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MHG60228 - Platform and possible hut circle - Srathain

Summary

A platform and possible hut circle, at Srathain, Lochbroom.

Type and Period (2)

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Full Description

A platform and possible hut circle, at Srathain, Lochbroom.

212812 897319 EI002 Srathain 2: The site was visited by A Welti and E Ing in 2011-12 as part of research for a dissertation on hut circles in Wester Ross. This was part of a degree course overseen by Aberdeen University. This circular stone structure sits on a slumped platform on a very steep South facing exposed hillside above Allt an-t Srathain, a river which flows eastwards to Rhue and Loch Broom. The hillside is above a cultivated valley with evidence of later settlement. The site is at an elevation of 135m. This and two other structures were discovered after muirburn burnt away the heather and bracken which had obscured the stone settings before the muirburn. As regeneration took place the surrounding vegetation has become a mixture of heather, grass and bracken. Inside the structure it was half bracken, half grass. The site has panoramic views inland and to the sea loch, Loch Broom. EI002 is at a distance of 45m from a fast flowing stream and 330m from Allt an t-Srathain. Around both EI001 (see MHG60226) and EI002 there are several piles of stones which seem placed: 15m SSW of EI002 possibly marking a small cist, 3m east of the wall of the HC with dimensions of 1.5 x 1m and 3m to the west is a small collection of placed stones. The platform is dug into and built out from the steep slope. The interior has partially slumped down the slope. There is a strong solid revettment on the lower southern arc. EI002 has average inner diameter 6.35m, outer diameter is 10.0m. The double skinned wall is 1.2m thick with maximum height 0.7m. A possible entrance faces East with external width 1.7m. EI001 is at a distance of 90m downslope from EI002, and 120m from EI003 (see MHG). <1> <2>

[Note: a database was set up as part of research for the dissertation and was subsequently expanded as an extension of the We Digs Project (see website link below). The full access database can be made available to enquirers/researchers if requested - contact HER for details].

Test pit excavation took place in 2012 as part of the Wedigs project. The excavation uncovered 5 courses of stone slabs in the southern revettment. There were no significant features, no evidence of occupation and no finds. <3> <4>

GIS spatial data created in 2019 to approximate location as shown on 2016 APs. <5>

Sources/Archives (5)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NH 1281 9733 (16m by 16m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NH19NW
Geographical Area	ROSS AND CROMARTY
Civil Parish	LOCHBROOM

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Investigations/Events (1)

External Links (2)