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MHG58085 - Circular depression, Lochournhead

Summary

Circular depression, Lochournhead

Type and Period (1)

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Full Description

Lochournhead
Sites identified during an archaeological survey of Loch Hourn by NOSAS in 2004 and 2006.

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. <1>

In 2006, NOSAS returned to complete a more detailed survey of Kinlochourn and Lochournhead (p.41) which has been used to locate some of the sites.

Site 847. A small circular depression, c 1m in diameter and 0.5m deep. Some stone is visible at its base. <2>

Note; Site not visible on Aps so location approximate. (T Blackie 29/6/18)

Sources/Archives (2)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NG 9514 0642 (2m by 2m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NG90NE
Geographical Area	LOCHABER

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Investigations/Events (1)

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