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MHG58377 - Field wall, possible mill, Sgamadail (west)

Summary

Field wall, possible mill, Sgamadail (west)

Type and Period (2)

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Full Description

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

Sgamadail is a place of two halves, referred to here as ‘east’ and ‘west’ for convenience. In the latter 18th century, they were known as ‘the two Sgamadails’ and were held - along with ‘the two Croulins’ - by the same person (Munro 1984). Both Sgamadails are sited on outwash fans, spreads of boulders and earth carried down by melt water from the corries above at the end of the last Ice Age (plates 22 and 25). The outwash fans around Loch Hourn do not appear to have been the first choice for settlement, but following the settlement of the fertile valleys like Glen Mor, Glen Beag and Glen Arnisdale, population pressure eventually led to the occupation of the outwash fans. Plenty of building material was available, while the soil in the pockets between the stone is mineral rich. With a huge amount of hard work removing stones, outwash is capable of being cultivated in plots of rig and furrow or as small terraces.

The Sgamadails are typical of a dozen or more similar settlements around the shores of the loch, apparently progressing from summer shielings to permanent settlements. Having said this, the first settlement at Sgamadail (east) might go back to prehistoric times, as two circular recessed platforms were discovered about 200m inland, at an altitude of about 100m OD (Sites 1283, 1284).

Site 1091. Apparently constructed to redirect a burn, this is a turf covered stony bank extending E-W, then turning to the SSE. The wall is spread to 1m thick in parts and is 1m high at its highest point. It is 60m long overall; 7m from the W end, there is a breach, 2m wide. It is possible that, if the feature represents redirection of water, the 2m gap indicates the site of a possible mill. The N side of the wall is more overgrown. <1>

NGR adjusted based on 1999-2001 AP’s <2>

Note; The wall appears to run SSW. (T.Blackie 3/8/18)

Sources/Archives (2)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NG 7978 0962 (42m by 50m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NG70NE
Civil Parish	GLENELG
Geographical Area	LOCHABER

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Related Investigations/Events (1)

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