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MHG41450 - Clearance cairns, Coire Mor

Summary

A large number of clearance cairns denoting a prehistoric field system.

Type and Period (3)

Protected Status

Full Description

At NH 3660 2848 is a circular stone-walled hut measuring c. 9.5m in diameter between the centres of a wall spread to c. 3.9m all round. A few outer facing stones are evident in the S arc. The entrance, in the E, is mutilated. Inside the hut, against the N arc, is a sub-circular stony platform c. 2.5m across.
In the vicinity of the hut are several stone clearance heaps probably from contemporary cultivation plots.
Visited by OS (R L) 7 October 1970

(NH 3660 2848) Unannotated circle
OS 1/10,000 map, (1971)

This is a hut circle,noted by the previous field investigator, situated in undulating moorland. It is heather covered and measures about 7.5m in internal diameter within a wall which has been approximately 1.5m wide but is now spread to about 3.0m, and stands 0.4m in average height. Stones of the wall protrude through the peat and heather, with a few outer facing stones evident in the S arc. The entrance is in the E. Inside the hut, against the N arc, is a sub-circular stony platform of unknown purpose measuring about 2.5m across. Its origins are possibly natural. Contemporary cultivation is descernible over about two hectares, marked by several scattered clearance heaps. No plots are evident.
Published survey (1/10,000) correct.
Visited by OS (J B) 10 January 1979

This site was visited during a walkover survey in 1999. A large number of clearance cairns were seen to surround the hut circle MHG2770 and 40 were identified and marked. They cover an area of at least two hectares, extending eastwards to the other side of the road, and southwards on the other side of the fence, as well as westwards and northwards. Some of the cairns are roughly circular, varying in diameter from 1.5m to 3m; others are square or rectangular, varying in size from 2m by 2m to 6m by 5m. The height varies from 5cm to 1m, but most are 30cm to 50cm high. All are covered by heather, with some stones usually visible; some also have bracken or seedling birches growing on them. <1>

Sources/Archives (1)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NH 3663 2850 (207m by 160m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NH32NE
Civil Parish	URQUHART AND GLENMORISTON
Geographical Area	INVERNESS

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Investigations/Events (1)

External Links (1)