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MHG57765 - Hut circle - Auchtertyre 'C' (S001) (Maol Beag)

Summary

A hut circle at Auchtertyre (Maol Beag).

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

A hut circle at Auchtertyre. First recorded by the OS as hut circle 'C'.

In the area centred on NG 846 277 is a settlement of 4 circular stone-walled huts ('A'-'D') levelled into a S-facing slope.
'A' measures 9.5m in diameter between the centres of a wall spread to 2.5m. Entrance in the SSW.
'B' measures 12.0m in diameter within a wall 1.4m thick. A gap in the WSW may represent the entrance. On its S side the rubble of the wall extends outwards for 3.0m apparently representing an expansion of the wall.
'C' measures 10.5m between the centres of a poorly preserved wall which incorporates several naturally- placed boulders. Entrance not evident.
'D' is visible as a platform surrounded by a virtually destroyed wall measuring 12.5m between its centres. Entrance not evident.
In the vicinity are a few stone clearance heaps and ruinous walls probably from contemporary cultivation.
Surveyed at 1/2500.
Visited by OS (J M) 11 June 1974.

The site was visited by M Wildgoose in 1989 during a walkover survey at Auchtertyre prior to a proposed woodland planting scheme. On a natural terrace 100m. To the north of the A693, 30m to the north of site 82 NW 16, at a height of 100m above O.D. is a second circular structure. A stone built bank which incorporates outcrops of natural rock and measuring 2m. Wide by 0.5m. High surrounds a level area 8m. In diameter. Several clearance cairns lie close by. <1>

184621 827804 Auchtertyre 3 Maol Beag C S001: The hut circle was visited by A Welti and M Wildgoose in 2009 as part of research for a dissertation on hut circles in Wester Ross. This was part of a degree course overseen by Aberdeen University. This circular HC consists of a platform on a S facing slope with clearly visible banking and very few visible stones. The view from the site is panoramic, across to Skye and beyond. Average inner diameter is 8m, outer diameter is 12.5m, wall thickness is 1.6m with a maximum height of 1m.A possible entrance faces E. The HC is associated with PD001 (see MHG57764) and JDG001 (see MHG57766) at a distance of 100m. There are clearance cairns in the vicinity. A fourth HC in this area was noted in 1974 (see MHG9277) is no longer visible. <2> <3>

[Note: a database was set up as part of research for the dissertation and was subsequently expanded as an extension of the We Digs Project (see website link below). The full access database can be made available to enquirers/researchers if requested - contact HER for details].

GIS spatial data created in 2018 according to location as shown on 2009 APs. <4>

Sources/Archives (4)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NG 8461 2781 (16m by 16m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NG82NW
Geographical Area	SKYE AND LOCHALSH
Civil Parish	LOCHALSH

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Investigations/Events (1)

External Links (2)