MHG35861 - Possible Stable, Store or Quarry Workers Cottage - Ard Neackie
Summary
Ramshackle building of uncertain function now demolished. It has been variously postulated that it may have functioned as a stable, store or housed a kiln and the quarry workers.
Type and Period (3)
Protected Status
- None recorded
Full Description
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.
An outbuilding 10 m east of the NE corner of the inn. This was used to house the workers from the adjacent limestone quarry (no 29 above, NMRS number NC 45 NW 20), and kiln (no 30 above, NMRS number NC 45 NW 14: Close-Brooks, 1995; 60). This measures 15 m E-W by 8 m and is divided into three compartments. This structure is built of mortared stone, brick and wooden cladding and has a slate roof. There are chimneys at either gable-end. This structure has been recently used as a boathouse and store for fishing tackle. Of all the structures in this complex, this last one is in the poorest condition being largely open to the elements, where the wooden cladding has rotted away. The slate roof is also clearly too heavy for the supports and looks close to collapse. <1>
Recorded in Close-Brooks as "Beside the ferry inn, the strange wood and concrete building with brick chimneys and a slate roof was used to house the kiln and quarry workers" <2>.
The building is in a very poor state of repair and currently functions as an animal shelter. The structure is timber framed with timber weatherboard gables. It has been variously patched up with brickwork and timber battening. <3>
Note: the building appears to have been demolished between 2009 and 2020 according to Aps. (TB 5/5/26)
Sources/Archives (3)
- <1> SHG21099 Text/Report/Fieldwork Report: Brady, K. & Morris, C.D.. 1997. North Sutherland Survey: Coastal Zone Assessment Kyle of Durness to Torrisdale Bay. Glasgow University (GUARD). 30/01/1998. . p 121 Site 38.
- <2> SHG23142 Text/Publication/Volume: Beaton, E. 1995. Sutherland: An Illustrated Architectural Guide. Paper (Original). Pg 45-7.
- <3> SHG23286 Verbal Communication: Puls, A. Comment by Andrew Puls, HC Archaeologist.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred NC 4476 5974 (18m by 17m) (2 map features) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | NC45NW |
| Geographical Area | SUTHERLAND |
| Civil Parish | DURNESS |
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (1)
Related Investigations/Events (1)
External Links (1)
- https://trove.scot/place/156793 (View record on the HES Trove website)
Comments and Feedback
Do you have any more information about this record? Please feel free to comment with information and photographs, or ask any questions, using the "Disqus" tool below. Comments are moderated, and we aim to respond/publish as soon as possible.