Description

This settlement is of the 'shieling' type with small subcircular and subrectangular structures set in substantial mounds. This settlement comprises 9 shieling bothies and 2 further possible examples. These shielings are oval to subrectangular in shape, with dimensions varying from 4.0m by 3.0m to 8.0m by 4.0m.

It is possible that the shielings on this site developed over a period of time as the result of continued seasonal rebuilding and that this led to the fairly massive accumulation of debris on this site. The shielings here were probably connected with the exploitation of seasonal pasture.

The area to be scheduled measures a maximum of 210m N-S and 200m E-W to include the shielings and an area around in which traces of associated activities may be preserved, as shown in red on the attached plan.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

This monument is of national importance for its potential to contribute to our understanding of the exploitation of summer pastures in the Medieval and Post Medieval periods. The shieling structures are well preserved and incorporate important information on the structure of buildings of this type. The site is one of an important group of prehistoric settlements to the north of Lairg.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NC 61 SW 9 and numbers Dal 232-8 in R mercer (ed), Archaeoligical Field Survey in Northern Scotland 1976-1979

Source: Historic Environment Scotland