Description

The monument comprises the remains of a dun, a fortified settlement of Iron Age date (about 500 BC to AD 500).

The monument is situated on a natural rocky islet in Loch nam Ban Mora, approximately 30m from the NE shore, at about 290m OD. The islet has probably been artificially enlarged. The dun has a roughly D-plan wall conforming to the edge of the islet, measuring overall 14m NNW-SSE by 8.5m transversely. The wall is best preserved on the straight side in the ENE, nearest the shore, where the outer face survives to a height of 1.2m, approximately 1.3m thick and is built of pitchstone blocks. The interior is uneven and heavily turfed.

The dun is overlooked by the highest hill on Eigg, An Sgurr, whose spectacular rocky summit is defended by a massive drystone wall.

The area proposed for scheduling comprises the remains described and an area of the loch bed around, within which related material is likely to survive. The area is circular in plan and measures 40m in diameter, centred on the islet, as marked in red on the accompanying map extract.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

This monument is of national importance because of its potential to contribute to an understanding of later prehistoric defended settlement and economy. Its importance is increased by its proximity to other monuments of potentially contemporary date.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is recorded by RCAHMS as NM48NE 15.

References:

Blundell F O 1913, 'Further notes on the artificial islands in the Highland area', PROC SOC ANTIQ SCOT 47, 292.

Donaldson M E M 1923, WANDERINGS IN THE WESTERN HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS, Paisley, 250, 2nd, rev.

Morrison I A 1985, LANDSCAPE WITH LAKE DWELLINGS: THE CRANNOGS OF SCOTLAND, Edinburgh, 65.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland