Description

The monument comprises the remains of a crannog, an island settlement probably of Iron Age date. It is situated 80m S of the northern shore of Loch Achaidh na h-Inich and is covered in grass and small trees.

The islet appear to be either wholly or partly artificial and appears to be built of stone, although timber elements may survive below the water level. Relatively modern raising of the loch water level has submerged most of the site, with the portion which normally shows above water level much reduced in extent and covered in vegetation. There are no readily discernible structural features on the surface of the islet, which measures approximately 13m E-W by 10m transversely. There is a recorded tradition that the site was re-occupied in more recent times, when it was 'repaired' and a house constructed there on oak piles.

The area to be scheduled is circular on plan measuring approximately 35m in diameter to encompassing the remains described and a surrounding area normally under the water of the loch within which evidence for the construction and use of the site would be likely to survive. The area is marked in red on the accompanying map extract.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as an Iron Age lake island settlement. The raising of the loch levels since the construction of the monument suggest that water-logged structures, artefacts and settlement debris are likely to be preserved, adding to the importance of this site and to the potential that it has to contribute to our understanding of later prehistoric settlement and economy.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is recorded by RCAHMS as NG83SW 1.

References:

Blundell F O 1913, 'Further notes on the artificial islands in the Highland area' PROC SOC ANTIQ SCOT 47, 277-8.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland