Description

The monument is an Iron Age fortified settlement, or dun, with later settlement overlying it, on an island in the N part of Loch Huna.

The dun has been an irregular oval on plan, some 48m NW-SE by 22m SW- NE, with a wall 1.5m thick, everywhere reduced to less than 1m in height. Entrances on the N and S may be original. A causeway, largely submerged, has run from the N end of the island towards the NW shore of the loch. The interior of the dun is obscured by the remains of a group of rectangular foundations, the latest of which may be of late- Medieval date.

A large central house 18m by 5.6m internally, with a

door facing ENE, is flanked by more slightly built outer buildings or enclosures on the W, NW and E sides. The area to be scheduled consists of the whole surface of the island

and a part of the loch bed to the N, to include the dun, later buildings and the S part of the causeway. It is an irregular oval, with maximum dimensions 80m NNW-SSE by 48m transversely, as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as a fine example of a particular Western Isle phenomenon, a prehistoric fortified site with either continuity of use into, or reuse in, the medieval period. It will contain important information relating to defensive settlement over a period of many centuries, and may shed light more generally upon the transition from Iron Age to modern society. It is known that duns were used into the 17th century as high-status dwelling places for the local chieftains, and this monument, although lacking in documentary evidence, appears to be a classic example of such a residence.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NF 86 NW 3.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland