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MHG60854 - Hut circle - Loch Rubha na Breig 1

Summary

A hut circle at Loch Rubha na Breig near Inverkirkaig.

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Full Description

A hut circle at Loch Rubha na Breig near Inverkirkaig.

207095 918929 Loch Rubha na Breig 1 DMC003: The hut circle was visited by A Welti, G Sleight, D Hickling and others in 2015 as part of research for a dissertation on hut circles in Wester Ross. This was part of a degree course overseen by Aberdeen University. The Loch Rubha na Breige peninsula has many pre-clearance ruins in sites near freshwater lochans and in gently sloping areas which are infested with bracken. Heather is sparse probably due to a fire a few years ago. There are many platforms which could have been bases for roundhouses, but few seem certain. Stone from these was probably used for the many small circular shielings, most of which have diameter around 2m. There are some possible burial cairns and some lazy beds. From Bealach Mor there is a sight line to Achnhaird. Possibly the wee dun on the south side of Achnahaird Bay is in sight. This peninsula would have been a delightful area in which to live, with shelter from the prevailing winds, although there are few burns and water supply could have caused problems. This circular HC, DMC003, is in poor condition. It is sited on a natural terrace in a gentle N facing slope.The platform is dug into and built out from the slope. The northern walling is supported by a steep rivetted bank. The slope continues downwards for 25m to Loch Rugha na Breige. The site is at a distance of 200m from a stream, 300m from the sea loch, Ennard Bay to the south, and 600m from the sea at Loch Kirkaig to the north. The surrounding landscape, where it has been used for farming, is covered with a mixture of grass and bracken. Average inner diameter is 5.7m, outer diameter is doubtful, ranging from 9.7m to 7.6m, as walling has spread due to tumble. Wall thickness where measurable is 1.5m. No entrance was discernable. Shielings have been built over the structure and other shielings are close by. DMC003 is at a distance of 100m from DKH001 (see MHG60856), a structure also near to the edge of Loch Rugha na Breige. <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].

GIS spatial data created in 2019 based on 2016 vertical APs <3>

Sources/Archives (3)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NC 0709 1894 (12m by 12m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NC01NE
Geographical Area	ROSS AND CROMARTY
Civil Parish	LOCHBROOM

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