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MHG10232 - Cairn - Eilean Creagach

Summary

Possible robbed burial cairn

Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

Full Description

On the summit of Eilean Creagach {a small island at the end of the pier at Talmine Bay} at a height of 10m OD is an oval structure of laid flagstones, measuring 10m by 8m.
T C Welsh 1973o.

A turf-covered dry-stone structure of uncertain shape and purpose which occupies the narrow uneven summit of the islet. This is an unsuitable position for a dwelling. A more likely explanation is that it is the remains of a navigation cairn or beacon.
Visited by OS (NKB) 15 September 1977.

A rapid coastal zone assessment survey was conducted by GUARD in the Autumn of 1997 commissioned by Historic Scotland from the Viking and Early Settlement Archaeological Research Project based at the University of Glasgow.

On the highest part of Eilean Creagach, under grass and surrounded by bedrock, lies a turf-clad oval mound with occasional stone protruding from its fabric. This measures 4 m by 3 m with a central hollow c1.5 m in diameter. The mound is possibly disturbed on the NW side and appears to have been robbed out previously. The central area appears very green and has a vertical slab protruding. The slab measures 0.55 m by 0.2 m high and is 0.05 m thick and is at a different angle from the surrounding bedrock. <1>

NGR adjusted based on 2023 vertical aerial photographs. <2>

Sources/Archives (2)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NC 5887 6309 (19m by 10m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NC56SE
Geographical Area	SUTHERLAND
Civil Parish	TONGUE

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Investigations/Events (1)

External Links (1)