Description

The monument comprises the remains of a souterrain, a rectangular building, and a circular structure. The souterrain dates from the later prehistoric or early historic period (c. 500 BC-AD 500) and would have served as a storage chamber for perishable goods. The other remains are more recent and are likely to have been built in the post-medieval period, probably between 250 and 100 years ago.

The souterrain lies on a gently sloping hill at approximately 35m OD, overlooked by the craggy summit of Knock Ullinish. It survives as a narrow, slightly curving, stone-built tunnel, aligned roughly N-S. The underground section of the tunnel is now approximately 4m long, but the overall length of the structure is closer to 9m. Only the S end of the souterrain is still accessible, but the internal height of approximately 1m makes entry difficult. The N entrance appears to open out into a circular building roughly 3m in diameter, while the S end has a funnel-shaped entrance defined by large stones. There is no obvious trace of the building or settlement which the souterrain would have served, but the remains of such structures may survive in the vicinity.

The wall footings of a roughly rectangular stone building lie immediately to the N of the N entrance to the souterrain. This building measures approximately 6m NNE-SSW by 3m. The footings of another, circular, structure, also made of stone, and approximately 3m in diameter, lie to the NE of the rectilinear building. The function of these buildings is not certain, but the lack of obvious cultivation remains in the area implies that they were related to livestock, rather than crop, husbandry. The position of these buildings may also indicate that the souterrain was being re-used at this time: the circular structure attached to the N end of the souterrain may also date from this period.

The area to be scheduled includes the features described above, plus an area around and between them where remains associated with their construction and use may be expected to survive. It is irregular in shape and measures a maximum of 70m N-S by 25m E-W, as shown in red on the accompanying map extract.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

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Source: Historic Environment Scotland