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MHG58281 - Enclosure, Corran village, Glen Arnisdale

Summary

Enclosure, Corran village, Glen Arnisdale

Type and Period (1)

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Full Description

Corran
These sites were recorded by NOSAS in 2008/9 as part of an archaeological survey of outer Loch Hourn.

General Roy recorded a small settlement here in c.1750, named Leachran. How the name changed to Corran is another matter. Meryl Marshall and Ann Wakeling (NOSAS) spent a day recording the ruined sheds and other ruined buildings behind the modern township, plus those within the croftlands (figs. 9 and 10; plate 21). Following the 19th century clearances, Corran became a crofting township, the evidence given to the Napier Commission suggesting that the 17 crofters and their families endured great hardship in their attempts to survive on 13.5 acres (Evidence to the Napier Commission, Glenelg August 1883, quoted in English 2000, 108ff). The small size of their plots is clearly visible on fig. 10. Both Camusbane and Corran, in a rental dating to 1824, included a portion of ‘Lochournside’ (Murchison 1957). Islandreoch, Sandwick, Rarsay, Inchkennel and Culnanune were one big sheep run by that time, so ‘Lochournside’ must have included places to the east like Camas Chonalain Beag, Camas Chonalain Mòr, Eilean a Gharb-làin and Rubha Leac an Aoil, all of which have evidence of settlement evidence (NOSAS 2006, 13-17).

The croftlands are enclosed within a substantial head dyke above which there is extensive evidence of turf stripping for use as fuel, for building, and to increase the depth of soil and fertility on the plots. Most crofts appear to have had a barn and they all seem to have had a byre. Sites 1334-1344 are located in improved ground to the NE of Corran village and each is associated with a strip of land. Many of the buildings are still roofed and in use; they are all similar in appearance, but they do not appear to be dwelling houses. The strips of ground appear to be defined by small ditches - which show up clearly on aerial photos - although it is probable that some have disappeared due to more recent cultivation activity.

Site 1324. A small enclosure located on the N side of a burn, at the foot of a crag. The enclosure measures c.25m x 10m and has Building 1327 set within it. <1>

Note; Main settlement present on 1st Edition OS 6", but this individual site not recorded. Site not visible on AP’s so location approximate. See MHG24470 for main settlement details (T.Blackie 20/7/18)

Sources/Archives (2)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NG 8512 0928 (20m by 18m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NG80NE
Civil Parish	GLENELG
Geographical Area	LOCHABER

Finds (0)

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Related Investigations/Events (1)

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