MHG65776 - Longhouse - Kyle of Durness
Summary
The remnants of a rectangular structure 26 m long divided into three compartments.
Type and Period (1)
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.
Immediately east of the modern road, in an area of peat bog, are the remnants of a rectangular structure 26 m long and divided into three compartments. This site is mostly covered in turf and bracken, obscuring most of the detail. There has been a level surface cut into the peat slope on a raised beach, and it is on this cleared area that this structure has been built. The east wall at the north end is clearly faced on both sides and this is the clearest architectural detail at the site. There are quantities of stone under vegetation 10 m from the south end and 6 m from the north end, internally, which may represent partition walls. The north 6 m is not as wide as the rest of the structure and this may actually be an extension or out-house. There is very little stone at the west side of this structure. As the road passes only some 3-4 m from this side it may be that stone was removed in the laying of that road. As the peat slips down the slope from the back of this site and the bracken and heather are dense it is very difficult to define any further elements to this structure.<1>
NGR adjusted based on 2023 vertical aerial photographs. <2>
Sources/Archives (2)
- <1> SHG21099 Text/Report/Fieldwork Report: Brady, K. & Morris, C.D.. 1997. North Sutherland Survey: Coastal Zone Assessment Kyle of Durness to Torrisdale Bay. Glasgow University (GUARD). 30/01/1998. . Site 46.
- <2> SHG29455 Image/Photograph(s)/Aerial Photograph/Vertical: Get Mapping. 2023. Getmapping aerial photography 2023. XY
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred NC 3823 6486 (11m by 30m) (2 map features) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | NC36SE |
| Geographical Area | SUTHERLAND |
| Civil Parish | DURNESS |
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Investigations/Events (1)
External Links (0)
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