MHG57971 - Rock shelter, Lochournhead
Summary
Rock shelter, Lochournhead
Type and Period (1)
- ROCK SHELTER? (Unknown date)
Protected Status
- None recorded
Full Description
Lochournhead
This area was recorded by NOSAS in 2004 as part of an archaeological survey of Inner Loch Hourn.
A number of revetted platforms with round ended turf footings had been noted at Lochournhead in 2000 and subsequent years, but they had not been surveyed and recorded. One of the highlights of the 2004 survey was the survey of these sites, and the discovery of several more, spread over some distance, set into the foot of the steep ground outwith the 19th century head ditch and dyke enclosing the improved fields which make up the home farm at Lochournhead.
The interpretation is that they represent the remains of the earliest houses at Lochournhead and that they were creel houses i.e. with timber cruck frames supporting the hip ended thatched roofs, with walls of hazel wattle on the inside and turfs built up on the outside. Some of these remains are in defendable positions and could date back to the medieval period. 19th and 20 century farming has obliterated any visible evidence of early cultivation on the best ground but there is one substantial area of lazy beds on steep ground outwith the fields. The 19th century sheep fank and 20th century long stay car park have probably destroyed one or two more old houses.
In 2006, NOSAS returned to complete a detailed survey of Kinlochourn and Lochournhead which has been used to locate some of the sites.
Site 448. A possible rock shelter, c 2.9m x 2.7m, formed against an in-situ boulder with small stones under the lee of the boulder creating a floor. Slight outer turf edge. <1> The floor area appears to have been roughly cobbled. <2>
Note; Site not visible on Aps so location approximate. (T Blackie 1/6/18)
Sources/Archives (2)
- <1> SHG25084 Text/Report/Fieldwork Report: Wombell, J.. 2004. A Report on the Archaeological Survey of Inner Loch Hourn and Barrisdale Bay by Members of NOSAS. North of Scotland Archaeological Society. Digital. p.39 Site 448. XY
- <2> SHG25085 Text/Report/Fieldwork Report: Wombell, J. 03/2007. A Report on the 2006 Archaeological Survey of Loch Hourn, Inverness-shire. North of Scotland Archaeological Society. Digital. p.41 Site 448.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred NG 9509 0636 (4m by 4m) (2 map features) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | NG90NE |
| Geographical Area | SKYE AND LOCHALSH |
| Civil Parish | GLENELG |
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Investigations/Events (1)
External Links (0)
Comments and Feedback
Do you have any more information about this record? Please feel free to comment with information and photographs, or ask any questions, using the "Disqus" tool below. Comments are moderated, and we aim to respond/publish as soon as possible.