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MHG58413 - Pen, structure, Sgamadail (west)

Summary

Pen, 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 1112. A semi-circular structure, on a NNE facing slope; the projected internal diameter is 4m. A central depression or scoop is defined on the S side by a crescent of boulders. Although the remains are grass and lichen grown, a rubble spread is also evident on this side. To the NW, an earthfast boulder appears to have been incorporated into the structure. A small annular cell (Site 1113) has been constructed within the interior, presumably from stones robbed out of this feature.

Site 1113. Built into and possibly from the tumble of the S wall of Site 1112, this ring shaped structure stands to 6 courses in height (1m). It is made up of small boulders. The internal diameter of the structure is 0.8m, suggesting that it might have been a twinning or 'isolation' pen. <1>

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

Sources/Archives (1)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NG 7982 0949 (5m by 5m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NG70NE
Civil Parish	GLENELG
Geographical Area	LOCHABER

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