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MHG51126 - Abandoned farmstead - Croft 5, Balmeanach

Summary

An abandoned farmstead lying within the present township of Balmeanach.

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

The remains of an abandoned farmstead were recorded during a field survey of a proposed new house site. This consists of four main elements: a house/store/kiln-barn complex, byre and yard, kaleyard and revetted platform and a stackyard and related enclosure. Evidence from the evaluation suggested that the house complex and byre pre-dated the stackyard and kaleyard. It was thought likely that the whole complex dated from post-1860. The excavation evidence demonstrated that the kaleyard boundary wall and the earth bank lying to the east of the byre were constructed no earlier than 1860. The map evidence, and excavated finds from Trench Hin.05, showed that the farmstead was in existence by 1880, (probably the mid 1870's) and by 1903 the byre was roofless and being used as a convenient dump for domestic rubbish. Local knowledge was that a Mrs Lamond (who died in the early 1930's), was the last person to live in the house on croft 5 (pers com Mr P Martin). It could therefore be shown that the croft 5 farmstead was probably constructed between 1860 and 1875 and that by 1903 it was running down to a final abandonment in the 1930's. The blocking of the house windows perhaps indicated that the house served as a sheep pen after abandonment. <1>

The above fieldwork report states that this farmstead lies within the township of Balmeanach. However, information from the RCAHMS suggests that this portion of land actually lies within the township of Peinlich, which is separated from Balmeanach by the Lon a' Bhaile Mheadhonaich (see MHG25889). <2>

Sources/Archives (2)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NG 41283 58536 (83m by 211m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NG45NW
Geographical Area	SKYE AND LOCHALSH
Civil Parish	SNIZORT

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (4)

Related Investigations/Events (1)

External Links (1)