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MHG53017 - Loch Croispol South-west

Summary

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Type and Period (3)

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Full Description

a) At N edge of site, stretching from modern cross-fence S for 35 m, is small field system fringed with clearance cairns ranging in size from 5 x 2 m to 2 m diameter along SE, bordered by short linear stony bank, 10 m NE/SW. N'most cairn is 1 m S of fence at NC 3881 6836. Area is c 15 m wide. Clearance cairns (+ bank) appear heaped on natural outcrops and breaks of slope for most part.

b) To S of (a) is linear stony bank running NW/SE for c 50 m, with return at W end to S, creating open-sided enclosure c 15 m wide NE/SW. Bank is spreading to 2 m wide - at NC 3879 6830.

c) 43 m to SW of (b), at NC 3876 6827, is small oval structure, measuring 6 m E/W x 4 m externally, defined by tumbled stony bank1.2 m wide - lots of tumble. Entrance in S. Ends and sides clearly rounded.

d) c 15 m to ESE from (c) is large, subrectangular enclosure, defined on NW by short craggy break of slope and on SW by broken line of very large boulders, several orthostatic Measures 16 m NNW/SSE along boulder line, with low, turf-covered bank continuing line for 10 m and then arcing to NE; 11 m on traverse, with rubble spread bank <2 m wide on E. Overall dimensions c 26 m NNW/SSE x 13 m externally. Structure tucked into NE side of enclosure, defined by low, turf-covered banks, with stone facing visible in N wall. Measures 6 m N/S x 4 m internally, with bank c 0.6 m wide. Some burrows. At NC 3878 6823
In undulating, sheltered bowl between lochs Croispol and Lanlish, immediately west of large drystone post-Improvement enclosures outside survey area.
Remains of settlement and associated enclosures and cultivation remains. Form of structures is atypical of post-Medieval townships. May be shieling ground that developed into more substantial and enduring settlement, and/or could be settlement of earlier (Medieval) date.
Recommendations: Survey and monitor burrowing in (d). <1><2>

Sources/Archives (2)

Map

Location

Grid reference	NC 3878 6829 (point) Approximate
Map sheet	NC36NE
Geographical Area	SUTHERLAND
Civil Parish	DURNESS

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