Description

The monument comprises the remains of a dun, a substantial fortified stone structure, likely dating to the Iron Age (800BC-400AD), with possible later remains. It is located on an artificial or modified island, measuring about 35m by 28m, in the southern part of Loch Eilean an Staoir, about 5m above sea level. A stone causeway connects the island to the loch shore.

The dun, visible as grass-covered walls, is sub-oval in plan and occupies the northern part of the island. It measures about 22m east-west by 16m, with a maximum height of 2m. Remains of stone walling are visible internally. Stones around the edge of the island may represent an enclosing wall. The remains of later structures, now obscured by vegetation, sit on and around the dun. As water levels within the loch have risen significantly, the causeway is entirely submerged. 

The scheduled area is irregular. It includes the remains described above and an area around within which evidence relating to the monument's construction, use and abandonment is expected to survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as it makes a significant contribution to our understanding and appreciation of the past as an Iron Age fortified settlement with later reuse. It has the potential to contribute to our understanding of the construction and function of island duns during prehistory. There is significant potential for the survival of buried archaeological deposits within and around the site. In particular, the partially submerged nature of the site means that there is a high potential for the preservation of organic material relating to the site's construction and use that rarely survives outside of waterlogged contexts. The monument can significantly add to our understanding of domestic settlement, society, agriculture and economy during the Iron Age. 

The site is part of a wider phenomenon of island duns with causeways in South Uist, including Eilean Chreamh (NRHE ID: 9794), Upper Loch Bornish (NRHE ID: 9837) and Loch Cnoc A' Buidhe (NRHE ID: 9826). Study of the monument alongside these sites has the potential to inform our understanding of prehistoric fortified sites, the distribution and chronology of such sites, their role in society as well as changing settlement patterns and chronology.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography
No Bibliography entries for this designation

trove.scot

https://www.trove.scot/place/9849/

HER/SMR Reference

https://her.cne-siar.gov.uk/Monument/MWE9849

Source: Historic Environment Scotland