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MHG61690 - Ruined building - Harper's Sand, Braes of Scrabster

Summary

A ruined building eroding from beneath the sand dunes at Harper's Sand, Braes of Scrabster.

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

A ruined building eroding from beneath the sand dunes at Harper's Sand, Braes of Scrabster.

The site was first reported by D Manson in 2014 who noticed architectural fragments and three vertical sections of walling eroding from the base of the dunes. Photographs and drawings were submitted. <1>

The site was recorded on the SCAPE site. Stone structure eroding out of the base of the sand dunes at the coast edge below the Bishop's Walk, Scrabster. Exposed sections of built wall the tallest of which is about 1.1m. Total length approx. 14m, oriented SE-NW parallel with coast edge. At least 3 possible return walls visible. Drystone construction using mostly boulders from the lower shore with some quarried sandstone. Two pieces of unfinished dressed stone have been recovered from the site. Extensive deposits of sandstone chippings and debris, possibly from the working of stone, appears to have been used to infill behind the drystone walls. Except for a single Fe nail, no cultural material noted. <2>

The site was visited and photographed by M Hoole in 2015. <3>

Additional photographs were submitted by S Bell in 2020. It is quite clear that the site is a building as a vertical face of well-constructed masonry with openings is now clearly visible. <4>

Sources/Archives (4)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred ND 1032 6935 (20m by 20m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	ND16NW
Civil Parish	THURSO
Geographical Area	CAITHNESS

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External Links (2)