Description

The monument comprises a probable crannog, or artificial islet, of possible prehistoric date, visible as a submerged mound of stones in Loch Assapol on the Ross of Mull.

The crannog lies about 70m from the N shore of Loch Assapol, at approximately 10m OD. Recent survey of the site has shown that the stone mound is roughly oval in shape and measures some 14.8m E-W by 18.2m N-S at its base. It rises to a height of 1.2m and is crowned by a roughly level, circular platform, 9m in diameter. No structures are visible on the platform.

The islet is certainly artificial. It comprises a mass of large and medium-sized stones forming a distinct mound, which breaks sharply at a 10-15 degree angle with the surrounding loch-bed of hard-packed sand. Indeed, there is nothing to compare with the stone mound anywhere else in the loch. Unfortunately, no dating evidence is available in the absence of excavation.

The area proposed for scheduling comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related material is likely to survive. It is circular in shape with a diameter of 20m, as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to contribute to an understanding of prehistoric or later settlement and economy. Crannogs are a distinctive phenomenon in southern Scotland and, although not rare, they are a diminishing resource. Waterlogged and loch-based sites frequently preserve palaeoenvironmental evidence and rare artefacts of organic materials (wood, leather, etc.), which adds to their importance.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NM32SE 8.

References:

Holley M W (2000) THE ARTIFICIAL ISLETS/CRANNOGS OF THE CENTRAL INNER HEBRIDES, Brit Archaeol Rep Brit Ser 303, Oxford

RCAHMS (1980) ARGYLL VOL. 3: MULL, TIREE, COLL AND NORTHERN ARGYLL, Edinburgh: HMSO.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland