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MHG56908 - Fish trap - Barrisdale, Loch Hourn

Summary

A large fish trap connecting Eilean Choinnich to the mainland in Barrisdale Bay, Loch Hourn, is visible on APs run taken in 2012.

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

The remains of this fish trap comprises a band of stones drawn across the bay and may have more than one phase of construction (RCAHMSAP 2011).
Information from RCAHMS (DCC) 29 February 2012

A large fish trap connecting the small island of Eilean Choinnich to the mainland in Barrisdale Bay, Loch Hourn, is visible on Aps taken in 2012 . It measures approximately 275m and runs in an arc from the island at the north. It would have created a large tidal pool as the other sides were created by the loch shoreline, a second small island to the northwest and a sand spit between the second island and Eilean Choinnich. <1>

This fish trap was recorded by NOSAS in 2004 as part of an archaeological survey of Inner Loch Hourn.

Site: 409. A long arcing fish trap defined by a fragmented stone setting, possibly a tumbled wall, which encloses a large area of very shallow water at high tide. It reaches from the shoreline of the bay out to the Burial Isle and utilizes the tidal tombolo which connects the island to the land. Within the larger fish trap is another large rectangular feature best viewed from the slopes above when it is just covered with water, which may be connected in some way with the functioning of the larger trap. In contrast to the fish trap identified on the opposite side of the bay, the trap here gives an impression of being opportunistic, possibly for entrapping herring in season. It may have been of wattle supported by a low stone wall, the remains of which we see today. <2>

NGR adjusted based on 2012 Aps <3>

Sources/Archives (3)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NG 8714 0599 (46m by 230m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NG80NE
Geographical Area	SKYE AND LOCHALSH
Civil Parish	GLENELG

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Investigations/Events (1)

External Links (1)