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MHG65877 - Turf bank - Leirinmore

Summary

A low turf bank.

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

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.

On a small, flat, grassed promontory that descends to the coast-edge at the foot of a steep craggy slope are the remnants of what may be a low turf bank. This bank effectively cuts off the northern 27 m of the promontory from the hinterland as it extends E-W across 26 m. The bank is 1.1 m wide and stands 0.2 m high and has no stones apparent in its fabric except for a section at the east end. The line of the bank meanders, curving south around the edge of a very large boulder which is 2.5 m wide and 1.7 m high and probably represents tumble from the crags above. There is a very faint trace of a bank extending from the main one just described and skirting the west side of the boulder but this may be a natural feature. This stretch of the coast is unlike adjacent areas as it affords access to the water's-edge. The bank is clearly not defensive as it is overlooked by higher ground at the south and as this area does not make sense as a field, there being little protection from wind or sea, it remains somewhat enigmatic as to what purpose it served. <1>

Note: Site not visible on aerial photographs so location based on grid coordinates. (TB 11/5/26)

Sources/Archives (1)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NC 4266 6732 (36m by 36m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NC46NW
Geographical Area	SUTHERLAND
Civil Parish	DURNESS

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Related Investigations/Events (1)

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