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MHG66080 - Midden - Talmine Bay

Summary

Midden-deposits are eroding from the grassy, steep slope at the back of the beach.

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.

The midden-deposits are eroding from the grassy, steep slope at the back of the beach at the head of Talmine Bay. There are several sections of midden material: one at the west end consists of compact black/brown clay-like organic material which is 0.2 m thick, the whole of this section of midden being 5 m long. In this upper band of material, a bone can be seen to be protruding out of the section. Beneath this section is a sealed layer 0.3 m thick. This layer consists of wind-blown sand and seals others deposits of the same material, interweaved with more midden bands. The second section of midden material is 5 m to the east of the band mentioned above and is very similar in content. This band of midden material is 12 m long and also contains shells. The third section of midden material is 15 m from the western-most section and is light- to mid-brown. This section also contains dense shells, an iron fish-hook and Post-Medieval pottery. The midden deposits were probably dumped in the 19th century from houses which were located along the bay. The site suffers from erosion of the back of the beach. <1>

Note: Site not visible on aerial photographs so location based on grid coordinates. (TB 7/8/26)

Sources/Archives (1)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NC 5855 6283 (13m by 46m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NC56SE
Geographical Area	SUTHERLAND
Civil Parish	TONGUE

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