Description

The monument comrises a complex and well-preserved post-medieval settlement just above a north-facing beach.

The settlement consists of at least 14 buildings, including 6 possible houses, 6 possible barns or byres and traces of two possibly earlier buildings. Some of the better-preserved buildings stand to the eaves and a few have the remains of fireplaces. The 'earlier' structures are overgrown foundations and lie toward the E of the site.

There is a complex system of stone dykes and enclosures to the S of the buildings and these may have been associated with animal husbandry. The area of rig and furrow associated with the settlement appears to be very restricted. It is recorded that 5 families of crofters from Bracadale on Skye set up house here in 1827. The maximum population is recorded as 27 in 1841. By 1861 the site was abandoned.

The area to be scheduled measures 330m WNW-ESE by a maximum of 90m SSW-NNE, to include the buildings, enclosures and areas around in which traces of activities associated with the construction and use of the settlement may survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map extract.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance for its potential contribution to an understanding of domestic life and agricultural practices at the time of the Clearances. The buildings and enclosures are well preserved and fairly complex. That the settlement was not occupied for a long period of time is likely to mean that archaeological deposits are relatively well preserved.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NM 49 NW 8.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland