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MHG66030 - Nousts - Laid

Summary

Side-by-side and cut into the turf are two boat-nousts.

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.

Side-by-side and cut into the turf are two boat-nousts. The south example is 1.25 m deep and measures 7 m E-W by 3.5 m internally and has been revetted at the SE and north. The north example measures 6 m E-W by 2.5 m internally and stone revetment is visible at the NE and SE. Extending from just S of the first noust is a tumbled stone dyke which runs on to the beach for 6 m. There is then a 4 m gap to a linear spread of very large boulders which continues the line of the dyke. This linear feature runs for c 30 m NE-SW along the intertidal zone about 5 m in front of the nousts. This feature is 1-2 m wide and has a gap in the middle adjacent to the S noust with two lines extending east in to the water at either side. This is clearly a slipway and sea-defence for the nousts. The N noust is more tumbled than the south and may be older. This whole complex is subject to erosion from the sea. <1>

Note: Site not visible on aerial photographs so location loosly based on grid coordinates, which appear incorrect as denote a location approximately 75 m inland.. (TB 24/7/26)

Sources/Archives (2)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NC 4142 5835 (16m by 17m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NC45NW
Geographical Area	SUTHERLAND
Civil Parish	DURNESS

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