Description

The monument comprises a later prehistoric dun which occupies Rudha Buidhe, the low rocky outcrop that forms the N end of Claggain Bay 450m S of Ardtalla. Although the position is not naturally defensive, the dun's defences are comparable to those of the nearby promontory forts at Dun Trudernish and Dun nan Gall, in that it has three walls, of which the innermost contains evidence of vitrifaction.

The innermost wall is disturbed and appears as a heavy band of rubble; the entrance faces NW and part of the SW side of the passage is visible. The middle wall probably measures about 2.4m in thickness and surives to a height of 0.9m. The outer wall has been reduced to a series of intermittent boulders. The extensive beach to the NE offers a landing-place.

The area to be scheduled measures 65m E-W by 65m transversely to include the dun and an area around in which evidence associated with the construction and use of the fort may survive, as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it represents the well-preserved remains of a later prehistoric domestic site which has the potential to provide information about prehistoric social practice and structure. Its apparent association with two nearby vitrified forts suggests that this group of monuments is particularly unusual and has the potential to provide comparative evidence for contemporary activity.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NR 45 SE 6.

Reference:

RCAHMS 1984, The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. Argyll: an inventory of the monuments volume 5: Islay, Jura, Colonsay and Oronsay, Edinburgh, No. 204.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland