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MHG57923 - Cairnfield and lazy beds, Skiary

Summary

Cairnfield and lazy beds, Skiary

Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

Full Description

Skiary
These sites were recorded by NOSAS in 2004 as part of an archaeological survey of Inner Loch Hourn. This a substantial crofting settlement as seen today, on the exposed outwash fan of a river, the Allt Coire Mhicrail, where most of the numerous houses and other buildings have long since been deserted. Skiary remains a home today with one occupied dwelling house and ancillary buildings. Some 85 sites were identified and recorded here.

The shoreline structures are particularly numerous and complex, reflecting the importance of Skiary during the hay-days of the herring fishing period and warrant a more detailed survey at some time. The river at Skiary is very destructive when in spate and it breaks out of its main channel spreading rock and stone debris over a wide area. It has taken away several bridges and buildings in the past and there have been numerous attempts to contain it. The land today is divided up into small fields, plots and enclosures with dozens of clearance cairns everywhere. There is very little evidence of lazy bed cultivation and it is presumed that any lazy beds on the lower ground have long since been levelled out by later plot working. Several such plots are well defined by shallow ditches.

The shore line at Skiary shows signs of much development, evidence of the fact that it was an important port and victualling station for the herring buses of the 18th and early 19th centuries, and due to their complexity would warrant a plane-table survey. (Note; NOSAS undertook this survey of Skiary waterfront in 2006 - see p. 39)

Site 440. An extensive cairn field with small area of lazy beds at foot of slope nearby

Site 441. A large cairn field. <1>

1st Edition OS 6" <2>

A report on the 2006 Archaeological Survey of Loch Hourn <3>

Note; Site not visible on Aps so location approximate. (T Blackie 25/5/18)

Sources/Archives (3)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NG 9278 0699 (80m by 80m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NG90NW
Geographical Area	SKYE AND LOCHALSH
Civil Parish	GLENELG

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Investigations/Events (1)

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