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MHG63543 - Hut circle - Strath Sgitheach (SS5)

Summary

Hut circle (B) at Strath Sgitheach.

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

NH56SW 14 524 632.
Centred at NH 524632 on an almost level part of hillside is a settlement of 3 hut circles, plus a probable hut ('A' - 'D').
'A' is a small heather-covered hut measuring 8.5 m SE - NW x 7m within a slight wall of 1.8 m average spread. Entrance is in SE.
'B' is noticeably larger and stronger built than 'A' being 13m SE - NW x 11m within a wall of 2.5 m av spread, somewhat mutilated in NW. An outer facing stone lies at E side of entrance in SE.
'C' is 8.5 m E-W x 7.5 m within a wall of 2m average spread. The entrance is in the E.
Immediately to ENE of 'C' is an enclosure 'D' probably a hut circle though in a much poorer and rougher condition than 'C'. It measures approximately 9.9 m SE - NW x approximately 7m within a wall of indeterminate width. Some probable facing stones lie to the S of the entrance, in the SE.
130m E of 'B' is a sub-rectangular feature ('X' on the field sheet) about 8m in diameter within a turf-covered bank. Its condition is too amorphous for definite classification.
A few scattered clearance heaps are the only evidence of contemporary cultivation in the area.
Surveyed at 1:10 000. Visited by OS (J B) 16 November 1976.

This group of at least three hut circles and scattered cairns stands in improved pasture.
RCAHMS 1979, visited September 1978 <1>

A number of other settlement features are visible across this area on an aerial photograph taken by Jim Bone in 2010. <2>

The Strath Sgitheach area was surveyed by Meryl Marshall in 2020. A group of 12 round houses is NE of the main track which heads north from the bridge/stepping stones in the upper part of Strath Sgitheach. The round houses are at an altitude of c250m in heathery ground on both sides of a small burn which runs from west to east down a SE facing slope. Six are on the south side of the burn and six on the north. Just four hut circles have been previously recorded at this location although more are seen on snowy aerial photographs taken by Jim Bone in February 2010 (see JSB collection).

Hut Circle (SS5) (previously recorded as ”B”) – NH 52418 63278 The remains of this larger hut circle are more substantial than the others and in low lying ground. It is c9m diameter internally and has heather covered banks up to c0.5m (int) to 0.8m(ext) height x 2m spread. Internally the ground cover is coarse grass and moss. There is evidence of an entrance in the south arc. <3>

NGR adjusted based on 2018 vertical aerial photographs. <4>

Sources/Archives (4)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NH 5242 6328 (19m by 18m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NH56SW
Geographical Area	ROSS AND CROMARTY
Civil Parish	DINGWALL

Finds (0)

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Related Investigations/Events (1)

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