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MHG58391 - Platform, structure, Sgamadail (west)

Summary

Platform, structure, 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 1109. This possibly ‘D’ shaped structure is set into a NNE facing slope. The boulder wall, which is aligned N-S on the E side, measures 11m in length, 0.2m in height and 0.5m in thickness. This wall comes to what appears to be a curved corner at the NNE end and from here appears to extend NW, inclining on a shallow gradient for 4m. On this side only occasional boulders survive. This wall then makes a return to the S, continuing as a line of turf grown boulders for 4m, returning in a curve to the SSE for 4m. Again, this wall is comprised of turf grown boulders of one course in height. The interior platform measures 4.5m x 7m. <1>

Note; Site not visible on AP’s so location approximate. (T Blackie 3/8/18)

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Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NG 7984 0949 (8m by 8m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NG70NE
Civil Parish	GLENELG
Geographical Area	LOCHABER

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