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MHG66188 - Wrecks - Eilean Thunga

Summary

The remains of five wrecked vessels.

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.

In the intertidal zone located between the two western promontories of a small tidal island in the Kyle of Tongue are the remains of five wrecked vessels. The entire area is littered with ship-parts. Listed below are the main intact elements:

(a) At the NW of this area is a shipwreck which has at least a 25 m long keel with keelson and rider intact on the E portion (possibly the stern). There is some framing intact 7 m from this possible stern on the port side. On this framing there are seven planks visible which are fastened with iron-bolts and iron-spikes driven into the keel. The main body of the wreck is covered with small
stone-ballast approximately 0.15 m in diameter. There are approximately eleven frames intact amidships, which are 0.3 m apart and which increases to 0.5 m apart toward fore and aft. The fore-end of the keel is broken and continues on a slight angle to the SW. Most of the remaining framing is on the port side and ranges from 2.5-2 m. Some of this continues to starboard where it protrudes from the wreck and is visible at high-tide. The timbers are deteriorating due to both tidal erosion and some destruction by marine-boring organisms. The wreck is covered with moss and seaweed. Some of the framing and planking has broken free from the main structure and lies to the south of the vessel. The widest part of the vessel is 4 m.

(b) Located south of vessel (a) is another wreck oriented E-W with a 10 m long keel and the stern to the east. A portion of the stern-post is still intact where it is scarved to the keel. The keelson and riders are still partially intact on the stern. There are eight discernible frames 4 m from the stern-post, which are only intact on the starboard side. These are covered with small stone-ballast approximately 0.15 m in diameter. The port side has entirely disappeared. Pieces of the framing and structure are strewn around the area. One frame remains which could provide information on the port side of this vessel but this is loose and lies on top of the wreck. Within this frame, a treenail is visible. There is some evidence of the keel continuing to the west in a mound of mud and stone from which protrudes a possible section of keel and framing. The addition of this area would add 5 m to the length of the keel making it 15 m long. This is possibly the remnants of a fishing-vessel.

(c) Located east of vessel (a) is a wreck with the stern to the east which measures 20 m long. There is another possible 5 m long section of the keel of this vessel which has broken off and now lies at the west. This wreck consists mainly of keel and some framing which is under heavy seaweed cover. Some of the main framing is still intact and some planking is visible. A spread of small stone ballast, 0.3 m in diameter, can be discerned through the seaweed. The structure has collapsed to the port side and is being covered over with silt. And seaweed.

(d) Located NE of vessel (c) is a relatively modern vessel which has been stove through in numerous places on the starboard side. There is evidence that attempts have been made to repair this vessel, which is 10 m long. The diesel engine is still inside, although off its mountings. Some of the interior planking is still intact although there are a number of areas of charring, particularly around the stern. The starboard gunwale is still intact with the planking fixed with iron-nails. The port side gunwale has been seperated from the main body of the vessel.

(e) Lying immediately to the NE and in the lee of vessel (d) is a clinker-constructed, fibreglass-coated vessel approximately 5 long and in reasonable condition. <1>

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

Sources/Archives (2)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NC 5740 5875 (95m by 46m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NC55NE
Geographical Area	SUTHERLAND
Civil Parish	TONGUE

Finds (0)

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Related Investigations/Events (1)

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