MHG65693 - Concrete platform/slipway - Kyle of Durness

Summary

A concrete platform with a metal winch at the landward side.

Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

A rapid coastal zone assessment survey was conducted by GUARD in the Autumn of 1997 commissioned by Historic Scotland from the Viking and Early Settlement Archaeological Research Project based at the University of Glasgow.

Located on a stretch of rocky shoreline at the outflow of a small burn is a concrete platform with a metal winch at the landward side. The concrete platform measures 8 m by 4 m, standing 0.4 m high, and slopes gently down to the rocky beach. This platform then gives way to a 12.5 m long stone-lined channel cleared through that rock-beach to the water's edge. There are two metal rings set into the rock, one at either side of the concrete platform. This slipway appears to have been constructed in sections and partly renewed at the seaward side. This repaired area is eroding and breaking up. The landward end of the slipway is set on large boulders and pieces of rusting chain and a steel post lie on the stones at the seaward side of this. The concrete plinth on which the winch is set measures 1.3 m by 1.3 m and has a maximum height of 0.53 m. There are steps at either side of this plinth, measuring 0.92 m on the south and 0.61 m on the west, which consists of a stone base covered in a concrete skin. The iron-winch itself is 1 m high and still has the corroded steel cable attached, an operational handle and is in reasonable condition. <1>

NGR adjusted based on 2023 vertical aerial photographs. <2>

Sources/Archives (2)

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred NC 3729 6582 (24m by 14m) (2 map features)
Map sheet NC36NE
Geographical Area SUTHERLAND
Civil Parish DURNESS

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Investigations/Events (1)

External Links (0)

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