MHG1122 - Hut Circle - Tulach Bad A Choilich (2a)

Summary

A hut circle at Tulach Bad A Choilich.

Type and Period (1)

  • HUT CIRCLE (Neolithic to Late Iron Age - 4000 BC? to 560 AD?)

Protected Status

Full Description

Centred ND 105 242: On E slopes of the Berriedale Water are six hut circles or enclosures, of the usual type of earth and stone banks up to 0.5m high, and varying in diameter from 6-13m. The entrances are in the S, SW and SE segments, but in two cases entrances are not apparent, and these may have been sheepfolds. Two huts abut one another at ND 1047 2403. Close to, and on the N and S sides of the northernmost enclosure, are two small rectangular foundations measuring 5.5 by 2.8m and 9 by 3.5m with earth and stone banks up to 0.2m high. These appear to be shieling-type bothies.
There are many small field clearance heaps in the area.
Visited by OS (J L D) 15 June 1960.

(A - C: ND 105 240) Enclosures (NR)
(D- E: ND 1074 2403) Hut Circle (NR)
(F: ND 1045 2415) Hut Circle (NR)
(G: ND 1045 2428) Enclosure (NR)
OS 6" map, (1964)

This is a settlement of seven heather-covered hut circles (A - G) accompanied by a field system.
The hut circles vary in size from 4.5 to 11.0m in diameter within wall-spreads of 2.0 to 3.0m by 0.3 to 0.6m high. Entrances are in the S or SW, except in F and G, where the entrance appears to be in the E and W respectively. Huts D and E abut each other.
The field system in the main is delineated by stone clearance heaps, but occasional traces of lynchets and banks are in evidence.
Revised at 1:10560.
Visited by OS (J M) 23 November 1982.

A group of structures, principally prehistoric, with clearance cairns spread out over an area of gently sloping heather moorland, 400 x 150 m in extent. Nine of the structures have been described in the past (see NMRS records) and Sites 2a to 2g correspond with the NMRS labelling of the seven recorded prehistoric structures:
2a; 12 x 14 m oval building with entrance to soth. <1>

NGR adjusted based on 2020 vertical aerial photographs. <2>

Sources/Archives (2)

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred ND 1046 2409 (32m by 31m) (2 map features)
Map sheet ND12SW
Civil Parish LATHERON
Geographical Area CAITHNESS

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Investigations/Events (1)

External Links (2)

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