Description

The monument consists of an extensive abandoned settlement on a SE-facing slope above the bay at Harris.

The settlement contains at least 37 ruined buildings and associated walling. A range of buildings is represented, including houses, barns and other structures. The largest building is 14.5m by 6.3m within walls up to 1.8m wide. The majority of the other buildings are between 10m and 5m long. Although many of the buildings are likely to date to just prior to the Clearances, at least five may be earlier and the variable condition of preservation of the buildings suggests a lengthy period of occupation on this site.

In the most complex area at least three phases of structural history appear to be represented. Dykes define a number of enclosures within the settlement area. Harris may be the settlement marked as 'Kamming' on Pont's map of 1654. Harris is also marked on a map of 1801. The settlement was probably cleared in 1826 and 1828.

The area to be scheduled measures a maximum of 340m NW-SE by 165m SSW-NNE, to include the buildings and enclosures of the settlement and an area around in which traces of activities associated with the occupation of this site may survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map extract. The area of the modern house at Harris, the yard in front of this house and the fences around the steading are excluded from this scheduling, as shown.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance for its potential contribution to an understanding of domestic and social life on Rum prior to the Clearances. Harris was one of the main settlements on the island and the complexity of the settlement evidence suggests a long phase of occupation. The buildings, enclosures and field systems are well preserved.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NM 39 NW 8.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland