart Farrell in 2002 whilst conducting a walk over survey for a Woodland Grant Scheme. <3>

Sources/Archives (3)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NC 0679 2315 (56m by 42m) Approximate extent
Map sheet	NC02SE
Geographical Area	SUTHERLAND
Civil Parish	ASSYNT

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Related Investigations/Events (2)

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