Print

MHG63780 - Hut circle - Cul Beag 'M'

Summary

Remains of a hut circle at Cul Beag.

Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

Full Description

On S facing slope is a settlement of 12 hut circles ('A'-'M') and a contemporary field system.
All the huts are circular except 'C', 'G' and 'M' which are oval. Walls are generally spread between 2.5m and 3.5m.
'A', 'B', 'D' and 'E' are visible as circular platforms measuring 11m in diameter with a few stones protruding around the perimeters.
'C' is an ill-defined oval platform measuring 15m E-W by 13m.
'F' is well-defined by a wall of bare stones, though no definite facing stones are evident, and measures 11.5m in diameter between wall centres. The entrance is in the ESE.
'G' is well-defined measuring 11m NNW-SSE by 9m between wall centres. The entrance is in SSE.
'J' is well-preserved and measures 13m between wall centres. The entrance is in E.
'K' is an ill-defined platform, 11.5m in diameter with a few stones visible around the perimeter.
'L' is a platform, 12.5m in diameter with occasional
outer facing stones visible. The ill-defined entrance is in SE.
'M' heavily mutilated, measures 13m NW-SE by 11.5m
between wall centres. The mutilated entrance is in SE.
The field system is marked by stone clearance heaps, lynchets, and one or two ruinous walls.
Huts surveyed at 1/10,000. Field system delineated on 1/10,000.
Visited by OS (I S S) 12 April 1973

Hut circle 'M' is not hut circle but enclosure of probably later date.
Visited by RCAMS (JRS) March 1989.

NOSAS members carried out a walkover survey at Cul Beag in Aug 2015.

Site M: This feature, originally thought to be a hut circle, but in 1989 as a possible enclosure was not found. However several clearance cairns, GR centred on NH 46488 50398, and a possible old track or “hollow way” were identified on a steep SE facing slope. <1>

A walkover survey was carried out by West Coast Archaeological Services in 2021 on behalf of Treeline Forestry Limited and Fairburn Estate in advance of proposed woodland creation schemes.

Site 93: Hut Circle - this circular, level area of ground measuring 16m long SE-NW x 12m wide is defined by low turf and stone banks spread 1.4>2.6m wide and standing 0.2>0.4m high. More stone is visible in the bank on the downslope side (S to SE) and there is a possible degraded entrance to the southeast. Covered in stands of bracken, heather and deer grass. <2>

Location based on SEPA LiDAR data. <3>

Sources/Archives (3)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NH 4654 5039 (32m by 33m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NH45SE
Geographical Area	ROSS AND CROMARTY
Civil Parish	URRAY

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (2)

Related Investigations/Events (2)

External Links (1)