Description

The monument consists of a cave which has been used as a human habitation in post-Medieval times and perhaps as early as the Iron Age.

The cave is situated between two rocky knolls, just to the NW of the most northerly arm of Loch Gille-Ghoid. It is in two sections, with a N-facing entrance. The E portion is 1.5m high, 1.0m-2.0m wide and up to 8.0m long. It contains deep deposits of domestic midden: bone, ash, shells and fragments of pottery, possibly of Iron Age date. The W portion is more open, 2.4m high, 2.0m wide and 5.0m deep. It also contains midden deposits, but with much less bone and more recent "craggan" type pottery, probably of post-medieval date.

The area to be scheduled contains the two sections of cave and an area around and above them in which structural or other evidence relating to their occupation may survive. It is irregular on plan, measuring a maximum of 50m N-S by 50m E-W, as shown in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as a rare survival of a largely undisturbed cave occupation site, which may contain evidence, accessible to excavation and analysis, relating to domestic organisation and material culture from the Iron Age onwards. Its unusually secluded location and hidden character suggest it may have been used as a refuge or hiding place and further research may reveal the date and possibly the context of such activity.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NF 97 SE 9.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland