Description

The monument consists of the remains of a dun, late prehistoric fortified settlement, situated on an islet in a loch. The site may have been subsequently occupied in the medieval period.

The dun is approached from the N by a boulder causeway, which becomes submerged after heavy rain. This is 28m long and partly covered with turf at the N end. The exterior wall of the circular settlement measures 19.8m N-S by 16m E-W. Foundation material and tumbled boulders extend for 2.8m outwith the outer wallface. This face is traceable on most of the circumference of the dun apart from the NW side. There is a well preserved stretch (7m long, 1m high and 0.8m thick) of walling in the SE, composed entirely of large boulders. The central court of the structure is partly obscured by tumble. The footings of a sub-rectangular building, probably of a later date than the dun, can be discerned in the NW portion. The building's

dimensions are 8.3m N-S by 6.4m E-W over walls 1.3m thick. The walls of this structure are composed of smaller stones than the surrounding scatter.

The area to be scheduled is irregular and measures a maximum of 50m NE-SW by 22m NW-SE to include the dun, the later building and the causeway as shown in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it is a well preserved example of a small late Iron Age fortress with evidence of a considerable period of use or re-use. It has the potential, through study and excavation, to increase our understanding of late prehistoric defensive construction, technology and settlement patterns.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NB 53 SW 6.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland