Description

The monument comprises an enclosure of prehistoric date, visible as upstanding remains.

The monument occupies the summit of a rocky boss near the base of the coastal promontory of Eilean nan Gibneach, about 400m ENE of Port Uisken. It stands only 3.3m above the level of the col on the N (landward) side, and only a little more above the adjacent part of the spine to the S; but on the E and W there are precipitous slopes and sheer rock-faces up to 9m high.

The enclosure is irregular in plan and measures some 16.5m N-S by 15m transversely, defined by a single dry-stone wall. Where best preserved, the wall appears as a bank of stony debris about 1.9m thick and 0.8m high, but for a considerable length on the NW it has been totally destroyed, having probably collapsed over the edge of the cliff.

Several short stretches of the outer face have survived in position, and, at the entrance, situated on the E, where the wall terminals are disposed at right angles to each other, stones of each side-wall of the passage can also be seen. Those on the N side of the entrance are founded upon a rocky outcrop, but the sole example on the opposite side takes the form of an upright slab; similar orthostatic construction occurs in the outer face immediately SSE of the entrance - a possible indication that the wall, in this sector at least, was not carried to any great height.

The interior of the enclosure is rocky and uneven, but there is evidence for the remains of 4 scooped platforms, presumably hut stances, apparently arranged around the perimeter of the enclosure. The first measures c.3m by 5m with a SE aspect; the second, facing directly S, measures c.4.5m by 6.9m; the third faces SW and measures c.5.1m by 5m; and the fourth faces in a westerly direction and measures c.3.2m by 5.7m. It is not clear whether any have been rock cut on the knoll side.

The area proposed for scheduling comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related material is likely to survive. It is irregular in shape, with maximum dimensions of 46m NE-SW by 32m NW-SE, as marked in red on the accompanying map. The scheduled area is defined on the N, E and W by the base of the cliff line, and on the S by a natural gully.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to contribute to an understanding of prehistoric settlement and economy. Its importance is increased because of its rarity (scooped platforms within an enclosure are rare in this part of Scotland) and because of its proximity to other monuments of potentially contemporary date.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NM31NE 7.

References:

RCAHMS (1980a) ARGYLL: AN INVENTORY OF THE MONUMENTS VOLUME 3: MULL, TIREE, COLL AND NORTHERN ARGYLL (EXCLUDING THE EARLY MEDIEVAL AND LATER MONUMENTS OF IONA), Edinburgh: HMSO, 256-7, No. 400.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland