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MHG25200 - Township, Kildonan, Dundonell

Summary

Township with unroofed buildings, yards, kilns, enclosures, clearance heaps and head dyke at Kildonan, Dundonell

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

The depopulated township of 'Kildonan' extends from NH 075910 to NH 082908. (Visible on air photographs OS/61/48, 021-022 and RAF CPE/Scot/ 321, 3183-4). It comprises 26 buildings, 3 yards, and several enclosures, all standing to an average height of 1.0m. The largest building measures 21.2m. by 4.8m, while the smallest is only 4.0m. square. According to local information this township was depopulated around 1850, "as the last survivor, a Mr. McIver, who died some 10 years ago, aged 100 years, was only 2 weeks old when his family was evicted, together with all the other families in the township." (Miss McNorton, Ardnessie and Mr Roger Dundonnell House, Little Lochbroom). There are between 20 and 30 large stone clearance heaps interspersed between the ruined buildings, showing that the entire area has been extensively cultivated at one time.
At NH 08019099, there are the grass covered footings of 3 buildings, a field bank and a corn-drying kiln which obviously predate the nearby township, and are possibly contemporary with the burial place at 'Clach Chill Donnain' (NH 09 SE 2) where the last interment took place some 200 years ago.
Visited by OS (R B) 5 October 1964

Seven roofed and twenty-two unroofed buildings, three unroofed structures, some enclosures and a head-dyke are depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross-shire and Cromartyshire 1881, sheet xxi). Three roofed and thirty one unroofed buildings, some enclosures and a head-dyke are shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10560 map (1968).
Information from RCAHMS (SAH) 13 February 1996

As well as the remains of a number of structures within Kildonan township there is extensive evidence of broad rig cultivation, which was recorded during the course of a pre-afforestation survey undertaken by J Wordsworth. The cultivation is situated most visibly to the N of Alltan a' Churaich and S of the Allt Mor Chill-donain on a sloping terrace raised above the beach. Less obvious remains can be found in the ground below the raised beach, although these may have been ploughed over at a later date. Other structures include a sheepfold, boundary wall, a stone and turf dyke, a series of enclosures and a number of buildings.
J Wordsworth 1995; NMRS MS 961/20, nos.7 and 9 <1>

Kildonan Township, Kildonan, Dundonnell. This site was recorded in 2011 by Buchanan M, Buchanan J, & MacInnes A as part of an archaeological survey of Kildonan Township.

Our survey found the footings of 25 buildings within the main township area. There are several walls of both stone and turf construction, some used for terracing. Three enclosures and the Square of Cromartie. Numerous large stone clearance piles. The area is covered with both narrow and broad rigs. The head dyke forks and this may indicate two different phases. <2>

NGR adjusted based on 1999-2001 aerial photographs <3>

1st Edition OS 6" <4>

Sources/Archives (5)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NH 0801 9075 (581m by 509m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NH09SE
Geographical Area	ROSS AND CROMARTY
Civil Parish	LOCHBROOM

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Investigations/Events (2)

External Links (1)