Description

The monument consists of the remains of a massively-built prehistoric homestead, the focus of an early agricultural settlement. The area of Steinacleit was stripped of peat in 1920, revealing an oval enclosure some 85m E-W by 60m formed by a wall of large boulders. Within the enclosure, near to the SE side, is a small upright stone. Also within the enclosure, near to the SW side, is a large sub-circular mound which has been interpreted as a chambered cairn but is more likely to be the remains of a substantial house, measuring some 15m by 12m overall. There is a break in the enclosure wall, with a spur wall running outwards from the E end of the break, immediately to the E of the mound which represents the ruined house. This break may represent an original entrance, with the spur wall providing a funnel to assist in herding livestock into the enclosure. The area to be scheduled is approximately oval, 95m E-W by 75m N-S, to include the enclosure, house and standing stone, and coincides exactly with the area in the care of the Scottish Ministers. It is shown in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as a rare example of a large prehistoric settlement mound and field system in the northern part of the Long Island. The very substantial construction is a feature more commonly encountered in mainland Scotland and in the S parts of the Outer Hebrides. Although partially excavated, the monument was quite clearly not properly understood at the time, and much remains to be discovered about the site. Excavation, together with survey and analysis, may reveal much of interest relating to prehistoric settlement, agricultural economy and society.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS - NB35SE 2
Historic Environment Scotland Properties
Steinacleit Cairn and Stone Circle
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/steinacleit
Find out more

Source: Historic Environment Scotland