Description

The monument known as Kirk O'Moss consists of the remains of at least four sub-rectangular buildings, three sub-rectangular enclosures, and about eight irregular mounds. These structures are located on a green ridge which stands c. 3m higher than its surroundings and measures c. 121m by 36.5m.

One of the structures, measuring c. 9m by 5m, is identified as the chapel of St Duthac and the others may be associated buildings. This part of the structural complex may date to the Early Christian period although there is no conclusive field evidence for this. The irregular mounds have been identified as the remnants of shieling-like structures and may be of a later date.

The area to be scheduled is irregular and measures 170m NNW to SSE by 160m W to E and includes all the structural remains described above and an area around and among them where evidence relating to their construction and use may survive, indicated in red on the accompanying map extract.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

Kirk O'Moss is of national importance as an example of an isolated group of buildings possibly representing a chapel complex of Early Christian date. It has the potential to provide evidence of Early Christian or Medieval date relating to the development of ecclesiastical centres and their subsequent abandonment.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

References:

RCAHMS (1929) Inventory for County of Caithness.

MacDonald, A. D. S. and Laing, L. (1967-68) Early Ecclesiastical Sites in Scotland: a Field Survey, part 1. Proc. Soc. Antiq. Scot. 100.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland