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MHG66170 - Oval structures - Caisteal Bharraich

Summary

Two conjoining oval structures cut into the slope on the north side which defines the north edge of both.

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.

At the south of the tower-house on a grassed plateau below a vertical, c 15 m high crag, are two conjoining oval structures. These have been cut into the slope on the north side which defines the north edge of both. The structure at the west measures 5 m E-W by 2.5 m internally. The surrounding turf-and-stone bank is highest (0.4 m) and widest (0.7 m) at the west and there is a possible entrance at the SW. The structure at the E measures 5 m E-W by 5 m internally with similar banks to the other structure but a square SE corner. The dividing wall between these structures is a broad bank and, alternatively, could possibly be a partition wall of one large structure. To the west of this area is a rectangular terrace defined by a slight bank and steep slope which measures 6 m E-W by 3.5 m wide. To the SW of this feature is an isolated length of turf bank, 1 m wide and 0.4 m high, which runs along the edge of the cliff and very steep slope to the coast some 200 feet below. <1>

NGR adjusted based on 1999-2001 vertical aerial photographs. <2>

Note; Between 2004 and 2009, a footpath was created cutting through these features. Some of the structure could still exist underneath the path spoil. (TB 19/8/26)

Sources/Archives (2)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NC 5808 5671 (29m by 12m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NC55NE
Geographical Area	SUTHERLAND
Civil Parish	TONGUE

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Related Investigations/Events (1)

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