Print

MHG58989 - Byre, sheepfold and dip. Kildonan, Dundonell

Summary

Byre, sheepfold and dip by the township at Kildonan, Dundonell

Type and Period (3)

Protected Status

Full Description

The depopulated township of 'Kildonan' extends from NH 075910 to NH 082908. (Visible on air photographs OS/61/48, 021-022 and RAF CPE/Scot/ 321, 3183-4). It comprises 26 buildings, 3 yards, and several enclosures, all standing to an average height of 1.0m. (See MHG25200)

Visited by OS (R B) 5 October 1964

Seven roofed and twenty-two unroofed buildings, three unroofed structures, some enclosures and a head-dyke are depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross-shire and Cromartyshire 1881, sheet xxi). Three roofed and thirty one unroofed buildings, some enclosures and a head-dyke are shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10560 map (1968).
Information from RCAHMS (SAH) 13 February 1996

As well as the remains of a number of structures within Kildonan township there is extensive evidence of broad rig cultivation, which was recorded during the course of a pre-afforestation survey undertaken by J Wordsworth. The cultivation is situated most visibly to the N of Alltan a' Churaich and S of the Allt Mor Chill-donain on a sloping terrace raised above the beach. Less obvious remains can be found in the ground below the raised beach, although these may have been ploughed over at a later date. Other structures include a sheepfold, boundary wall, a stone and turf dyke, a series of enclosures and a number of buildings. <1>

This site was recorded in 2011 by Buchanan M, Buchanan J, & MacInnes A as part of an archaeological survey of Kildonan township.

There are two buildings on the shore below the raised beach and township. Both are shown as roofed on the 1st OS. The byre with its sheepfold is marked on the 1st OS. The walls of the surrounding sheepfold are still largely intact, and are neatly constructed with layered dressed and chosen stone. (see plan) The dipper also remains in good condition. There are no firm dates as to the construction of these buildings but they are locally thought to be contemporary with Kildonan House (MHG58985) around the time of the establishment of the sheep farm. <2>

NGR adjusted based on 1999-2001 aerial photographs <3>

1st Edition OS 6" <4>

Sources/Archives (4)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NH 0777 9088 (28m by 26m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NH09SE
Geographical Area	ROSS AND CROMARTY
Civil Parish	LOCHBROOM

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Investigations/Events (2)

External Links (1)