Print

MHG59103 - Circular stone pen, Kildonan township, Dundonell

Summary

Circular stone pen set into head dyke in Kildonan township, Dundonell

Type and Period (2)

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.

Ruin of a circular pen built into the later township head dyke. The walls are constructed with boulders to a maximum remaining height of 1m and a width of 0.6m. The diameter of the pen is 5.8m. The head dyke joins on at opposing sides of the pen. There are two openings within the walls both leading out on to the hillside outwith the township. <2>

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

Sources/Archives (3)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NH 0819 9066 (6m by 6m) (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)