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Latitude: 56.3242 / 56°19'27"N
Longitude: -6.3457 / 6°20'44"W
OS Eastings: 131430
OS Northings: 723133
OS Grid: NM314231
Mapcode National: GBR BDQ0.269
Mapcode Global: WGYD8.H9GM
Entry Name: Loch Poit na h-I, crannog 220m SSE of Achaban House
Scheduled Date: 29 October 2003
Source: Historic Environment Scotland
Source ID: SM10542
Schedule Class: Cultural
Category: Prehistoric domestic and defensive: crannog
Location: Kilfinichen and Kilvickeon
County: Argyll and Bute
Electoral Ward: Oban South and the Isles
Traditional County: Argyllshire
The monument comprises a probable crannog, or artificial islet, of possible prehistoric date, visible as a submerged mound of stones in Loch Poit na h-I on the Ross of Mull.
The monument lies some 70m off the N shore of Loch Poit na h-I, near Achaban House.
Recent survey of the site has shown that it comprises a roughly circular mound of well-rounded, water-worn, granite stones, which measures 19m in diameter at its base. The mound rises up to 2m above the surrounding loch-bed to form a roughly circular platform 12m in diameter. The surface of the platform is uneven and obscured by vegetation; no archaeological features or structures are visible.
This islet is certainly artificial. The mound sits on decayed granite bedrock, which breaks sharply with the surrounding silty loch-bed; and all the other islands in the loch are of different character, consisting of natural rocky outcrops. Shallow water surrounds the crannog, which can be reached easily by wading from the shore, but no causeway could be identified. The precise function and date of the crannog are unknown.
The area proposed for scheduling comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related material is likely to survive. It is circular in shape with a diameter of 20m, as marked in red on the accompanying map.
Source: Historic Environment Scotland
The monument is of national importance because of its potential to contribute to an understanding of prehistoric or later settlement and economy. Crannogs are a distinctive phenomenon in southern Scotland and, although not rare, they are a diminishing resource. Waterlogged and loch-based sites frequently preserve palaeoenvironmental evidence and rare artefacts made of organic materials (wood, leather, etc.), which adds to their importance.
Source: Historic Environment Scotland
Bibliography
RCAHMS records the monument as NM32SW 13.
References:
Blundell O (1913) 'Further Notes on the Artificial Islands in the Highland Area' Proc Soc Antiq Scot 47, 257-302.
Holley M W (2000) THE ARTIFICIAL ISLETS/CRANNOGS OF THE CENTRAL INNER HEBRIDES, Brit Archaeol Rep Brit Ser 303, Oxford.
Source: Historic Environment Scotland
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