MHG51254 - Wolf Trap, Moy
Summary
A wolf trap as depicted on the first edition Ordnance Survey map of 1875.
Type and Period (1)
- PIT TRAP (16th Century to 18th Century - 1600 AD to 1750 AD)
Protected Status
- None recorded
Full Description
A wolf trap is depicted on the 1875 OS map at this location <3>. Investigation by Brian Duff (FCS) in 2004 could find no trace of this feature. <1>
The Statistical Account of 1838 for Moy and Dalarossie Parish states that "There are no other animals any way remarkable now existing; but there are numerous indications of the wolf, chiefly in the traps formed for taking them". It describes the operation of these traps thus: "The method of taking this animal practised in the Highlands was as follows. A large deep hole was dug in some place frequented by the wolf; half way across the mouth of the pit a broad plank was projected, about half of which lay upon the ground, and had upon the end farthest from the pit a weight sufficient to balance the wolf, until pretty far advanced above the pit; on the other end was placed the bait, and the remainder of the pit was covered over with brush-wood, so as to deceive the animal. The wolf then advanced to the bait along the plank which, when he overbalanced the weight on the other end, immediately fell in, and he was precipitated into the pit. Numerous remains of these pits are still in existence." <2>
Wolf traps in this area are described in a volume of the Transactions of the Inverness Scientific Society and Field Club:
"Along the west side and south end of Loch Moy, and in various parts of the hill grounds of the district there are to be seen round pits of a few feet in diameter, dug in the ground, but now of course not so deep as they were. Tradition says these are marks of wolf-pits or traps. Six or seven of these are to be seen within a few hundred yards of Loch Moy, on the south side of it". The article then goes on to quote the Statistical Account above. <4><5>
Sources/Archives (5)
- <1> SHG23754 Text/Correspondence: Highland Council. 2004. Correspondence between Brian Duff (FCS) and Kirsty Cameron, HCAU. Digital (scanned as PDF).
- <2> SHG2597 Text/Publication/Volume: NSA. 1845. The new statistical account of Scotland by the ministers of the respective parishes under the superintendence of a committee of the society for the benefit of the sons and daughters of the clergy.
- <3> SHG23755 Image/Map: Ordnance Survey. 1873-6. Ordnance Survey 1st edition 6 inch map: Inverness-shire. Digital.
- <4> SHG24623 Text/Publication/Article: Inverness Scientific Society and Field Club. 1883. 'Excursion to Craggie and Loch Moy' in Transactions of the Inverness Scientific Society and Field Club, Vol II, 1880-1883. Digital (scanned as PDF).
- <5> SHG24624 Text/Correspondence: National Museums of Scotland. 2010. Email from Trevor Cowie, National Museums of Scotland. Yes. Digital. 04/02/2010.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | NH 77297 33824 (point) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | NH73SE |
| Civil Parish | MOY AND DALAROSSIE |
| Geographical Area | INVERNESS |
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Investigations/Events (0)
External Links (0)
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