Description

The monument comprises a depopulated settlement of post-medieval date, visible as upstanding structural remains.

The monument is situated within rough moorland and a forestry plantation. It lies above and to the N of the River Forsa at between 50-70m OD, on the W bank of the Allt Coire Fraioch burn. The monument consists of a range of domestic and agricultural structures and enclosures, all of drystone construction and generally well preserved, many standing to gable height. Some other buildings may be earlier and are represented by wall footings only, indicating the complexity and longevity of the settlement.

The depopulated settlement of Rhoail is depicted on the Ordnance Survey First Edition map (1881) as a township comprising ten unroofed buildings, one roofed building and six enclosures. There is also a corn-drying kiln lying next to a stream and above the settlement.

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 290m N-S by 440m E-W, as marked in red on the accompanying map. The above ground components of modern fences, the surfaces of existing forestry tracks, and the Allt Coire Fraioch burn are excluded from the scheduled area.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to contribute to an understanding of post-medieval rural settlement and economy. Its importance is increased by its proximity to other monuments of potentially contemporary date.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NM63NW 8.

References:

Douglass R (1988) 'Mull (Kilfinichen and Kilvickeon parish): survey', DISCOVERY EXCAV SCOT, 21.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland