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MHG60856 - Hut circle - Loch Rubha na Breig 2

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.

207074 919006 Loch Rubha na Breig 2 DKH001: 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 2.0m. 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 stone structure, DKH001, is in poor condition. It sits on a gently sloping natural terrace and is built out from it. The site is 500m from a stream and 500m from sea lochs both north (Loch Kirkaig) and south (Ennard Bay). It is 13m from fresh water Loch Rubha na Breig. From the site there are panoramic views inland. The structure is submerged by bracken. The inner diameter where measurable (see sketch) is around 4.8m and the outer diameter averages at 9.0m. Wall thickness is approximately 1.4m. Wall construction and any entrance cannot be seen due to tumble. There are shielings close to the HC. DKH001 ia at a distance of 100m from DMC003 (see MHG60854). <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 0706 1901 (16m by 16m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NC01NE
Geographical Area	ROSS AND CROMARTY
Civil Parish	LOCHBROOM

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