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[Picture inserted] |
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2nd. Augt. [August] 1909.
Left Brora for Bonar Bridge at 6.6 AM.
Had breakfast at Balnagown Arms, at Ardgay an
excellent hotel and then hired to Creich Manse.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 21.
The cairns indicated on the map lie within
the wood to the N. [North] of the North West corner of
the Westmost of the upper cultivated fields above
the manse. They form a small
group of 7 or 8 and are of the usual
small class. One situated about 80 yds [yards] NW. [North West]
of the corner of the field measures about
23' in diameter and is some 3'.6" in height.
The wood was very wet as I made my way
to the double circular enclosure near
Little Swordale. A further examination
showed that the outer bank is entirely
of stone and in its present condition
shows no signs of building, is
13' to 14' across and about 2' high and near
the passage through it overgrown with grass.
The width of the passage seems to be about
8' and enters from WNW. [West North West] At some 40' from
the ESE [East South East] of the circle where is the entrance
to the interior, on the NE. [North East] side the solid character of the
outer mound changes and is represented for
the rest of its course by an outline of stones as
stated previously. The same features appear
[continued on page 2] |
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[Page] 2
[continued from page 1b]
to occur on the SW. [South West] side. There appears to be
flanking walls running for some 45' outwards
NE [North East] and SSW [South South West] on both sides of the entrance to the
interior. That on the SSW [South South West] being at its extremity
some 12' distant from the outer circumference of
the inner circle and appears to have been about
6' wide . The details of the entrance are not
obtainable on account of the ruins of the walls.
An accurate plan is only obtainable after
excavation and the clearance of the vegetation
but the main features are as recorded and
are almost identical with those of the structure
near Knock Arthur in Rogart Parish.
Mr. Donald Mackenzie here joined me and
guided me to various objects he had noticed.
In Swordale Wood just to the N. [North] of the NW. [North West]
point of the Clabran Sallach is a group of
7 or 8 small cairns.
In the portion of Swordale Wood which lies
[Margin] The Goodyera Repens grows freely in the wood.
between the Market Park and the
old road to Little Swordale lie a great number
of heaps of earth & stone, noted by Mr. Mackenzie
as graves. They differ from the ordinary
small cairns in not being circular or com:
:posed of stones to such an extent and by
a depression on one side from which the
[Continued on page 3] |
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[Continued from page 2]
soil of which they seem to be formed has
been dug. In direction the greater number
of them lie N and S. [North and South] but some few E and W. [East and West].
In length they vary generally from 4' or 5'
to 15' or 16' though a very few are longer
one was 23' in length x 8' to 9' broad, another
20' x 11'. A great number of them are
about 11' long and the average breadth is
from 4' to 7' and height 1' to 2'.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 18.
At the SE. [South East] end of the SE [South East] portion of the
Market Park is a hut circle entering from
the SE. [South East] with interior diameter of 13' x 15'
through banks about 6' wide. A number
of cairns lie to the N. and NE. [North and North East] also a
Crescentic Mound similar to those
near Lairg. It faces the N. [North] with its
back to the higher slope of the hill. The mound
measures 25' between the points of the
crescent, has a concavity of 5', and
is 11' thick at centre. The ends are about
6' across & the mound 2'-3' high.
In the portion of the park where the market
is held are the remains of three hut circles
somewhat eroded with the remains of
Cairns lying near.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 18.
Towards the centre of the SE [South East] park is a
[Continued on page 4] |
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[continued from page 3]
circle entering from the SE. [South East] measuring 26' x 29'6"
and showing indications of subdivision in
the interior. About half a dozen small
cairns lie near.
Near the W. [West] end of Loch Migdale is a hut circle.
Circular with interior diameter of about 28': entrance
from SE. [South East] about 3' across: bank about 6' across
and 8'.6" at entrance. An excavated small
cairn lies in rear of it.
At the W. [West] end of Loch Migdale some 60 yds. [yards] from
the shore is an islet which appears to be artificial
formed of boulders laid on a subaqueous ridge of clay & about 63' in diameter. It
is shallow towards the land at the W. [West] but deep on the other sides.
It is said to have been occupied in 1630 (See Sir
Robert Gordon).
To the S. [South] of Culnara Croft, between it and the loch
is a hut circle much worn down which appears
to have been of the ordinary type.
To the W. [West] of the Millers' house on the N. [North] bank
of Loch Migdale are a number of small cairns
and grave mounds similar to those in Swordale
Wood. We visited a knoll to the
E [East] of the Free church - betwixt it and the Mill
dam where Mr. Mackenzie drew my attention
to numerous graves and tumuli but I could
not be satisfied that the majority of them
were not natural, at any rate they are of small
[continued on page 5] |
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[Page 5]
[continued from page 4]
account. We returned to Bonar Bridge
where I had tea in the inn which is dirty
and not to be recommended. It was
nearly 7.0 ere I got back to Brora after
a 13 hours day and not a satisfactory one
as most of the objects are of the slightest
importance.
3rd Augt. [August] Bicycled by Backies & Dunrobin Glen
to Knock Arthur where I resumed examina:
:tion of the hut circles.
On the ridge of a spur that projects from
the hill side towards the SE [South East] end of Loch
[Margin] This is said to be
a large group of
small cairns on
the W [West] flank of
Meall Odhar,
of usual type
& my informant
knew of no hut
circles among them.
Farlary about 40' above the road is a
hut circle entering from the E. [East] and
abutting on an old wall which runs down
the hill past the front of the entrance
It measures interiorly 29' x 30'. The bank
is about 7' thick and the entrance about
3'.6" wide. Several small cairns lie
between the circle and the loch on its
[Margin] A short distance
to the E. [East] in the flat
below the road
is a mounded
construction evi;
dently a kiln.
N. [North] side. Two below the road are rather
larger than usual. One of them is 24' in
diameter and 2'- 3' high. Several old walls
are visible along the hill face.
Rogart
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 3
The most Westerly of the hut circles near
Knock Arthur where indicated on map just
[continued on page 6] |
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[Page 6]
[continued from page 5]
above the old peat road is of the ordinary type
with the entrance from SSE. [South South East] dia. [diameter] across 33' the
bank at the back has been demolished so the length
is not obtainable. The thickness of the bank is about
8'.
About 60 yds [yards] NE. [North East] of the last is a stone built
structure, much ruined with walls on the interior
in places about 2' high, 5' thick and with
an entrance from SE. [South East]. In diameter it measures
about 31' across by 32'.8" in length from the entrance.
Six feet to the S. [South] of the entrance in the interior a wall,
7' across where it joins the circumference and
diminishing to 5' about the middle of its length,
curves round towards the NW. [North West] enclosing
an oval chamber running N & S [North & South] measuring about 21' x 12' &
entered between the end of the division wall and
the back of the circle by a passage or entrance
about 2'.6" wide. The wall on either side of
the main entrance has been about 9' in
thickness and the passage 3'.6" wide at 8'
from the interior and at its inner end passes
between stones forming the portals 1'.9" apart.
The original entrance to the interior appears
to have been wider and to have been built up.
(A number of Cairns lie all around and
quite near.) Some 5' or 6' from the S. [South]
[continued on page 7] |
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[Continued from Page 5]
[Sketch/Drawing inserted]
[Continued on page 7] |
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[continued from page 6]
end of the division wall on its E [East] side is a
recess 3' across the opening, 2'.8" deep and 1'.6"
across the back.
Some 30 yds [yards] NE. [North East] from the last is
another stone built circle, much ruined
measuring interiorly 37' x 39' with entrance
from SSE. [South South East]. Within the interior and
abutting on the inner wall from the E [East] side
of the entrance Northward has been a stone
built structure almost circular in outline
measuring about 31' from E to W [East to West] and about
27' from N to S. [North to South]. It is much ruined and
the plan in consequence difficult to determine
but it has evidently been entered by a narrow
passage about 2' wide curving inwards from
the N [North] side giving access to a round chamber
in the centre of the construction and probably
to another which appears
to have existed to the W [West] of it.
[Sketch inserted]
There has also been a chamber
at the E [East] side close to the wall
of the circle which has possibly
entered by a separate passage
which has branched from the
passage to the main chamber
at its commencement.
[continued on page 8] |
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[continued from page 7]
The walls of this structure have been very thick
and the chambers appear to be in the heart of them.
Flanking what appears to be the chamber at the E [East] side
is a triangular foundation
about 10' x 14'.
The position occupied by this inner building
forms a passage between it and the wall of the
circle on the S. [South] 2' wide at the entrance and
5' wide 15' inwards. The walls of the main
circle have been about 5' wide around the
circumference and 6'.6" thick on either side
of the entrance which has been about 2' wide
lined with stone.
Some 30 yds [yards] NNW. [North North West] of this last circle is a long
low cairn formed in three
portions not in alignment.
[Sketch inserted here]
The first portion 15' in length
lies E & W [East & West] the centre portion
18' in length E.SE & W.N.W [East South East & West North West]
and the last part 18' in length
E and W [East and West]. The breadth throughout
is about 9' and the greatest elevation from
2' to 2'.6". A small round cairn of the
ordinary type lies about 6' distant at its E. [East]
end. There is no cultivated or reclaimed
croft land anywhere near nor any sign
[continued on page 9] |
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[continued from page 8]
whatever of an ancient enclosing wall of which
it might have formed a part. (cf. Vol [Volume] 1. pp. [pages]
Revisiting the double circle planned & described
in Vol. [Volume] 1. p. [page] 262. I could not satisfy myself as to
the width of the bank & wall on either side
of the entrance. The wall face could be
discovered by excavation. It is possibly
only 7' to 9' thick on either side.
In the construction where the cairn is situated
Vol. [Volume] 1. p. [page] 261. The diameter of the inner circle appears
to have been from 9'-10' and the cairn seems
to rest on its back wall but the actual state
could only be discovered by excavation.
On the flat about 150 yds [yards] to the S. [South] of this last
is a mounded construction of the type
which I have not met with for some time.
A horseshoe shaped
mound open towards the SSE. [South South East] encloses
a hollow about 16' diameter. From front
to back the mound on the W. [West] is 39' and 21 across
that on the E. [East] about 47 x 16' across. Across
the open end of the hollow lies a large
flat slab 4'.3" long and on the W [West] side of
it are two upright stones on which at that
side it probably rested. The height of the mound
is almost 5'.6". This bears a close
[continued on page 10] |
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[continued from page 9]
resemblance to the construction on the moor
above the Mhail Aird (See Vol. [Volume] 1. p. [page] __ ) and I
shall attempt to excavate it. Before I
had finished the clouds had gathered & the rain
began to fall heavily. Pexton the ex-artillery
Sergeant from Golspie, turned crofter, who had assisted me
all afternoon gave me a tumbler of milk, & re:
:freshed I set off home by Dalreavoch & Loch
Brora. It is a vile road for much of the way
and longer than I reckoned: I met the family
having a tea picnic about 5 o'clock & had a
rest.
4th Augt. [August]. Engaged most of the day writing up
notes. As I have been threatened with headache
and am rather fagged with the last two days
which have been very heavy it seemed advisable
to take a rest.
5th Augt. [August]. Met Serjeantson & took train to Rogart whence
we bicycled out towards Reidlochan & Cnoc Arthur.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 5
On slightly rising ground in the moorland
immediately to the N. [North] of the enclosed land
at Drumanargeid a large group of small
cairns and the remains of several hut
circles. Towards the S. [South] end of the hillock
a hut circle and associated enclosures
of unusual character. The flow of the circle
[continued on page 11] |
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[continued from page 10]
belongs to the class which are usually formed
of stone though in this case the bank is of stone
and earth or probably turf, while the con:
:struction in the interior appears to have been
of stone. The construction is circular
with an interior diameter of 43', and
entrance from the SE. [South East]. The encircling bank
is about 8' in thickness broadening from 26' to 28'
towards the entrance where it is 15' thick on
the S [South] side and about 18' on the E. [East]. The
width of the entrance passage at the inner end
is about 2'.6" and expands gradually outwards.
The interior has been divided into two main
compartments by a wall, of which the
foundation remains, running from the E [East] side
of the entrance with a slight curve towards
the N. [North] about 8' in thickness except at its northern
end where it seems to thicken against the wall
of the circle. On its outer, or W. [West] face, near the
centre are two recesses, that nearest the entrance
measuring about 4' in length by 1'.8" in depth
and the next, which is adjacent, about 2'.6" x 1'.8".
There appears to be a passage curving through
this wall at about 12' from where it joins the main
bank. The area enclosed is an irregular oval
measuring 20' in length by 13'.6" in breadth.
[continued on page 12] |
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[continued from page 11]
[Sketch inserted here]
[continued on page 13] |
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[Page 13]
[continued from page 12]
In the remaining portion of the interior of the
circle abutting on the W [West] side has been a
small enclosure measuring about 10' from N to S [North to South]
by 11' from E to W [East to West] surrounded by a wall some
4' in thickness. Adjoining the circle
on the S [South] is another circular enclosure
with an interior diameter of 34' and banks
about 8' thick, connected by a bank, about
5' wide, now much worn away,
with a
horse-shoe shaped enclosure 42' in depth
& 46' between its extremities at the open end
which is situated towards the N. [North] of the main circle
15' distant from it and facing NE. [North East]. The
connecting bank seems to form the side of
a passage towards the smaller circle 8'
wide at its termination. On the opposite
or E. [East] side of the main enclosure a
similar low bank runs parallel with the
wall at about 8' to 10' distant from the
N [North] towards the entrance but fades away before
it junctions with the main wall. From
the S. [South] of the smaller circle a line of large
boulders runs in a S [South] Easterly direction probably
the base of an old enclosing wall. This
[continued on page 14] |
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[Page 14]
[continued from page 13]
appears to be a fairly complete example of a
homestead of the period to which the hut
circle belongs.
Numerous small cairns lie around and
there are indications of other hut circles of ordinary
type and another horse-shoe shaped enclosure.
We cut down into the two recesses and found
considerable quantities of charcoal in the bottom
of each. It is probable that they have been ovens
or fireplaces of some sort.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 4.
On the piece of common land immediately to the
S. [South] of the branch road to Knockarthur a short
distance from where it leaves the main road
at about the 600' elevation is a large group
of small cairns.
[Margin] Unnoted.
Immediately to the E. [East] of the Eastmost croft
at Knockarthur are remains of a hut circle and a group
of small cairns.
Here we procured the services of Pexton and
his son and proceded to excavate the mounded
construction that lay beyond the group of hut
circles on the low ground about 1 m [mile] to the E. [East].
The measurements are given above p. [page] 9. After
a couple of hours' work I satisfied myself
that it was an ancient kiln - probably for
drying grain. The apparent lintel was the
[continued on page 15] |
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[continued from page 14]
opening of the flue, the covers of which we
traced to the interior. The centre of the construc:
:tion contained a mixture of small stones and char:
:coal for 3' or 4' down. The layers of charcoal
were well defined in places and in them were
pieces as thick as my thumb evidently remains
of burn't tree branches, not heather. No trees now
exist any where near. These kilns must
be of great antiquity I have noted so many
of these constructions evidently in association
with hut circles &c. We bicycled
home by Dunrobin Glen & got back about
7.40.
6th August. To finish my work at the W. [West] end of
Rogart Parish as Mr. Menzies at Blarich
had said it was convenient to let me have
a shepherd to guide me to certain circular
foundations near Achtomlinie, I journeyed
to Rogart. There I found I was expected
to luncheon at Blarich & as I was assured
I had lots of time afterwards to do all I
desired, I stayed. Notwithstanding the
arrangement, the shepherd was not placed
at my disposal and I did not succeed in
finding the objects when I had to go & look
for them myself. I cannot afford time
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[continued from page 15]
to return. After lunch Mr. Menzies took me
towards Ardichonachir to visit the cairns.
On the W [West] slope of the hill on both sides of the
march fence about 3/4 m. [mile] N.E [North East] of Blarich are
a number of small cairns. On the
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 12
hill above Ardichonchir about 1 mile to the
N. [North] of Tressady Lodge is a considerable group
and one cairn presenting the external appearance
of one of the smaller class, stones protruding from
turf, but measuring 32' in diameter and
about 5'6" in height. Along the ridge stretching
Westwards for about ½ mile there are several scattered
groups. A few of the cairns in them have
been excavated but no cists are visible.
About 1 m. [mile] N by W [North by West] of Blarich on the flat haunch
of the hill about 150' above
the Lettie River
[Sketch inserted here]
is a rectangular
construction
bearing the name
of Letty's Grave.
It is situated
on an area
which has
[continued on page 17] |
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[continued from page 16]
to a great extent been under cultivation
and remains of crofters settlements are
in the immediate neighbourhood.
It has apparently been a square of about
7' external measurement with the sides lying
N and S. [North and South] and E and W. [East and West]. The E [East] side alone
seems to be completed & the W and S. [West and South] are awanting. It is formed of two
upright stones one at each end measuring
respectively 2'7" high, x 14" across the base and
from 7" to 9" thick and 3'2" high, 2' across
base and about 7" thick, and two flat stones
set on edge 3'6" and 1' in length and each
projecting about 1' above the ground and
lying for a considerable depth beneath.
The higher of the upright stones is at the S. [South] end
and stands with its broad face Northwards.
Along the North side of the square lie two stones
one small & just visible and the other at 1'11" from the upright, 4'5" long, and 1' above
ground x 1' thick. Towards what would have been the SW [South West] corner
lie three other large boulders which have
probably formed part of the construction.
Some 40' to the NW [North West] there is a square formed
of boulders set on edge measuring interiorly
some 5' x 6' nearly the same size as Letty's
Grave, but without standing stones at the corners.
Some 30' to the
[continued on page 18] |
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[Page 18]
[continued from page 17]
W [West] of Letty's grave there is the semblance of a third
similar to the last. These constructions do
not seem to me to resemble pre-historic graves
they may be compared with a somewhat similar
enclosure on the Ord at Lairg (see Vol [Volume] 1 p. [page] 123.)
Failing in my attempt to reach Achtomlinie I
returned to tea at Blarich & got back to Brora
about 7.0.
7th August. Wrote up notes and wrote letters
to various shooting tenants &c. Fine weather
at last.
Clyne
9th August. Took Sandy for his first expedition.
Walked to Clyne church to examine the old
belfry tower. It is a small circular tower
[Margin] see p. [page] 65
about 29' in circumference and about 10' high to (11'5" M. & R. [Macgibbon & Ross)
the conical roof and 14' to the apex. Pierced
with small square openings at the top of the
wall. It is situated on the top of a knoll
some 12'-13' ft. [feet] high to the N.W. [North West] of the church.
[Margin] Clyne. O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 3.
On the moorland above the Eastmost crofts of Easter
Clynekirkton is a scattered group of
cairns - small and inconspicuous.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 2.
On the hill side about 1/2 m. [mile] NNW [North North West] of Clyne:
:milton West at an elevation of about 300'
is a group of prominent cairns of the
small type all of which appear to have
[continued on page 19] |
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[Page 19]
[continued from page 18]
been excavated. They have numbered about
fifteen.
At the extreme upper end of the group
is a hut circle much worn away and
showing no peculiar features. Some 40' W [West]
of it is a depression of about 10' interior diameter, encircled with a bank about
5' thick. The bottom of the depression is
some 2' below the top of the bank and
18" below the natural level.
Some 30' SE. [South East] of it is a hut circle. The entrance
to which has been excavated. The interior
diameter is about 24' x 31'. The thickness
of the encircling bank about 5' increasing
to about 9' on either side of the entrance
which is from the SE. [South East]. Adjoining it at
the S. [South] side of the entrance is a cairn
which has been excavated. Some
40 yds. [yards] S. [South] is another hut circle of ordinary
type with entrance from the SE. [South East], and
about 100 yds [yards] W. [West] is another small hut
circle of simple form.
[Margin] This is in Loth Parish.
O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 11.
The group of cairns on the hill side above
the enclosed land about ¼ W [West] of Kintradwell
contains about a dozen smaller in
size that [than] the last. One or two of the larger
have been excavated.
[continued on page 20] |
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[Page 20]
[continued from page 19]
On the W [West] bank of the Kintradwell burn about
4' below the top of the bank and opposite the lower
end of the farm buildings is the entrance to the
earthhouse described in the Pro. S. of A. Scot. [Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland] V. [5] p [page] 244.
It enters from a passage some 2' sq. [square] for 7' feet
then under a lintel 18" from the ground. The
outer chamber is 5' high, 4' broad and 10' long. The
entrance to the inner chamber is blocked with
earth. I forced my way in under the flat
lintel wriggling in like a worm. It was an
unpleasant performance and there was not
too much pure air in the interior but I
was pleased at being able to inspect it.
The open entrance is from the N. [North] that at the
opposite end is blocked.
Plan of Picts Ho. [House] on
Kintradwell burn.
[Sketch inserted here]
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 9.
On the top of the
W. [West] bank of the
Kintradwell burn
some 330 yds [yards]
above the high road
[continued on page 21] |
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[Page 21]
[continued from page 20]
are the remains of a large dry built con:
:struction which has been excavated.
It consists of a main passage entering from
the top of the bank from the NE. [North East] 2'2" wide
expanding to 3'6" at 12' where an opening 2'6" wide
to the right gives access to what has
apparently been a large chamber about
22' long by some 15' across but whose outline
is somewhat indefinite, and on the left
another passage 2'6" wide runs SE [South East] for 6' then
turns sharply to the S. [South] for 7' giving access
apparently to other chambers now not discernible.
At 18' in the main passage is a door jamb
on the right and a hole in the wall opposite
shows the position of its fellow. Beyond
it the passage gradually expands to 4'9"
wide. 10'9" beyond the jamb on the right
side an entrance 3' wide opens into another
chamber 12'6" long & of indefinite width &
opposite to it another passage 3' wide,
on which there has also been a door runs
S.E [South East] for 6'6". The main passage appears
to have terminated in a small chamber some
7' in length. At the back or SW. [South West] side of
the large chamber on right of the passage
is an angular recess 6' across the front 3'-4' deep
[continued on page 22] |
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[Page 22]
[continued from page 21]
and 5'4" across the back which is formed of three
large upright slabs. The highest walling of the
structure is about 3'10" high. Lying in the
interior is a round boulder about 1' across
the top and 9" deep with a conical depression
on top 3 1/2" in diameter and 2" deep. This may
have been the stone in which a stone pivot of a
door worked (?). Thence we made our way
to the broch of Cinn Trolla or Kintradwell
which appears to have been fully described.
There are an extraordinary number of secondary
constructions around it on the S. [South] side.
The roof of the 1st chamber to left of entrance
has fallen in - the cavity in the floor of the
interior is filled up and the steps of the stairs
are for the most part covered with debris.
I failed to observe the cup marked stone noted
in my list. Here we met J. [Jocelyn] & Mary and
had tea. On the shore below or rather in
sandy hollow are numbers of fossils, belemnites,
&c. &c.
10th Augt. [August]. Took the 10 o'clock train to Helmsdale.
Visited the castle which is encircled by an
unclimbable iron fence. It occupies a most
commanding position on the end of the
steep bank at the S. [South] side of the mouth
[continued on page 23] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-22a |
[Page] 22a
[Continued from Page 22]
[Two photographs inserted here]
[Continued on page 23] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-23 |
[Page 23]
[continued from page 22]
of the Helmsdale river. It stands to a height
of about 24' and appears to be as described
in Cast. & Dom. Arch. [Castellated & Domestic Architecture].
From the castle I went to the manse and
called on Mr. Scott whom I found enthusiastic.
He is possessed of much information con:
:cerning the cairns &c. of Kildonan
which I must get him to put on record.
He told me that Mr. Rutherford had found
a hoard of Elizabethan coins in one near
Kildonan - this is an experience similar to
that of Dr. [Doctor] Bryce in Islay. The men who
hid the coins were taking advantage of
the superstitious dread with which the
natives regarded the cairns and had
safe places of deposit for their money.
He conducted me to the house of Mr. Fraser
a villa named Cnoc Chaisteal - due N [North] of
the W. [West] lighthouse at the end of the harbour
at an altitude of about ___ above it. The
house is on the site of a broch and
in digging the foundations there were
recovered, a steatite cup of the usual
type [Sketch inserted] a stone lamp, a saddle
quern of granite (an oval stone 1'4" long x 9" wide)
and a portion of one or more rotary querns and a
[continued on page 24] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-24 |
[Page 24]
[continued from page 23]
thick heavy stone whorl, the perforation of which
has been made from both sides. All these objects
are preserved at the villa. A small piece of garden
ground in which are quantities of shells of whelks &c.
adjoining the villa to the W. [West] is probably the site of
the kitchen midden.
About 1 1/2 m. [miles] up the Strath of Kildonan from
Helmsdale the Caen burn joins the river. On
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 27.
the W. [West] of it about 300 yds [yards] distant from the stream
and about the same distance N. [North] of the Helmsdale
is a long cairn. It is situated on a terrace on
the hill side where the
ground begins to slope by an easier gradient
to the river. It lies with its main axis
almost due E. and W. [East and West]. It appears to be
about 168' in length, 27' broad at the W [West] end
and 46' at the E. [East]. At the W [West] end it is only a foot
or so in height but rises gradually Eastward
till near the extremity it has an elevation of
about 7'. 18' in from the S. [South] side at the
E. [East] extremity is a large boulder 4' high and
4' across which may give some indication of
the position of the passage. Excavation has
been tried at several points but no chamber
is exposed.
Some 30' S [South] of the W [West] end is a small round
[continued on page 25] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-25 |
[Page 25]
[continued from page 24]
[Margin] Unnoted
cairn the centre of which appears to have
been dug out at some remote period. The
diameter is about 22'. It is overgrown with
heather. Some 15' W. [West] of the latter are
the remains of a small oval enclosure
measuring interiorly 15' x 9' surrounded
by a bank about 2'6" thick. The entrance
to it is uncertain.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 23.
About 700 yds. [yards] W. [West] of the Caen burn and
100 yds. [yards] above the road is a group of four
or five cairns, small and inconspicuous.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 24.
½ m. [mile] W. [West] of the Caen burn on the terrace
of the hill near its base are the
remains of another long cairn. It has
been entirely ruined and the centre
cleared out leaving merely an outline
of stones to mark its position. Its main
axis has lain ESE and WNW [East South East and West North West]. It appears
to have been about 27' broad at the W. [West] end
and 50' at the E. [East]. Its extreme length appears
to have been about 130'. There are no signs
of a chamber left.
The two objects marked as "tumuli"
situated about 100 yds. [yards] to the W. [West] seem to
be small enclosures overgrown with heather.
That nearest the cairn is oval, measuring
[continued on page 26] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-26 |
[Page 26]
[continued from page 25]
interiorly about 10' x 6'. Its longest axis lies N & S. [North & South]
and the entrance, which is about 4' wide is from
the SE. [South East]. The enclosing bank is about 3'6" wide
and on the E. [East] side of the entrance is carried
forward for a distance of about 7'. The other
object seems also to have been a small enclosure.
About 1/3 m. [mile] E [East] of Salzcraggie Lodge above the
road and at the base of the hill is a small
group of 5 or 6 small cairns of ordinary type.
Adjoining them is a hutcircle the inner circumference
of which has been lined with large stones. The
interior diameter has been about 21' x 22' : the
bank about 6' thick: the entrance from ESE. [East South East].
The interior is overgrown with long heather.
Some 50' W. [West] is another overgrown with
heather and with no stones (or only one) visible in the bank
The interior diameter is 33' both ways. The entrance
passage is 9' long & 4' wide and is from the SE. [South East].
The bank is about 7' thick. This
has been a lovely day.
11th August. Very busy all forenoon with notes and
correspondence. After lunch walked to Golspie
& saw Dr. [Doctor] Joass from whom I extracted some
information.
He tells me a round steatite cup with
a handle was found in the chambered cairn
[continued on page 27] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-27 |
[Page 27]
[continued from page 26]
at Skail and is now in the Dunrobin Museum
Also he himself found a steatite cup in
the guard chamber on the right of the entrance
passage in the broch of Clach Toll, Assynt.
A bronze razor was found in one of the
cairns above the manse of Rogart.
The earth house near Syre is situated on
the right bank of the river about 80 yds [yards]
distant from it about 1 mile above Syre.
It was entered by himself and Mr. Sellar
about 30 years ago when it was fairly complete
for the first 30 ft. [feet] and was traceable on the
surface for some 10' (ten feet) more.
A bronze Sword was found by a keeper
in a hut circle, one of 13 on a natural terrace
on the right bank of the Allt ach a' Bhathaich,
above Balnacoil Lodge.
12th August. Train to Mound but on getting
there the wind was too high to bicycle up
Dornoch
[Margin] Unnoted
Strath Carnachy so I had perforce to "foot" it.
For the greater part of the day it poured.
In an open piece of moorland just
beyond the termination of the birch wood
between the road and the right bank of the river about 3/4 m. [mile]
above Torboll farm house and about 100 yds [yards]
back from the road is a well preserved
[continued on page 28] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-28 |
[Page 28]
[continued from page 27]
circular cairn overgrown with grass and studded
with birch trees. Its diameter is about 50'; its
height 6' or thereby. Around its base is a kerb
of large contiguous boulders averaging about 1' in
height above ground and from 1 1/2' to 2' across.
On the top of the cairn is a slight circular depression
of about 7' diameter.
Some 60 yds. [yards] W. [West] is a small oval cairn measuring
some 17' x 8' with its longest axis NW. and SE. [North West and South East] and
a few feet to the NW. [North West] of it a natural mound with
probably a small circular cairn of some 16' dia. [diameter]
on top of it. A number of small cairns lie
in the vicinity of the large cairn.
Some 150 yds. [yards] WNW. [West North West] of the large cairn are the
remains of a circular construction of some 30'
interior diameter which appears to have had secondary
rectangular erections in the interior.
About 150 yds. [yards] W. [West] of the large cairn there seems
to be another with its longest axis E & W. [East & West], measuring
23' x 19'. Towards the NE. [North East] some large stones
are visible marking its outline.
Some 300 yds. [yards] E. [East] of the keeper's house at Brae
close by the road on the right bank of the river
is a hut circle with banks of earth & stone
some 7' thick. The entrance is from ESE [East South East]
and is 3' across. The interior diameter 30' x 32'.
[continued on page 29] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-28a |
[Page] 28 [28a]
[Continued from Page 27]
[Photograph inserted]
[Continued on page 29] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-29 |
[Page 29]
[continued from page 28]
From a point about 10' distant, from the entrance
along the bank of the circle a bank runs off
in an Easterly direction and from the opposite
side an arm projects for a distance of 10'
flanking the entrance. These flanking walls
are [or] banks seem to have been intended to
protect the entrances from storms probably
to keep the snow out in winter.
[Margin] Unnoted
Situated about 100 yds. [yards] NW. [North West] of the last is
a hut-circle of more complex form.
Its surrounding bank
is of turf & stone: the
entrance from ESE [East South East]:
the diameter 39' x 33'.
[Sketch inserted]
The interior has been
subdivided into two
main compartments,
that on the W [West] side
measuring about
21' x 9', that on the N.E. [North East]
more circular, with a diameter of about 20',
divided & enclosed by a bank or wall 6'-9' across.
Opening out of the more circular compartment
towards the SE [South East] is another measuring interiorly about
7' x 4' and containing on its NE [North East] side a
small enclosure 3'6" in length by 1'6" in breadth
[continued on page 30] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-30 |
[Page 30]
[continued from page 29]
The entrance to the large circular enclosure
has been from the E.S.E [East South East] by a passage 2'6" wide
and about 9' long. The entrance to the other large
enclosure is not apparent. In the back of the circular
compartment is a recess in the main wall 2' wide
by 1'6" deep. The original width of the main entrance
is not certain. Opposite to it in the interior is
an open circular space of from 10'-12' ft. [feet] diameter.
The bank on the E [East] side is projected for a total length
of 22' and at its termination there is an indication
of a wall base forming an enclosure in front
of the entrance.
It is of importance to note that nowhere
in the vicinity of these enclosures is there a
sign of a cairn of any sort.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 24.
On the left bank of the Tollie 1/4 m [mile] above its junction
with the Carnach are the ruins of a broch
The situation is on the top of bank at the base
of the hill, whence the ground slopes sharply
to the flat land by the river. It is now at the
upper end of a large walled enclosure.
The broch is a complete ruin and has
been greatly pillaged. The greatest height
of walling visible in the interior is about
5 ft. [feet] and externally the wall is reduced
to the foundation. The position of the
[continued on page 31] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-31 |
[Page 31]
[continued from page 30]
entrance is uncertain but it appears to
have been from WSW. [West South West]. The thickness of the
wall at that point is 19'
while on the ENE [East North East] it is 14'. A large
circular enclosure abuts on the broch
towards the ENE. [East North East].
On my way down the strath I gave a glance
at a construction situated at the extreme
E. [East] end of the birch wood S. [South] of the road opposite
Dalnamain to which a shepherd drew
my attention earlier in the day. It is so
overgrown with bracken that until these
are cut or frosted down its character cannot
be ascertained accurately but it appears to
be defensive. Walking back to the
Mound I had time for tea at the cottage
before getting the train to Brora.
It has been a wet and stormy day
and I was fortunate in being able to
make my notes during fair intervals.
13th August. Took Sandy to see the brochs &c.
near Golspie. We alighted at Dunrobin
Station.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 22.
In the wood about 1/2 m. NW. [North West] of Dunrobin
Mains between the road and the cultivated
land are the ruins of a broch. It is
[continued on page 32] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-32 |
[Page 32]
[continued from page 31]
situated on a hillock cut off from the hill
to the N. [North] by a wide natural trench and steeply
sloped on the W.S. and E. [West. South. and East]. The broch is much
ruined and the outer wall has to some extent
been cleared of debris exposing the entrance
which is from the W. [West]. The interior diameter
is not fully ascertainable. Where opposing wall
faces are visible on the SW and NE, [South West and North East], it is 23'
but from NW to SE [North West to South East] it appears to have been greater,
about 28' giving the courtyard a slightly oval form.
The entrance passage is 4' wide where measurable
at 7' from exterior. Length of passage, 16'. At
9' from the exterior on the S [South] side is the entrance
to a guard chamber extending inwards for 8'
and 5' wide at greatest width. The inner
half of the wall on the N. [North] side of the passage is
gone. At 6' back from the passage on that side
is the end of a chamber the outer or NW [North West] wall
of which is exposed for a distance of 24'.
The greatest height of wall visible on the
exterior is 7'. The thickness of the wall at
6' from ground level is 13'. The debris entirely
obscures the wall faces on the E. [East] side and
the growth of bracken makes observation
additionally difficult.
Situated on a hillock at the foot of
[continued on page 33] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-33 |
[Page 33]
[continued from page 32]
the hill behind Backies and at an
elevation of 600' above the sea is situated
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 23.
a broch. It has been excavated and
an immense pile of stones lies around.
The entrance is from WNW. [West North West] through a
passage 16'6" in length, 3'6" wide in interior at base.
3' below lintel, height to lintel 4'8". The lintel
stones covering the passage are, except one or
perhaps two, all in situ. The interior diameter
is 27': the greatest height of wall in the interior
8'6". on the exterior barely visible. Width of
wall at height of 6' is 13'6". A scarcement
runs round the interior at about 5'8" from
present floor level. Opposite the entrance
is the entrance to chamber, through a
passage 5'6" long 2'1" wide. Over the
lintel at the entrance is an opening 1'9" high
x 1'6" wide carried inwards to the chamber
above the passage roof. The chamber, the
roof of which has fallen in, is 13' to 14' in
length x 6' wide. 9'6" to the N [North] of the entrance
to the interior access is given to the staircase
or a chamber opposite it by a passage 9'8" long & 2'8" wide. The
stair rises to the N. [North] and the walls at
the base as well as of the chamber opposite
have converged. There is
[continued on page 34] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-34 |
[Page 34]
[continued from page 33]
no chamber off the entrance passage. At about
40' out from entrance is a wall encircling the
broch on the inner side of which are signs of
numerous secondary constructions.
About 1/4 m. [mile] NNE [North North East] of the broch at the head of a
gully which runs in a N. [North] Easterly direction near
the 1000' elevation is a cave which shows evidence
of human habitation. It is approached by a flight
of laid steps. A lofty gallery some 3' to 4' wide runs
inwards for a distance of about 20' when a narrow
passage turns sharply to the right and winds
inwards for an indefinite distance.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 3.
At Golspie Tower farm a few stones in front of a
farm cottage are all the remains of Golspie
Tower. The plan is not obtainable.
At the SE. [South East] corner of Ben Bhragie Wood
about 1/4 m. [mile] NE [North East] of Rhives is the denuded
chamber of a cairn. The cairn has been
entirely demolished but there are indications
that it had a diameter across the chamber
of about 60'. From its situation on a
slight rise it was probably circular.
[Sketch inserted]
The chamber has been
tripartite. The inner
compartment has measured
6'6" in length x about 9'6"
[continued on page 35] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-35 |
[Page 35]
[continued from page 34]
The middle one, 6'3" x about 7'. Of the outer
compartment only one slab remains
that on the E [East] side and it is 4'6" in length.
Of the inner compartment the slab at the
back, which is 4'10" high & about 1' thick, and
the two side slabs 3'8" and 4' high respectively
remain, also one of the partition stones on the E [East] side. It is 2' high. Of the middle compartment the
side slab on the E. [East] side which is only 2' high
and the partition stones between it and the
outer chamber which are about 3' high and
2' apart, are in situ. The main axis of
the chamber is ESE. and WNW. [East South East and West North West]. The entrance
has been from ESE. [East South East]. The slabs of the back
chamber are higher than the others.
[Margin] A large tree is growing in the centre of the back chamber which in time is likely to destroy it.
14th August. Engaged all forenoon writing
up arrears of notes.
16th August. A very wet morning. Set out about
11.30 on foot. Walked to Strath Stephen's Cave.
About 2 m. [miles] along the coast S. [South] of Brora
in the face of a sandstone cliff at the
northern end of a small bay is the cave.
It is about 25 ft. [feet] up from the base of the
cliff, easily accessible up a steepish slope, by
steps cut in the rock. It faces to the S. [South] and measures
about 18' across the opening by 15' deep. In the back wall
two wide apertures give access to another chamber at a higher level
[continued on page 36] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-36 |
[Page 36]
[continued from page 35]
[Sketch inserted]
In the interior the rock has been cut out so as to form benches
and seats and the walls bear marks of tools
over a great part of their surface. It was excavated
by Dr. [Doctor] Joass and half of an amber bead found.
Some 40 yds [yards] S [South] along the cliff at the same level is another
cave of smaller dimensions & less accessible.
In a cleared portion of Uppat Wood about 100 yds [yards]
WNW. [West North West] of the Monument are the ruins of a
building marked "Brough" on the O.S. [Ordnance Survey] map.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 20.
See fig [figure] above
In form the building is curved like a capital
letter J measuring about 54' in length by 15' in
breadth with a circular annex of some
19' diameter at the foot on left of the entrance.
The structure lies ESE and WNW. [East South East and West North West] and the entrance
is from the former direction through a passage
14' in length and 3'6" wide. The walls of the
building which have been of massive stones are
[continued on page 37] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-37 |
[Page 37]
[continued from page 36]
from 7' to 8' thick. Though the side walls
form parallel curves the angles at the WNW [West North West]
are almost right angles. The interior appears
to have been lined to some extent with thin
smooth slabs set on end. The walls remain
to a height of about 3' feet. The ent. [entrance] to the circular
enclosure has been from the SE. [South East] but its width
is indefinite. This has not the appearance
of a modern building but it must be
late. The interior shape bears a resemblance
to some of the sub-enclosures of the hut:
:circles.
Some 200 yds. [yards] N. [North] is a hut circle of the
simple type with entrance from the SE. [South East]
diameter 33' x 36', bank 8' thick. The width
of the entrance is indefinite. At the base of
a blown over tree on the S [South] side are disclosed a
number of shells of edible molluscs &c. The
whole is overgrown with heather.
From Uppat I walked S. [South] through Dunrobin
woods to the top of Bein a Bhragie where
Dr. [Doctor] Joass told me of a cave or earth house.
I failed to find it but have since learned that
it is situated to the S.W. [South West] of the Monument
a few yards inside the wood which at that
point comes near the summit. I must
[continued on page 38] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-38 |
[Page 38]
[continued from page 37]
try and get to it some Sunday afternoon.
Thence I took a bee line over the hill to the
Silver Craig. At the base of it at its E [East] end
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 12.
in a hollow near a number of small cairns
is a depression lying E and W. [East and West] about 4' deep
measuring 25' x 18' the sides of which appear
to have been roughly lined with stones.
This is the remains of the Weems of the O.S. [Ordnance Survey]
Map. It was the only depression I could
find though Dr. [Doctor] Joass gave me to understand
there were more. I revisited the
earth house at Kirkton, still in a filthy
state, and made my way thence by road
to the Mound.
17th August. Met the Rev. [Reverend] Mr. Scott (Helmsdale)
at Kildonan station.
On the E. [East] side of the road some 300 yards
S. [South] of Suisgill Lodge is a projecting rock which
bears the name of "Crois". On its SW. [South West] face
is said to have formerly existed a cross which
is now, however, entirely obliterated by the
action of the weather. Mr. Scott informed
me that Dr. [Doctor] Joass had authority for stating that
this was the N. [North] boundary of the
sanctuary of Kildonan.
In the birch wood on the W [West] bank of the
[continued on page 39] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-39 |
[Page 39]
[continued from page 38]
Helmsdale opposite Suisgill and about 350
yds [yards] W [West] of the Lodge is a mound overgrown
[Margin] Unnoted.
with heather and grass which is probably
a cairn. It is 58' to 60' in diameter and
from 8' to 9' high.
On the summit of Learable hill a little more
than ½ m [mile] W. [West] of Suisgill Lodge, is standing
stone 5'2" high, 2'8" broad and 9½" thick. It stands
facing E and W. [East and West] and on its W. [West] face near the upper end is incised,
or grooved, a plain Latin Cross. 6 3/4" long
by 5" across the arms, the grooves about 1" across
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 7.
Crossing the hill are numerous lines of
stones set in parallel rows, for the most part
with their broad faces in the line of the direction
of the rows. The stones are from 1' to 2' in
height above the ground and are mostly angular
slabs of schistose rock. To the S. [South] of the standing
stone are lines running in a S [South] Easterly direction
while on the N. [North] are several lines well defined from 4' to 5'
apart set E and W. [East and West]. The stones in the lines
appear to be from 6' to 7' apart. Many small
cairns lie around and in several instances
are laid across the lines breaking their
continuity but not forming bases from which
the lines radiate.
Some 15' N. [North] of the standing stone is a
[continued on page 40] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-40 |
[Page 40]
[continued from page 39]
cairn with a diameter of about 31' and a height
of 2' to 3'. A short distance to the NNW. [North North West]
of the standing stone is a low circular cairn
of about 20' diameter and height of about 2'.
The outline of the cairn is defined by boulders
from 1' to 1 1/2' in length and 6" to 8" above ground
set almost contiguously.
Some 40' SSW. [South South West] of the standing stone is the cairn
excavated by Dr. [Doctor] Joass. It has a diameter of
about 42'. Near the centre lies the covering slab
of the cist 4'6" in length x 3' in breadth. The
outline of the cairn is well marked with boulders
from 2' to 3' in length & about 1 ft. [foot] above ground set almost contiguously.
In the cairn was found a cist containing a
burnt interment and some beads of jet.
Close beside one of the stones of the circumference
was found an urn of cinerary type inverted
upon a small flat slab & covering a deposit of
[Margin] [[--] Scot in [--] Times)]
burnt human bones among which was an
oval tanged blade of bronze. The blade
beads & urn are probably in Dunrobin Museum.
[Margin] Unnoted
Some 120 yds [yards] S. [South] of the standing stone are
the remains of a stone circle formed of slabs
of schistose rock the highest about 2' high
and varying from 1'5" to 2'5" across.
Five of the stones are in situ standing
[continued on page 41] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-40a |
[Page] 40 [40a]
[Continued from Page 39]
[2 x Photographs inserted]
[Continued on page 41] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-41 |
[Page 41]
[continued from page 40]
well above ground, two have almost sunk out
of sight and two have fallen. The diameter
[Margin] Unnoted
[Sketch inserted]
of the circle
appears to have
been about 60'
Slightly to the
E [East] of the centre
of the circle
is a small cairn
about 2' high and
with a diameter of
about 13' and just outside the circle beyond a
stone directly S. [South] of the centre is another cairn
about 3' high and 17' in diameter
A number of low irregular mounds which
have the appearance of banks of old enclosures
are visible here and there among the cairns
on the hill.
[Margin] Unnoted
About 1/2 m. [mile] NW [North West] of Suisgill Lodge at the side of
a broken down stone wall which runs back
from the river and not far above the birch
wood is a large earthfast boulder or outcrop
rock lying NE. and SW. [North East and South West] exposed on its
flat upper side for about 7' x 3'4". From
the middle of the stone towards the SW. [South West]
[continued on page 42] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-42 |
[Page 42]
[continued from page 41]
are 17 well-defined cup marks some 3 1/2" in diameter
by 1 1/2" in depth, besides 3 which are elongated (probably
due to the wearing away of rock between single marks)
from 6" to 7" in length. They appear to be in
two groups one of 10 round markings and a long
one at the end of the stone and the other of
7 small markings and 2 long ones near the middle
The rock or boulder is schistose.
[Margin] Unnoted
Some 30 yds. [yards] NW. [North West] of the last are the remains
of a stone circle on a slight eminence. Three
long pointed stones remain all overturned and
another large stone protruding from the ground
towards the SW. [South West] may have formed part of the
circle but it is questionable if it did so as it is of
different character to the others.
The stones are from 5'6" to 8' in length
& from 2'8" to 4' in breadth
pointed at one end.
[Sketch inserted]
The stone at the N. [North]
at 2'4" from the
pointed end which
lies towards the
centre of the circle has
a single ring mark 6" over all 4" within
the groove. Some 2' feet nearer on the
base of the stone is a small
[continued on page 43] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-42a |
[Page] 42 [42a]
[Continued from Page 41]
[Photograph inserted]
[Continued on page 43] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-43 |
[Page 43]
[continued from page 42]
cup mark 2" across and about 14" from
the base another well defined cup mark
and 2 faint ones.
[Margin] Unnoted.
Some 20 yds. [yards] NE [North East] of the large cup marked
stone are the remains of a circular enclosure
78' in diameter over all, much dilapidated.
The building has been so much pillaged and
is so overgrown with grass & heather that its
true character is indefinite. The wall
seems to have been about 19' thick and the
Entrance from SE. [South East].
[Margin] noted - It is noted on O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 6" map.
Some 150 yds [yards] N. [North] of Kildonan farm house near
the base of the conical mound at the NW. [North West] side
is a stone 4'7" high x 2'3" across bearing
grooved out on its W [West] face a plain Latin
Cross expanding and rounded at the base
existing for a total length of 2' and measuring
1'10" across the arms. It is called "Clach
an Eig" i.e. "Stone of the dead" or "Clach na
h' Uaighe" "Stone of the cave" The
[Margin] See "Memorabilia Domestica" 2nd Ed. [Edition] p. [page] 48.
conical hill adjacent is natural. It is
said a passage led into the heart of it
now filled up.
The Stone at Creich (see Vol [Volume] 1. p. [page] 196) is known
locally as St Demhan's (Devan or Devanoch)
Mr. Scott whose knowledge of the district
[continued on page 44] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-44 |
[Page 44]
[continued from page 43]
seems very complete directed my attention to
all the unnoted objects. I was greatly
struck with the display of roses at Suisgill Lodge
It has the most beautiful garden I have seen in
the North. At Kildonan Station I met Seligman
who was at "the Hall" my last year. He was going
to stay at Suisgill.
18th August. Drove up Strath Brora to Sciberscross
where I am to stay for a couple of nights.
On the farm of Sciberscross almost due S. [South] of
the summit of Cnoc an Liath-bhaid and about
1/2 m. [mile] N. [North] of the Brora just opposite the W. [West] end of
[Margin] Unnoted
the birch wood across the river between two
great earth fast boulders (the longest of which
is 15' in length) some 8' apart is exposed a
stone cist formed of four flat slabs. The cist
is 3'8" long, 2' wide and 1'10" deep. It
does not appear to have been covered with a
cairn.
[Margin] Unnoted
Some 40' S. [South] lies a circular cairn of some
15' diameter and 2' to 3' high formed of large
boulders. A number of others lie to the W. [West]
of it. Some 30 yds. [yards] SSW. [South South West] are the remains of
an oval enclosure measuring about 19' x 25'
The entrance seems to have been wide and
from the N. [North]. The bank on the W. [West] side has
[continued on page 45] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-45 |
[Page 45]
[continued from page 44]
extended outwards some 7' beyond that
on the opposite side.
On a slight eminence from 1/2 to 3/4 m. [mile] N. [North] of the
upper end of the wood on the opposite side of
the Brora and 3-400 yds [yards] NE [North East] of the river are the
ruins of a stone built hut circle. The interior
[Margin] Unnoted.
circumference is formed of large contiguous
boulders those on the outer being smaller.
[Sketch inserted]
The entrance is from SE. [South East] and is about 1'9" in
width through a
passage 9' in length
formed as usual by
the thickening of the
wall which is 5' thick
round the circumference.
At 19' from the entrance
in the interior is crossed by a wall some 4' thick
forming an arc enclosing an inner space some
22' across by 7'6" having an inner circle
of about 3'6" diameter at the back of it partially
recessed into the back wall. The ruins pre:
:vent the position of the entrance to the back
enclosure being apparent. There are indica:
:tions of other enclosures in the interior. There
are no cairns in the immediate vicinity.
On the hill side about 3/4 - 1m. [mile] to the N. [North] of the
[continued on page 46] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-46 |
[Page 46]
[continued from page 45]
shepherd's house at Braegrudie is an ancient
[Margin] Unnoted
walled enclosure of about 1/2 an acre, with an
entrance from the S. [South]. On the W. [West] side of the
entrance is a small circular enclosure with a
diameter of some 12' and walls about 6' thick
opening onto the entrance and opposite at the
other extremity of the wall a smaller circle.
These walls do not present the appearance of
such great antiquity as others where similar
features are apparent.
Rogart
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 1.
A little more than half a mile E.N.E. [East North East] of the
shepherd's house at Braegrudie just above the
600 ft. [feet] contour line on a terrace on the hill
side is a stone circle. There has been a
double circle. an outer one with a diameter of
[Sketch inserted]
28' and and an inner with
a diameter of 22'. Of the
outer circle only two stones
apparently remain in
position and 2 lie prostrate. The largest stone
is at the W. [West] side and faces 10º S of E. [South of East]. It measures
6'6" in height, is triangular in section measuring
about 2' across each side. 8' to the S [South] of it lies another
large pointed stone also 6'6" long and about
1'9" across. The next stone in the outer circle
is to the SW. [South West] & is also prone It measures 4'4"
[continued on page 47] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-46a |
[Page] 46 [46a]
[Continued from Page 45]
[2 x Photographs inserted]
[Continued on page 47] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-47 |
[Page 47]
[continued from page 46]
in length by 1'8" across. The fourth stone of
the outer circle stands a little to the N. of E. [North of East] of
the first stone & just protrudes. The next stone is on the NE [North East], it is 4' high by 1'10" deep.
Both upright stones stand with an edge towards
the centre of the circle. From the S. [South] side of the
last mentioned stone a row of stones marks
the line of the circumference for a distance
of 4'9" and at other parts of the circle there
are indications of other stones similarly set.
Of the inner circle there appears to be five
stones in situ and one prostrate. They are
from 2' to 3' in height above the ground and
the prostrate stone is 4'2" in length. They appear
to have been set with their broad faces in line
of the circumference. Slightly to the N. [North]
of the centre of the circle are signs of a low
cairn which seems to have been excavated.
For nearly 1/4 m. [mile] N. [North] are small cairns along
the haunch of the hill.
[Margin] Unnoted
Some 40 yds. [yards] E. [East] of the circle is an old circular
enclosure measuring 40' x 46' with an entrance
from SE. [South East] of indefinite width. The wall on the
W. [West] side extends indefinitely along the
hill as if the side of an old enclosure .
Some 300 yds [yards] SE. [South East] is another group of
cairns some of which are rather larger
[continued on page 48] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-48 |
[Page 48]
[continued from page 47]
than usual. One at the N. [North] end measures 34' x 22'
lies NNW and SSE [North North West and South South East] and is about 3'-4' high. Another
some 50' W. [West] of it is nearly circular with a
diameter of some 26' and as nearly 5' high.
Near the S. [South] end of the group is a large hut
[Margin] Unnoted.
circle overgrown with deep heather and of
rather complex plan.
[Sketch inserted] (not fully to scale)
It is formed of a single
circle measuring about
19' x 26' with three smaller
circles abutting on it and
a smaller circular enclosure
in the interior. The deep heather made an
accurate survey impossible. The above sketch
is approximately correct. The position and details
of the entrance were unascertainable.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 1
About 1/2 m. [mile] E. [East] of the stone circle, about 1 1/2 m. [miles]
WNW. [West North West] of Dalreavoch Lodge and about 300' above
the Brora is a group of cairns much larger
and more prominent than usual. One near
the N [North] end measures 28' to 30' in diameter and
is about 3'6" high. Another lying near measures
26' in diameter and is from 3' to 4' in height
Several others are about the same dimensions &
a number are less. None of them seem to have
been opened. They are overgrown with heather
[continued on page 49] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-49 |
[Page 49]
[continued from page 48]
but large stones which have been used in
their construction protrude here and there
The group appears to contain from 80 to 100.
Near the S. [South] end is a hut circle of simple type.
[Margin] Unnoted.
At the back it appears to have been dug out of
the hill side. The interior diameters are 28' x 33':
the entrance from ESE. [East South East] through a passage
11' in length. The bank on the E [East] side is 7' in
thickness while that on the West for reasons
not apparent is 16' across. Cairns lie
all around it some rather large quite near
and grouped closely together.
[Margin] Unnoted
Towards the extreme E [East] end of the group is a large
circular enclosure 45' in diameter with bank
7' thick and entrance from SE. [South East] about 6' wide.
Beyond this the group of cairns still continues
but they are smaller.
On the right bank of the burn which flows
[Margin] Unnoted. Rogart.
out of Loch Grudie forming the parish boundary about 400 yds [yards] above the
road and 100' above the stream is a group of small
cairns of the usual class, the largest of
them having a diameter of about 20 ft. [feet].
Beside them is visible signs of an ancient
bank or wall.
Clyne
[Margin] Unnoted.
19th Augt. [August] Sciberscross. Some 40 yds. [yards] NNW. [North North West] of
the house is a hut circle with a group of
[continued on page 50] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-50 |
[Page 50]
[continued from page 49]
5 or 6 small cairns around it. The
[Sketch inserted]
circle measures about 31' x 35'
with entrance from SE [South East]
of indefinite dimensions and
a bank about 5' in thickness.
Within the interior
is a smaller enclosure with an interior diameter
of 13' x 14' & into which the entrance opens, formed by a bank or wall 3' thick curving across from side to side. The position
of the entrance to the back part of the enclosure
is not apparent. In the wall adjoining the
position of the main entrance are two large upright
stones conspicuous from the lower slope of the
hill but though they are set with their broad faces
across the direction of the enclosing bank the space
between them seems to have been built up.
[Margin] Unnoted
Some 600 yds. [yards] NNW. [North North West] of the farm house on the E [East] side
of the road across the moor to Ben Armine is a
small group of cairns larger and more
conspicuous than usual. One nearest to the
road has a diameter of 24' and height of about
3', another 30' N. [North] 29' diameter and height 3'6" - 4'.
On the top of it is a depression of about 8" and
6' diameter. About 100 yds. [yards] E. [East] of the road
is a long low cairn about 3' high with
its longest axis NNE and SSW. [North North East and South South West] 39' in length
[continued on page 51] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-51 |
[Page 51]
[continued from page 50]
19' broad at the SSW [South South West] end and 11' at NNE [North North East]
[Margin] Unnoted
extremity. 12' distant from it at the N [North]
end lies a small cairn of 11' diameter, and 9'
away at the opposite end
another 13' in diameter.
[Sketches inserted]
[Margin] Unnoted
To the S. [South] of the cairns are
the faint indications of
an ancient enclosing bank.
Where it forms an angle there
appears to have been an
entrance and abutting on
one side of it a small
enclosure measuring about
9' x 12' in interior diameter.
In the vicinity are several small circular
enclosures of about 10' Interior diameter
with banks about 4' thick and entrances
from the SE. [South East]. One of these is set against
the end of a largish cairn which has in con:
:sequence been slightly dilapidated at that end.
Many cairns are lying around.
Some 400 yds. [yards] N. [North] of the house is a considerable
group of cairns some of them larger than usual
& in conjunction with the foregoing stretch
along the hill side Eastward for nearly
3/4 m. [mile]. One cairn near the W. [West] end of the
[continued on page 52] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-52 |
[Page 52]
[continued from page 51]
group lying ESE and WNW. [East South East and West North West] measures 29' in length by 13' at W [West] end
[Margin] Unnoted
and 10' at the E. [East]. It is about 2' high. Another near it
lying N. and S. [North and South] measures 25' x 15'. Close by is
a large circular enclosure, well defined, measuring
44' x 46' interiorly with bank about 10' in thickness
and entrance probably from SE [South East] but indefinite.
Facing Southward near it is a semicircular
enclosure 52' across the opening with a bank
about 2' high and 8' to 10' across, (cf. ant. [ante - previous] p. [page] 12.)
A cairn near measures 33' in diameter. These
cairns are large and very numerous some
of them measuring from 20' to 30' in diameter
and from 3' to 3'6" in height. Towards the
NE [North East] end of the group they are rather smaller,
[Margin] Unnoted
and some have been excavated but there are no
cists exposed. At this end is a small hut circle
measuring 13' x 19' interiorly with bank 5' thick
in the circumference and 13' at the entrance.
A large number of low banks are visible run:
:ning along the hill side. Some 3/4 NE [North East] of
the house is an elliptical enclosure 23' long x 7' wide
with an entrance 2'6" wide towards the E [East] through the side
[Margin] Unnoted
wall near the S. [South] end past a large earth fast
boulder.
Near the lower end of the group directly above
the point where the highest part of the birch wood
[continued on page 53] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-53 |
[Page 53]
[continued from page 52]
to the E [East] of Sciberscross terminates towards
[Margin] Unnoted
the W. [West] and about 150 yds [yards] distant from it
is a cairn formed of largish stones con:
:siderably overgrown with peat lying with
its longest axis NNW. and SSE. [North North West and South South East]. It is 30' long
by 15' in breadth and 2' in height. On the
[Margin] Unnoted
NW. [North West] extremity of it is placed a small round
cairn of 11' diameter and 1 1/2' to 2' in height.
Both had the appearance of burial cairns
Some 350 yds [yards] ESE. [East South East] of the house on a
slight eminence in the middle of a
[Margin] Unnoted
meadow are the remains of a cairn.
The upper part of the cairn has been removed
and a cist exposed of which the covering
slab, ends and one side remain. It lies
WSW. and ENE. [West South West and East North East]. The covering slab measures
4'4" x 2'9" and the length of the interior is
3'7". The diameter of the cairn is about
[Margin] Unnoted
33' and its present height about 4'. The
outline of the cairn has been marked
with large contiguous boulders of from
1 1/2' to 2' in length.
Some 30' E [East] is another which has been
excavated and the cist displaced . It is
30'9" in diameter and is about 4' high. Around
the base is a setting of large but not contiguous
[continued on page 54] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-54 |
[Page 54]
[continued from page 53]
boulders. Some 20' N. [North] of the first cairn
[Margin] Unnoted
is a mound about 5' high and 19' in diameter
from the slope of which some large stones protrude.
It is probably another cairn.
Some 40 yds. [yards] W. [West] of the first cairn is another
natural mound with a cairn on the top of it,
measuring 27' in diameter and having an outline of contiguous boulders. It appears
to have been excavated but no cist is visible. It
is overgrown with grass.
[Sketch inserted here]
In the haugh beside the Brora
to the SSE [South South East] of Sciberscross house
are the remains of several
constructions and an
ancient burying ground.
No stones with any symbols are
visible in the latter. The haugh
has all been under cultivation. About 50' from
the river is a circular enclosure evidently for
sheep or cattle which I have noted as it shows
an arm projected past the entrance as a
protection from storms. This is similar to
that observed on the circle at Brae (p. [page] __)
and it is possible in that case that it was a
secondary building to adapt the original for a
sheep fold.
[continued on page 55] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-55 |
[Page 55]
[continued from page 54]
[Margin] Unnoted.
Rogart.
On the S. [South] side of the Brora and above the
left bank of the burn which skirts the base
of the Cnoc-an t-Socaich is a group of hut-
circles and small cairns. About
1/2 m. [mile] S. [South] of the Brora and 150' to 200' above the
burn is a small circular enclosure with
an interior dia. [diameter] of about 8'6" x 9' entering from
the S. [South] through a passage 7' long and 2' wide.
The bank except towards the entrance being about
4' in width. Some 40 yds. [yards] W. [West] of it are
the indistinct remains of a hut circle of the
ordinary type and about 100 yds [yards]. N.W. [North West] another
Abt. [About] 1/4 m. [mile] W. [West] of the burn near the top of the
hill is a large group of small cairns and
hut circles. One with stony bank or wall
measures 10'6" in interior diameter, enters from
SE. [South East] and is surrounded by a bank 7' wide
on the circumference and 10' on either side
of the entrance.
Some 30' E [East] of the last is an elliptical enclosure
measuring about 24' x 15' with a wide entrance from
the SE. [South East] and bank about 12'6" in thickness
Two small enclosures of about 6' interior diameter
abut on it towards the S. and SW. [South and South West].
About 30' S. [South] of it is another enclosure with
stone wall about 6' thick, interior diameter of 11'
[continued on page 56] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-56 |
[Page 56]
[continued from page 55]
and entrance from SE. [South East]. Some 100 yds. [yards] to the
[Sketch inserted here]
W. [West] higher up on the hill is
another hut circle of ordinary
type entering from the SE [South East] through
an entrance 2' wide & 9' long.
The diameters are 17' x 19' and
the bank 6' thick. Attached to it on the
E [East] side is a smaller enclosure measuring interiorly
about 10' x 16' with entrance to the SE [South East] 2 1/2' wide.
Higher up on the hill are several small enclosures
of about 6' interior diameter with their banks lined
on the interior with large stones and about 5' in
thickness with the entrance from the SE. [South East].
Clyne
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 7.
Situated on the top of a bank some 60' or 70' above
the bed of the Coich burn 1/4 m. [mile] above its junction
with the Brora & on its E [East] bank and about 1 m. [mile] ENE. [East North East] of Sciberscross
are the remains of a broch. Little of the structure
remains. On the SW. [South West] the wall has been entirely
demolished and on the NW [North West] the exterior face of
the wall exists to a height of about 3' for a short
distance. In the interior a small portion of
wall about 4' high remains on the E [East] side.
The interior diameter has been 28' and the
thickness of the wall 13'. In the wall towards
the NW [North West] the top of a chamber about 3' across
is exposed. No other details are visible.
[continued on page 57] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-57 |
[Page 57]
[continued from page 56]
[Margin] Unnoted
On the hill to the NE [North East] beginning about
200 yds [yards] NE [North East] of the broch is a group of cairns
some of these, especially those high up on the
hill are larger than usual and resemble
those near Sciberscross. Among them
run the remains of old enclosures banks
and other signs of occupancy of the ground.
On the lower slope of the hill towards the SE [South East]
of the group on a natural terrace is a
large hut circle of indefinite detail. Some
100 yds. [yards] NE [North East] of it is another showing the remains
[Sketch inserted here]
of much stone work in
its construction. It has an
interior diameter of
about 36'. The entrance
is from the SE. [South East] through
a passage 11' long and
2'6" wide. At the back of
the interior is a smaller oval
enclosure measuring 20' x 22' with a wall 3'6"
in thickness and an entrance opposite the main
entrance 2' wide. At one side of this entrance
the wall curves inwards for a distance of 7'.
The wall of the main enclosure is about
5' thick widening towards the entrance on either
side.
[continued on page 58] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-58 |
[Page 58]
[continued from page 57]
About 150 yds [yards] to the Eastward is a stone built
circle with an interior diameter of about 26', the
entrance from the SE [South East] and the walls about 6' thick.
There are no partition walls in the interior From its E [East]
side the remains of an ancient wall passes down the
hill indefinitely.
Clyne
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 9.
On the right bank of the Scottarie burn about 1/2
m. [mile] above its junction with the Brora and near
the shepherds house at Kilbrare the O.S. [Ordnance Survey] marks
a "brough'. The broch which has occupied a
most commanding position on an isolated knoll
has entirely disappeared and a sheep stell has taken
its place.
[Margin] Unnoted
About 100 yds [yards] SW [South West] of the site of the broch is a small
circular enclosure of about 17' interior diameter
The entrance is from the SE. [South East] about 2' across through
walls about 5' thick. The inside of the bank or wall
is formed of large contiguous boulders from 1' to
18" high and 1 1/2' to 2' across. One or two small
cairns lie near.
[Margin] Unnoted
On the hill side to the SW [South West] of the shepherd's
house is a group of small cairns some of
which have been opened. About 1/2 m. [mile]
up the glen of the Scottarie burn on its
W. [West] side is a stone built circle of 34' interior
diameter. The entrance is from the E [East] through
[continued on page 59] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-59 |
[Page 59]
[continued from page 58]
a passage 9' long and 3' across. The wall is
about 5'6" in thickness widening towards the entrance.
[Margin] Unnoted
[Sketch inserted]
Some 150 yds [yards] higher up the glen are the ruins
of an elliptical structure in
the construction of which very
large boulders have been used
in walls entirely of stone. The
total length of the interior is
46' and the greater width 18'
The wall 7' thick expanding to
10' on either side of the entrance
which is 4' wide. At the back
of the interior are the ruins of a circular
building measuring 15' x 14' over all but as
the space occupied by it is entirely covered
by the ruins the thickness of its wall & position
and details of entrance are not ascertainable.
The main entrance is from the SE. [South East].
[Margin] Unnoted
About 170 yds [yards] up the glen is a group of
a score or so of cairns, well defined, measuring
from 10' to 26' in diameter.
Below the upper end of the first group of
cairns is a hut circle of simple type, the
outline of which, however, is rather indefinite.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 8.
20th August. Castle Cole. This broch is per:
:haps the most picturesquely situated broch
[continued on page 60] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-60 |
[Page 60]
[continued from page 59]
in the country. It occupies an almost impregnable
position on the left bank of the Black water about
2 miles above the junction of that stream with the
Brora. Below a spot where the Black water has cut
its way through cliffs which rise to a height
of 70' or 80' is an isolated rock precipitous towards
the river which flows past it on two sides, and
steep to the landward side from which it is
cut off by a gully down which a small stream
flows. On this the remains of the broch stand.
It is entered from E.SE [East South East] through a passage 12'10"
in length 2'8" in width at the exterior end and
3'6" in the interior. 5' in from the outside is a
rebate of 6" on either side for a door and 4'8"
further in another 8" wide. On the right of the
passage beyond the first door check but at what
exact distance it is uncertain from the ruin of the wall
was the entrance to a guard chamber. It passed in
through a passage about 4' in length, one lintel of
which at the inner end measuring 3'7" in length
still remains. The chamber is largely filled
with debris and measures as far as exposed
5'8" in length x 5' in breadth. Two lintel
slabs remain in position at the exterior
end of the main entrance to the broch and
the height of the doorway at present is about 5'.
[continued on page 61] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-60a |
[Page] 60a
[Photograph inserted] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-61 |
[Page 61]
[continued from page 60]
[Sketch inserted]
The broch is circular in
the interior with a
diameter of 21'.
Towards the SW. [South West] above
the river the wall has
entirely disappeared
to the foundation which
is 12' across. On the N. [North] the wall is 8' high
which is the greatest height in the interior
and on the exterior the greatest elevation is
towards the E. [East] where it is 10' high. At its greatest
height the wall is 10' in thickness. There
are remains of a chamber in the thickness
of the wall visible 6' from the back wall of
the guard chamber. The upper part only is
exposed above the debris with which it is
filled and is 4' wide: the length is unascertainable.
At a point 11'6" back from the interior end
of the entrance and 4' in from the inner wall
the wall of another chamber is visible among
the ruins. The entrances to neither of these
chambers remain apparent. Six feet to
the left of the entrance on the interior is a
recess on the present ground level 2' square.
At several places in the interior at the same
level are small square recesses measuring
[continued on page 62] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-62 |
[Page 62]
[continued from page 61]
three of them 1'4" across, one 1'6", and one 9". Where
the wall has fallen away there are indications of another
and above the first two recesses from the right of the
entrance are others measuring about 1' x 10". The
3rd. & 4th. recesses from right of entrance are at 6" higher
level than the other two. The base of the
rock on the landward side has been protected
by a wall running for a part of its length along
the top of a rocky outcrop. A small portion of
it is visible at the SE. [South East] and towards the N [North].
[Margin] S. Rogart. [No.] 2.
From the low hill which rises to the E [East] of the
keeper's house at Dalreavoch groups of small
cairns extend for fully 3/4 m. [mile] in a S [South] Easterly
direction at an elevation of between 600' and 700' over
sea level. In rear of Taunachy is a group
of about a dozen. One in rear of the Eastmost
house is particularly well preserved. It is 19' in
diameter and about 3'6" in height.
A cairn some 300 yds. [yards] SE. [South East] measures 22'
x 19' and is from 2'6" to 3' high - others near
are from 17' to 18' in diameter
Towards the end of the group on the lower
side is a hut circle entering from the SE. [South East]
through a passage 10' long and 6' wide
The circle measures interiorly about 40' x 43' and
is enclosed by a bank 5'6" in thickness
[continued on page 63] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-62a |
[Page] 62 [62a]
[Continued from Page 61]
[2 x Photographs inserted]
[Continued on page 63] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-63 |
[Page 63]
[continued from page 62]
[Sketch inserted]
At 26' in from the entrance
a wall 7' thick in the centre
of its course curves round
to meet the sides of the
main enclosure at 24'
and 16' from the entrance.
In the back division are
signs of several small
chambers and in the thickness of the
division wall.
Numerous small cairns lie around.
One lying some 40 yds. [yards] to the S. [South] has its longest
axis NNE and SSW, [North North East and South South West], measures 32' x 20' and is
about 3' high. Another lies N & S. [North & South] measures
22' x 16' and is about 3'6" high.
Near are the remains of an old wall run:
:ning down the hill and terminating in a
small circular enclosure with an
interior diameter of about 16' wall 4' thick
and entrance from the S. [South].
Between 3/4 m [mile] & 1 m. [mile] from Taunachy at the
end of the group is another hut circle
overgrown with heather. It is of simple
type measuring about 26' x 31'. It enters from
the SE [South East] but the details of the entrance are
indefinite. About a dozen cairns of the
[continued on page 64] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-64 |
[Page 64]
[continued from page 63]
ordinary type lie quite near and around.
24th Augt. [August]. A wet day with thick mist over the hills
In the afternoon when it cleared a little went up
Strath Brora with Serjeantson. We looked in
vain for the chambered cairn mentioned by Dr. [Doctor] Joass.
[Margin] Unnoted
On the top of an eminence NE [North East] of the island at the
lower end of Loch Brora and about 1/4 m. [mile] back
from the E [East] bank of the loch is a small cairn
outlined with large and almost contiguous boulders.
It is about 16' in diameter and not more than
2' high. There seems no great quantity of stone
on the cairn and a very considerable growth
of peat. To the N and NE. [North and North East] are a number
of small cairns. 8 or 10 lie about 30 yds. [yards] to the NE. [North East]
and several on the slope of the hill to the N. [North].
On either side of the old road which leads from
Oldtown to Wester Clynekirkton from about
1/2 m. [mile] S.E [South East] of the former place are numerous
cairns of the usual small type.
[Margin] Clyne O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 5.
About 1 1/4 m. [mile] SE [South East] of Oldtown and a quarter of a mile
back from the old road at about an elevation
of 650' are the ruins of a broch. It is now
a structureless mass of stone.
What is probably the
entrance is exposed for a short distance towards
the WNW. [West North West] by one side of the passage for a
[continued on page 65] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-65 |
[Page 65]
[continued from page 64]
distance of about 10'. At the inner end of
the wall face standing at right angles to the line
of its direction is a remarkable slab 5'4" above
present level and 3' broad by 6" to 8" thick which
may have formed one of the jambs of the doorway.
A very small portion of the outer wall is
visible for a foot or two of its height on the N. [North]
and on the S. [South] a part of the outer wall of a
chamber. The inner face of the wall is in
no place exposed and without excavation
it is not possible to obtain accurate meas:
:urements. As the broch stands far from
any human habitation or cultivated land it
does not appear to have been pillaged for stone.
Beside the old road about 1 1/4 N.W [North West] of Wester
Clynekirkton are a number of small cairns.
On reaching Clynekirkton we called on the
minister. He informed me that before the present
roof was put on the belfry it had two large
square (?) apertures opposite each other in the
roof and that the present square openings
beneath the roof were the recesses for the
beam ends for the support of the bell. The
old church had no belfry on it. (Macgibbon
& Ross's description was evidently made before
the roof was renewed.) The stone from
[continued on page 66] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-66 |
[Page 66]
[continued from page 65]
Clyne church now in Dunrobin Museum was
taken from above the doorway of the church whence
it is said to have been brought from the site of
the ancient chapel at Gordonbush. This
was a very wet afternoon especially when we
were on the hills.
25 Augt. [August]. Hired out to Balnacoil. The weather
cold and stormy.
Near the top of the hill at Balnacoil
and somewhat less than 1/2 m. [mile] N.E [North East] of the lodge
is a cairn of from 48' to 50' diameter and
about 4' high. Small excavations have
been made in several places but no cist is
exposed. Between the cairn and the
Lodge and also along the S. [South] slope and
level summit of this hill for a considerable
distance to the Eastward are numerous
small cairns of the usual type.
On the E. [East] bank of the Allt Ach a' Bhathaich
from about 1 1/2 m. [miles] above its junction with
the Brora downwards are a number
of hut circles and associated small cairns.
Most of them are overgrown with deep
heather but appear to be of the simple
type with banks of earth and stone
about 5' wide and entrance S.E. [South East]
[continued on page 67] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-67 |
[Page 67]
[continued from page 66]
[Margin] Unnoted
One a short distance above the enflux of
the Back burn which flows in from the
W. [West] measures about 25' x 29.
[Sketch inserted with note] Not correct
Enters from the ESE [East South East] through
a passage 8' long and
probably about 3' across but
the width is doubtful.
At 17' from the entrance a
semicircular wall 3' wide
stretching from side to side forms an inner
circle of 25' x 27' and a crescentic
enclosure in rear of it. About half a
dozen small cairns lie in rear of it
Between it and the burn are the remains
of other indistinct enclosures & cairns
Directly opposite the confluence of the
burns is a well preserved circular enclosure
entering from SE [South East] presenting no particular
features of interest.
Clyne
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 6.
The object marked Brough. on the E. [East] of the
Allt a' Mhuilinn about 1/2 m. [mile] NNE [North North East] of Ascoile
is a cairn of about 66' diameter. It has
been excavated. At about 26' from the S. [South] side
are lying in the interior two large displaced
stones which may have formed part of a
chamber. The height of the cairn is about 6' where
[continued on page 68] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-68 |
[Page 68]
[continued from page 67]
undisturbed. - Lunched with Mr. Gunnis at Gordon:
:bush. On an open space below the Wood close to
the road about 1/2 m [mile] SE [South East] of Gordonbush Lodge I was
shown the so called foundations of Kilcalmkill
They were not those of a primitive chapel but more
resembled a crofter dwelling.
On the left bank of a small burn which flows
into the middle of the three divisions of Loch
Brora near the centre of the East bank and
about 30 yards back from the road in a birch
wood are the remains of an excavated chambered
cairn. The passage which approaches the
chamber from the W [West] has been removed almost up to
the lintel covering the entrance which is at
20' from what appears to have been the outside.
The passage exists for the last 3'8" including the
part covered by the lintel & is 3' wide. The portals which
support the lintel are 2' high and have on the top of each
an additional stone raising them to 2'9". The
lintel is 5' long 1'8" deep and 1'4" across.
The chamber appears to have been tripartite
The first compartment is 5' long: the S. [South] side has
fallen but the width has been about 7'.
The sides have curved and are entirely
built instead of having large upright slabs
forming a portion of the walls. Two partition
[continued on page 69] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-69 |
[Page 69]
[continued from page 68]
stones separate the 1st. and 2nd. compartments
3' long x 1' thick and 3' in height as far as exposed.
and about 2' apart. The second compartment
also built is 4'9" long x 8'3" in breadth. At
the back are two other division stones 1'9" apart;
the slab on the N. [North] 3'6" long - that on the S. [South] 3'.
They are in great measure covered with
debris and no part of the chamber beyond is
visible. The diameter of the cairn along the
line of the direction of the chamber from E & W [East & West]
has been about 54', and across the chamber
about 46'. The remains of the cairn are
covered with moss & fern & situated in a
birch wood.
26th Aug. [August]. Salzcraggie Lodge. Mr. Taylor has
kindly put me up for a couple of nights.
[Sketch inserted]
In the centre of the lawn in
front of Salzcraggie Lodge
is an earthhouse, the en:
:trance to which was dis:
:covered when clearing away
the remains of an early
structure. It is probable
that it communicated
with a hut circle.
[continued on page 70] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-70 |
[Page 70]
[continued from page 69]
It is entered down a flight of six steps 2' wide
curving round to the left. At 6' from the first
step the covered passage commences with a width
of about 3' and height of 4'.5". From the entrance
the curve alters its direction turning slightly towards
the right and at 4'.6" inward in runs straight
from WNW to ESE. [West North West to East South East] for a total length of 22'
following the curve of the E [East] wall and 19'6" on the
W. [West]. At 10' from the back it is 4'8" high and
3'.2" wide. The back is rounded 3'.6" across and
5'.2" in height. The sides are built and the
roof flagged.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 21
To the S. [South] of Salzcraggie Lodge between the
road and the river are the remains of a
long cairn so recently demolished that the
tracks of the carts taking the stones from
the interior for road metal are not yet
obliterated. It is said to have had two chambers
but no trace remains of them. It lies E and W. [East and West].
Length 178'. Breadth at E [East] end about 63': at
W. [West] end about 12'. It does not appear to have
been horned.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 18.
On the W. [West] bank of the Allt-Cille Pheadair
about (?) 150 yds [yards] SW. [South West] of the point of influx of the
Clais Rath Finn and 950 yds [yards] or thereby N. [North] of
the Helmsdale River is a hut circle.
[continued on page 71] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-71 |
[Page 71]
[continued from page 70]
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 18
[Sketch inserted]
It is circular in the interior with a diameter
of 32' and is subdivided. At 10' in from the
entrance a wall about 7' in thickness runs for
a distance of about 17' towards the back
and there bifurcates to the circumference
forming a triangular compartment at the
back 16' long x 5' across. The interior
circumference has been built against a
bank of earth & stone and in places the wall
is visible to a height of about 3', except perhaps
at the back of the triangular compartment
where no building is visible. The division
wall appears to have been entirely of stone.
The entrance is from the E.SE. [East South East] through a
[continued on page 72] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-72 |
[Page 72]
[continued from page 71]
passage 3'.6" wide and 15' long. The thickness
of wall & bank is 8' except at the entrance where
on the W [West] side is is fifteen ft. [feet] thick for the last 9' or 10'
and on the E. [East] side for about 6'. Towards E [East] the enclosing bank is about 5' high on exterior. Covering
the entrance at 13' distant from it is a wall
[Margin] To NE. [North East] are indications of other walls.
6' thick which
runs for a distance of about 98' in a N [North] Westerly dir:
:ection and terminates in a small stony cairn of
12' diar. [diameter]. Beyond the cairn there are indications
of the wall passing to the SW. [South West]. About 25' NW [North West]
of the first cairn is another of similar dimensions.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 18
Some 75 yds [yards] NE [North East] is another circular enclosure
with diameter 33' x 37'. Entering from ESE. [East South East]
through passage 5' wide and 7' long. The bank
in the circumference is 6' broad.
Several small cairns lie around.
About 60 yds [yards] NW. [North West] is another circle of simple
type. Entering from SE. [South East] through passage 5' wide
and 9' long. Bank in circumference measures 4'.
The interior diameter 34' x 38'. Several small
cairns lie near.
Due E. [East] of the last group on the opposite
bank of the Cille Pheadair and above
a deep gorge is a circular enclosure lined
with a stone wall in the interior with an
interior diameter of 23'. The entrance is from
[continued on page 73] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-72a |
[Page] 72 [72a]
[Continued from Page 71]
[Photograph inserted]
[Continued on page 73] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-73 |
[Page 73]
[continued from page 72]
the SE. [South East] and is 5' wide. The banks appear
to broaden towards the entrance but the heather
is deep and details are unobtainable.
From the sides of it walls seem to run down the hill.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 18. see p. [page] 79.
Some 30 yds. [yards] S. [South] of the last is another
circular enclosure the interior of which is
also lined with stone. It has an interior
diameter of 32'. It is situated on a
slope and the interior at the
back has been dug out to
make it level. The back of
the circle is formed of a
line of boulders about 3' high,
and about 8'.6" back from
the front of them is an outer
bank of turf 6'.6" thick.
[Sketch inserted]
The interspace is filled up
probably with ruins and the whole interior
is overgrown with deep heather. The wall
in the interior is in places about 3' high.
The entrance is from SE. [South East] and is about 3' wide
through a passage 16' - 17' in length. The outer
bank at the back of the circle is 6'.6" but
at the sides where it coalesces with the inner
circle of stone it is 12' thick. On the left
or W [West] side of the entrance it forms a mound
about 6' high to the exterior and at 25' from
[continued on page 74] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-74 |
[Page 74]
[continued from page 73]
the outer end of the passage it is about 26' in
thickness. At 4' from the interior a passage 2'
wide enters some 5'.6" in length & the
sides of which are about 2' high passes into a
small opening or chamber 2' - 3' in diameter
at the inner end of the passage is a lintel 3'.6" in
length lying about 10" above the ground level.
There is a considerable amount of debris lying
about the entrance and in the passage & small
chamber. The thickness & height of the mound
suggest that there is an earth house in it as
in that of the hut circle on the vicinity lower
down the glen. There are no cairns
in the immediate vicinity.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 19.
On the left bank of the Cille Pheadair about 1/2 m. [mile]
above its junction with the Helmsdale and about
50' above the burn is a hut circle - stone built
in the interior - circular with
an interior diameter of 32'.
[Sketch inserted]
The entrance is from the
SE. [South East] through a passage 15' long,
on the W. [West] side & 16' on the E. [East] and
3' wide expanding towards
the exterior. At about 14'
from the entrance on the W [West]
side an opening in the wall
[continued on page 75] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-75 |
[Page 75]
[continued from page 74]
2' wide leads into an earth house built up on each
side and covered with flags. At the entrance
it is about 3' high. The floor which has not been
cleared of fallen stones slopes downward for
the first 10' or 12'. At 3'.6" from outside it is
2'.4" high: at 13' - 3' high. At 18' inwards it is
3' in width, 4'.6" in height and curves sharply round
to the right increasing beyond the bend to 4' in
width, which width is maintained till at the
back of the passage 31'.6" from the entrance
it contracts to 2'.10". The back is rounded.
The thickness of the bank over the passage
is about 22' and beyond it on the N & E [North & East]
about 7'. At the back of the passage a small
opening has been cleared in the roof. This is
probably the trap mentioned in Pro. S. of A.S. Scot. [Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland]
V. [5] 246 or VII. [7] 24.
Some 40 yds [yards] E. [East] is a hut circle of simple
type rather obliterated with entrance from SE. [South East].
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 20.
There are a great many small cairns to
the South the nearest of which is about 50
yds. [yards] from the main circle. Most of the
cairns are small except towards the S. [South]
of the group where some are rather larger.
One of these measures 21' in diameter & is
2' - 3' high. In one cairn near is an upright
[continued on page 76] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-76 |
[Page 76]
[continued from page 75]
stone at SE [South East] end about 2'6" high and 2' across.
Directly N [North] of the road bridge over the Cill Pheadair burn
and about 200' above the river is a circular enclosure
formed of a single line of low contiguous boulders
the turf bank which lay on them having entirely dis:
:appeared except to the S. [South] of the entrance which is
from the SE. [South East]. Diameter 33' x 37'. Bank at
entrance 7' thick. Width of entrance 3'. At the NE. [North East]
a cairn of about 14' diameter lies partially on
the circumference. A great number of cairns
lie nearby several of which have been excavated.
Through among the cairns and hut circles
mentioned are as usual the remains of old
banks or walls, in some instances connecting
with small circular enclosures. These are ob:
:servable in many places but in no case have
they the appearance of defensive lines.
[Sketch inserted]
About 350 yds. [yards] SSW. [South South West] of the broch is a double
enclosure At the upper or N. [North] end
is a small circular enclosure with
an interior diameter of about 9' and
bank about 4' thick with an entrance
3' wide from the
lower enclosure. The lower
enclosure is oval measuring
15' x 11' and has an entrance 10' or 11' wide which
[continued on page 77] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-77 |
[Page 77]
[continued from page 76]
passes inwards from the exterior on the W [West]
between the two enclosures, which are connected
by a continuous bank on the E. [East]. The bank
of the lower enclosure is 8' thick and towards
the S. [South] projects to a point 15' from the interior.
Mr. Scott accompanied me all day & helped much.
[Sketch inserted]
27th Augt. [August]. About 1/2 m. [mile] NW. [North West]
of Salzcraggie Lodge situ:
:ated on a hillock which
rises on the slope of the
hill and at an elevation
over sea of about 450' is
the broch of Kilphedir.
The top of the hillock measures
about 220' x 132' (O.S. [Ordnance Survey]) and the broch stands near
the centre of it towards the N. [North] end. The broch
has an interior diameter of 32' from NW to SE [North West to South East] and
and 33' from SW to NE. [South West to North East]. The entrance is from
the NW. [North West] through a passage 15'.6" long. 3' wide
at the exterior and 4'10" on the interior. At
5'.6" from the latter end is a rebate of 6"
forming a door check. The outer covering
slab and two others at 6' from the outside alone
remain in position. The passage is full
of debris and no entrance to a guard-chamber
is visible. Opposite the entrance a passage
[continued on page 78] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-78 |
[Page 78]
[continued from page 77]
4' long and 2' wide x 4'.2" high leads into a chamber on the
SW. [South West] which opens to the left. The chamber is filled
with debris but as far as visible is 5'.6" in length
and 2'.7" in width. To the right of this entrance the
staircase runs Southwards for a distance of about
15' between walls about 2'.6" apart. The steps are
entirely covered with debris. The greatest height
of wall in the interior is 7'.3" while the average
height all round is not much less. The width
of the wall at this level is about 12'.6". The greatest
height of wall visible on the exterior above the ruins
is 4'.6". The broch occupies a most command:
:ing position which has been strengthened by for:
:tifications. The base of the hillock is encircled by
a ditch, about 23' wide and 9' deep below the top
of the counterscarp with a rampart running from the N [North] end
towards the E [East] about 14' thick at base. At the N [North] on the E. [East] of the
entrance a short outer ditch runs parallel with the
inner one for a distance of about 20' and is about
22' wide and 6' deep. Some 50' from the extremity
of the ditch on the W. [West] side of the entrance a small
oval enclosure measuring interiorly about 17' x 12'
is contained in the rampart. On the N. [North] the
hillock is about 20' in height and about half
way down the scarp is cut a platform about
6' broad with a parapet on the outside. Towards
[continued on page 79] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-78a |
[Page] 78 [78a]
[Continued from Page 77]
[Photograph inserted]
[Continued on page 79] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-79 |
[Page 79]
[continued from page 78]
the S. and SW. [South and South West] the ground falls sharply away
towards the strath and the defences in these
directions are less prominent. The circle of
the ditch is broken on the N. [North] by the entrance
which passes between the open ends of it and
between the ditch and broch on the W. [West] side
is flanked by a mound.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 17.
On the east of the Kilphedir Burn about 1 m. [mile]
N [North] of its junction with the Helmsdale river and
about 1/4 m. [mile] N. [North] of the hut circle described on p. [page] 73.
is a group of three contiguous
enclosures two of which appear to have been
cattle or sheep folds.
[Sketch inserted]
One is circular
with a diameter
of 27'. bank 7' thick
& entrances
doubtful.
Adjoining it
in the rear
is a
semicircle and to the West of it an enclosure
entering from SE. [South East] measuring 33' x 38' with
entrance 8' wide protected by a horn pro:
:jecting on the W. [West] side. An opening 8' wide
[continued on page 80] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-80 |
[Page 80]
[continued from page 79]
appears to have been broken through the banks
of this circle & the semicircle at a later date.
Some 30 yds. [yards] N. [North] on the end of a slight knoll is
a cup shaped hollow with an opening to the S. [South]
10' in diameter and apparently lined with stones.
Near the three enclosures are a dozen or so of
small cairns.
About 200 yds [yards] N. [North] of the three on a small
hillock are the faint remains of another circle
of ordinary type.
Some 30 yds. [yards] S. [South] of the three is a circular en:
:closure, entering from SE. [South East]. Interior diameter
29' x 34'. Bank 7' and 12' at entrance broken
through on the NW. [North West]. On the NW [North West] of the interior
are traces of an inner compartment the wall
of which appears to have been disturbed.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 16.
On the opposite or W. [West] bank of the Allt Cille
Pheadair a m. [mile] N. [North] of its junction with the Helms:
:dale River is a hut circle. It appears to have
[Sketch inserted with note] not correctly drawn. See note book
been originally a turf & stone
enclosure with an interior diameter
of about 28' x 34' with entrance
from SE. [South East] and bank about 8'
thick and at a later time
a circle of stone has been
built from the entrance into
[continued on page 81] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-81 |
[Page 81]
[continued from page 80]
the interior with a diameter of 23' leaving
a chamber at the back between the two
structures with an entrance to it passing through
the inner wall. The remains of an ancient
stone wall runs from the back of the enclosure,
and three large boulders crossing the back
compartment are a continuation of its
direction. This suggests that perhaps the
stone built circle is anterior to the turf
& stone oval. Where the two walls coalesce
at the side the width is 11'. The width
of the entrance is 3' in the interior, 4' at
outside & length of passage 8'.
Some 20 yds [yards] N. [North] is another hut circle of
simple type, with entrance from SE. [South East] about 3'
wide & diameter 28' x 37': The thickness of the
banks indefinite.
Four or five small cairns lie in the immediate
vicinity.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 14.
On the slope of the hill immediately above
Torrish and to the E. [East] of the Coulan Burn
is a large group of cairns. They are
of the usual class varying from 10' to 18'
in diameter. The O.S. [Ordnance Survey] records the
finding of flint implements and shale
necklace in a short cist among them in 1868.
[continued on page 82] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-82 |
[Page 82]
[continued from page 81]
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 15.
This hut circle is entirely overgrown with trees
& ferns & is not visible.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 33.
On a slight eminence beside the road on the W. [West]
bank of the Torrish burn is a large cairn
A great part of it has been quite recently re:
:moved from the W [West] side but neither cist nor
chamber is exposed. The outline of the cairn
has been marked wh [with] large boulders from 1 1/2' to
2' across placed at frequent intervals but not
contiguous. On the N. [North] this setting is 7' - 9' distant
from the cairn, but on the S. [South] in which direction the
hill slopes the cairn appears to rise directly from
it. The diameter of the cairn over all is
from 61' to 63' ft. [feet] (61' from N - S [North - South] and, 63' from E to W. [East to West]).
[Margin] Unnoted
About 1/4 m. [mile] N. [North] of the junction of the Torrish
burn with the Helmsdale river on a slight
elevation are the foundations of an elliptical
enclosure measuring 20' x 9' with walls about
3' thick lying ENE and WSW [East North East and West South West]. From the
SW [South West] corner of this foundation runs a line of
stones in an Easterly direction for a distance
of 44'.3" and parallel or slightly converging towards the E [East], at a distance of about 5 ft. [feet]
a similar row. In the former row are 9 stones
and in the latter 8. The stones are similar
in size to those on Learabol hill set in
rows and are placed with their broad faces
[continued on page 83] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-83 |
[Page 83]
[continued from page 82]
in line. The highest are about 2' high while
some of the others now merely protrude above
the ground. The rows slightly converge
[Margin] Unnoted
[Sketch inserted]
down the slope towards the
East.
Some 50' to the SE [South East] of the enclosure is a
low cairn with a diameter of 11'.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 13.
Some 80 yds [yards] N. [North] of the elliptical enclosure
is a small circular enclosure 22' in Interior
diameter, with entrance probably from the
S.E. [South East]. On the left of the entrance in the interior
and abutting on the wall or bank is a small
circular enclosure with interior diameter of
3' and wall 2' thick. The bank of the main
enclosure is about 4' thick and 8' at what
appears to be the entrance which seems to have
been 2' wide. Some 30 yds [yards] W. [West] are the
remains of another of simple type with
banks of turf & stone not very definite.
Some 80 yds [yards] N [North] of the small enclosure is a
[continued on page 84] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-83a |
[Page] 83 [83a]
[Continued from Page 82]
[Photograph inserted]
[Continued on page 84] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-84 |
[Page 84]
[continued from page 83]
large one well preserved enclosed by a bank about
10' wide 4'.6" high. The diameter 34' x 37'; the entrance
from SE. [South East] about 7' across. A few cairns lie
near, and Westward they stretch along the hill face
above the strath for a considerable distance.
Among them are remains of old walls & enclosures.
On a semicircular terrace at the S. [South] side of the
road about 1/4 m. [mile] W. [West] of the bridge over the Allt Breac
are a number of small standing stones set in parallel
rows forming in outline a semicircle the base
or diameter of which is about 66' and the radius 25'.
There appear to be 14 or 15 rows about 3' apart except
in the centre of the semicircle where the distance
seems to be greater, The stones themselves are
also about 3' apart. The lines have the appearance
of convergence as they do not run quite at
right angles to the base. The stones are set
with their broad faces in line of the direction
which is almost SSE and NNW. [South South East and North North West] (accurately from
20' [º] E of S. [East of South], to 20º W of N. [West of North]). The stones are low and
[Margin] For numbers of stones &c. see note book
pointed for the most part - none more than
2'.6" in height. Some have recently been removed
& others broken probably for road metal. The roadway
has probably cut off a portion of the monument.
To the N'[North]ward across the road are the remains
of several cairns and on the moor on the top of
[continued on page 85] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-84a |
[Page] 84 [84a]
[Continued from Page 83]
[Photograph inserted]
[Continued on page 85] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-85 |
[Page 85]
[continued from page 84]
the bank are cairns and several hut circles
[Sketch inserted]
About 1/3 m. [mile] W. [West] of the Allt Breac are two
conjoined circular enclosures.
An outer circular
bank with diameter
of about 36' from
E to W. [East to West] and 38' from
N to S. [North to South] with an
entrance from the E [East]
< 5' wide
contains in the
interior a smaller
circular enclosure
springing from the SE [South East] side with a diameter
of 26' and bank about 5' thick. The bank
of the outer circle is about 6' thick except
on the N [North] side where it appears to be about
double that thickness and it is also 12'
thick on the S [South] side of the entrance. Both
banks abut at the E [East] on another circular
enclosure with a diameter of 27' a bank
5' thick and entrance from the E. [East]. This
circle flanks the entrance on its N. [North] side and
from its SE [South East] a horn projects across the
entrance to the main circle at about 8'
distant from its outer extremity.
[continued on page 86] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-86 |
[Page 86]
[continued from page 85]
28th Augt. [August]. Returned from Salzcraggie & wrote up
notes all day.
29th Augt. [August]. Sunday. Bicycled to Cambusmore
Lodge & met Mr. Duckworth
30th Augt. [August]. A hopeless wet day. Wrote up notes
31st Augt. [August]. Very stormy. Took S. [Sandy] with me to Loth.
Up the valley about 1 3/4 m. [miles] above the road
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 3.
bridge and on the top of a bank where the Glen
Sletdale burn flows into the Loth are two standing
stones. They stand in alignment 21' apart
facing about 30º E. of N. [East of North]. The Eastmost stone
is a flat slab 4'.11" high - 3'.6" across the base
and 5" thick. The other stone is square in
section 4'.8" high 1'.6" across the front x 1'.2"
across the side. On the slope of the bank
to the SE [South East] lie two or three other flat slabs which
may have formed part of the monument.
This is known as Carradh nan Clach.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 12.
The site of the hunting house is visible
but nothing remains but indefinite foundations.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 2.
Clach Mhic Mhios. Situated on a slight
eminence in the moor at an altitude of
about 800' and about 3 miles from Loth Bridge
is a high standing stone of red sandstone.
It is 11' high - 4'.11" broad at broadest about
7' from ground, 2'.9" at base and 1'.3" thick.
It faces ESE and WNW. [East South East and West North West]. The O.S. [Ordnance Survey] marks
[continued on page 87] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-86a |
[Page] 86 [86a]
[Continued from Page 85]
[2 x photographs inserted]
[Continued on page 87] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-87 |
[Page 87]
[continued from page 86]
"tumuli" in its vicinity but though I searched
all round I found none. Some 30 yds. [yards] N. [North] of it
is a low mound about 20' diameter which looks
like a cairn but piercing it in several places
I found it to be entirely composed of peat.
The showers were so frequent & heavy that
I did not finish all my work in the Glen.
2nd [Margin] 1st? September. Train to Kinbrace. As usual the
train was an hour late so it was 12.15 before I
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 4.
got there. About 1 1/4 m. [miles] due W [West] of Kinbrace
station on the hill side beyond Harvieston
are a great number of small cairns of
from 12' to 20' diameter.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 3.
About 200' above the road towards the W. [West]
end of the group is a large cairn known
as "Carn Tigh-nan-Goileach". It is from
58' to 60' in diameter and about 6' high. It
has been pulled about somewhat on the top and
several large flat slabs exposed lying horizontally
indicate a chambered character. To the
E [East] and on the hill side below lies numerous
small cairns the nearest of which is some
60' to the SW. [South West] & constructed of larger stones than
usual.
Along the lower slopes of the Creag Rui
nan Caorach from a short distance
[continued on page 88] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-88 |
[Page 88]
[continued from page 87]
SE [South East] of Kinbrace station to the burn at Burnfoot
(?) name lie numbers of small cairns with remains
of enclosures & old walls on the lower slopes above
the road.
[Margin] Unnoted
About 1/2 m. [mile] S.E [South East] of Kinbrace Station is a hut circle
with entrance from ESE [East South East] and an interior diameter
[Sketch inserted]
of 35'. The bank is 7' wide except
near the entrance where on the
E [East] side it is 10' and on the
W. [West] side 13' increasing to 18'
at 11' from entrance on the
interior and externally about 5'.6" high.
The entrance is about 6' wide.
Numerous cairns lie around.
Some 250 yds [yards] E. [East] is another circle - stone built
The walls are quite ruined. The interior has
been dug out of the slope of the hill so as to make
it level. The interior diameter is about 26' x 28' the
thickness of the 6' - increasing to 15' on either side
of the entrance which is narrow but its width not ascertainable
[Sketch inserted]
From the centre of the back wall
a platform of stone - 6' wide projects
for about 18' into the interior towards
the entrance. The entrance is
SE. [South East].
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] ?47
About 3/4 m [mile] S.E [South East] of Kinbrace
[continued on page 89] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-88a |
[Page] 88 [88a]
[Continued from Page 87]
[2 x Photographs inserted]
[Continued on page 89] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-89 |
[Page 89]
[continued from page 88]
and about 1/4 (?) m [mile] above the road are two large
cairns. The most Easterly is circular with
a diameter of about 50' and height of about 6'.
It has been pulled about considerably in
the centre but no cist has been exposed. There
is no indication of a chamber.
About 50 yds [yards] SE [South East] is No. 2. It also has been
to a certain extent pulled about and some
large flat slabs lying about the centre may
indicate a chambered character. Towards
the NE and SW [North East and South West], and SE and NW [South East and North West], are distinct
projections but whether these are structural or
not could only be determined by excavation.
The projections are from 6' to 8' in length. The
diameter of the cairn between these horns
is about 40' and along them about 54'.
The height of the cairn is about 4'.6" (photographed.)
Some 180 yds [yards] E [East] is a smaller cairn which has
been considerably dilapidated on SE. [South East].
Diameter from N. to S. [North to South] 41' from E to W. [East to West] 44':
height about 4'. Numerous small
cairns lie along the hill side below these.
Abt. [About] 1/4 SSE [South South East] of the last is a low cairn of
about 21' diameter & 3' high, formed entirely of
stone.
Beyond the enclosed land at Burnfoot
[continued on page 90] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-90 |
[Page 90]
[continued from page 89]
the small cairns again appear and continue
down the strath for a long distance.
2nd Sept. [September] Train to Kinbrace with J. [Jocelyn] as usual 1 hour
[Sketch inserted]
late. Bicycled
to hut circle near
Burnfoot. It is
situated about
40' E [East] of the road
some 50 yds [yards]
S. [South] of the cultiv:
:ated land at
Burnfoot. The
main enclosure
is oval measuring about 30' x 35' with entrance
from SE [South East] through a passage 15' long and about
2'.6" wide at interior end and 4' at exterior. The bank
on either side of the entrance is carried forward
for about 7' parallel with the passage and about
5' thick. The breadth of the bank on the E [East] side
is about 11' and has had much stone in its
composition. To the W [West] the bank is about 9' in
thickness for the first 19' from the end of the
entrance on the interior whence it expands
rapidly to a width of 24' decreasing
again to 8' at the NW [North West] opposite the entrance
This thick bank has been much broken
[continued on page 91] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-90a |
[Page] 90 [90a]
[Continued from Page 89]
[Photograph inserted]
[Continued on page 91] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-91 |
[Page 91]
[continued from page 90]
into and stone removed from it but though
no earth house is exposed from the plan
and the number of flat stones laid
bare in the mound it most probably contains
one. Abutting on the circle on the NE. [North East] is
a small oblong enclosure measuring about
37' x 9' widening towards the N. [North]. The banks are
much broken down. There has been an entrance
to the outer pend from the main enclosure
which may be secondary. The bank of the
pend is about 7' thick. The whole circle
has been much dilapidated at a recent
date to get stones for road metal probably.
Some 9' in front of the entrance on its S [South] side
a mound some 8' across runs round towards
the W [West] at a distance of about 13' from the
main bank and disappears passing N [North] W'[West]wards
beyond the circle.
Some 50 yds [yards] ENE. [East North East] of the last is another
enclosure circular with interior diameter of
31' and an entrance from the S [South] or
SE. [South East]. The entrance appears to have been
altered and has been wide
Some 30' E [East] of the first enclosure is a
mounded construction with a depression
on the top apparently a kiln.
[continued on page 92] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-92 |
[Page 92]
[continued from page 91]
About 1/2 m. [mile] further down the Strath from
Burnfoot some 40' distant from the road is
a large cairn. From E. to W. [East to West] the diameter is
about 87' and from N to S. [North to South] 83' Its height is
about 9'. On the E [East] side it has been pulled
about somewhat but the chamber has not
been exposed.
Numerous small cairns lie near - one
to NE [North East] has recently been almost entirely re:
:moved.
Some 400 yds [yards] SE. [South East] of the large cairn by the
roadside at an elevation of about 500' over sea.
are other two large cairns about 12' apart
The most Northerly is about 100' in length, 79' across
at NE [North East] end and 52' at SW. [South West]. Its greatest height
(somewhat to the N [North] of the middle of its
length) is some 14'. A small amount of
exploration has been done on it but no chamber
exposed.
The second cairn which lies SW [South West] of the previous
one lies also NE and SW. [North East and South West]. It is 102' in length
36' broad at NE [North East] end and 62' at SW. [South West]. Its height
about the centre of its length is about 8 - 10'.
It too has been pulled about a little but no chamber is exposed.
Some 40' from the SW [South West] end the foundations
of an ancient wall are visible running out
towards the SE [South East] and curving round
[continued on page 93] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-92a |
[Page] 92 [92a]
[Continued from Page 91]
[2 x Photographs inserted]
[Continued on page 93] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-93 |
[Page 93]
[continued from page 92]
meets the neighbouring cairn at its SW [South West] end.
A similar wall has joined the two cairns on
the E. [East] side, thus utilizing the cairns as part of
the wall of an enclosure. There
appeared to be projections towards the N. [North]
and S. [South] of the 1st of the last pair of cairns but
the indications are too indefinite to be
sure of.
[Margin] Unnoted
Some 250 yds [yards] E. [East], lies another cairn
with a diameter of about 64'. It has
been excavated at some remote period
but no cist is exposed nor is there any
indication of a chamber. Height about 5'.
To the E. [East] about 150 yds [yards] lies a large group
of small cairns of usual type.
About 150 yds [yards] NE. [North East] of Kinbrace Farm is a
circular mound about 4' high and with a
diameter of about 50'. It is overgrown with
grass & heather and its character is not quite
obvious.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 40
Of the "Brough" marked to the E. [East] of Kinbrace farm
I could find no trace. On 6" map it is marked cairn
& may be the preceding entry.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 39.
On the top of the left bank of the Kinbrace
burn about 250 yds [yards] above the road is a
chambered cairn excavated by Dr. [Doctor] Joass.
Its diameter from N. to S. [North to South] is about 68' and
[continued on page 94] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-94 |
[Page 94]
[continued from page 93]
from E to W. [East to West] about 73'. The direction of the chambers
and entrance passage is
E & W. [East & West]. The passage
[Sketch inserted]
enters from the E. [East]
and has been entirely
destroyed for the
first 19' thereafter
it remains entire
& covered with
slabs - 2' wide and
about 5' in length.
At about 24' from the outside is the entrance to a
small rectangular chamber between portals 2'.10" apart, measuring 3' from front to back
and 5' across, the sides of which are built. The
chamber is low 2' high and roofed with slabs. Between
two partition stones 1'.10" apart and about 3' high
covered with a lintel 4'.8" long, 1'.10" broad & 8" thick.
cracked across, entrance is gained to the main chamber
It is polygonal measuring 6'.5" from E to W. [East to West] and
7'.9" from N to S. [North to South]. On the N [North] side it is broken down
to a height of 3' but on the S. [South] side it remains intact
for 5'.6" of elevation. It has been covered with a roof
of converging stones and the wall is vertical for 3'
above present floor level. A third chamber
is entered through two division stones 1'.10"
apart and 11" high. It is of the same dimensions
[continued on page 95] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-95 |
[Page 95]
[continued from page 94]
as the chamber at the E [East] end - (3' x 5'). It is
low and roofed with slabs - is built on both
sides and has one large slab at the back.
The main chamber has much building in its
construction the single slabs, one in each side,
being only 1'.10" and 2'.4" across at present
floor level. The lintel stone above the entrance
to the small W [West] chamber is 5' long and
like that at the entrance to the E [East] chamber is
[Margin] The greatest height is from 10' to 11'.
broken. The cairn is considerably dilapidated
and there are evidences of a building placed
against it at the W [West] end, where about 20' from
the outside of the cairn there are the remains of a regularly con:
:structed wall for a distance of about 10'.
Great numbers of small cairns lie to the
E [East] and there are remains of circular enclosures.
We bicycled down to Kildonan & got the train
home. Mr. Scott who was present at
the excavation of the cairn, says that the
chamber had been rifled previously and
that a piece of Iona pebble was found in
the passage from which he infers that
a viking coming from Iona had entered
it! This to my mind is very insufficient evidence!
[continued on page 96] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-96 |
[Page 96]
[continued from page 95]
3rd September. Train with J [Jocelyn] to Mound thence
bicycled up the Carnach Strath to Dalnamain.
It was an extraordinary sight to see the salmon
leaping out of the water in Loch Fleet at the
entrance to the river two or three feet into the air,
several being at times out of the water at the same
moment.
Dornoch
[Margin] Unnoted
[Sketch inserted]
On an isolated hillock
at the E. [East] end of the
birch wood on the
S. [South] side of the road
opposite Dalnamain
in Strath Carnach
are the remains of
a fortified enclosure.
The hillock rises for a
height of about 40'
and on the summit
is an oval enclosure
measuring about 78' from
E to W [East to West] by 42' from N to S. [North to South]. (Sketch plan)
A portion of the wall remains to a height of about 2'
at the E [East] end and is about 8' broad. This wall
has been encircled by another from
12' to 15' distant at the edge of the summit at
the E [East] and along the slopes on the flanks.
[continued on page 97] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-97 |
[Page 97]
[continued from page 96]
At the W. [West] end these walls probably converged but
there the remains are very indistinct. Entirely
surrounding the hillock at its base are the
foundations of an outer defence from 6' to
8' thick 110' distant from the second line at
the W [West] end and 98' at the E. [East]. The only break
in this bank is one of 3' width at the W. [West] from
which to the central enclosure there is a
gradual rise. The entrance to the
main enclosure is not apparent but
has probably been from the E [East] end.
This class of enclosure is very uncommon in
Sutherland. The foundations of the
walls are stony & appear to be built but there is hardly
sufficient debris about to indicate that
they were entirely of stone.
At the N [North] side of the enclosed park to the E [East]
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 5.
of Dalnamain protruding from a long low
cairn of stones about 2' high probably collected
from the field is quadrangular standing
stone 4'.4" above ground 1'.11" across the
base and 1'.1" thick. The stone faces NNW & SSE. [North North West & South South East].
At the lower end of the park is a long low
cairn more or less S. shaped in form. The
field is low & not high above the level of the
river. the general direction of the cairn is
[continued on page 98] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-98 |
[Page 98]
[continued from page 97]
the same as the river. I think it is a natural deposit
of boulders & gravel supplemented with stones from
the field. The only other regular S. shaped
cairns I have seen were in Strath Naver, on a
haugh beside the Carnachy burn. The situation
is almost similar as also the relative general directions
of the cairns - parallel with that of the stream.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 23a.
About 1/2 m [mile] NE. [North East] of the shepherd's house at Dal:
:namain at an elevation of about 400' is a group
of about 1 dozen cairns of usual small type and
a hut circle. The circle has an interior
diameter of about 26': entrance from SE [South East] through
a passage 9' long. The width of the entrance is in:
:definite but it has been narrow probably about
3'. The thickness of the banks 6'. Nearby are the
remains of old enclosing banks.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 6
On the W. [West] side of the Allt Tigh Neill about 100' above
the road up Strath Carnach and immediately above
the birch wood is a group of from 15 to 20 small
cairns and two hut circles. The most Easterly
measures 26' x 31' with entrance from the E. [East]
The banks of turf & stone 7' thick & 9' at entrance
The second circle is about 30 yds. [yards] to the W. [West].
It enters from the SE [South East] through an entrance
3' wide. The bank is about 4'.6" thick. The
diameters are 20' x 25'. Abutting on it to the
[continued on page 99] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-99 |
[Page 99]
[continued from page 98]
SW. [South West] is a small rectangular enclosure 12' x 5'
probably secondary.
Rogart.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 18.
On the NW [North West] end of a rocky peak which rises from
the E [East] side of a glen running Northwards on the
top of the steep slope behind the gamekeepers
house at E. [East] Kinnauld are the ruins of a broch.
It is situated at an elevation of about 400' and
though not visible from Strathfleet which
lies to the S. [South] of it, commands a view of
Loch Fleet and the hill country to the
W. [West]. It is much ruined but does not appear
to have been pillaged and if the debris was
cleared away the walls would be found
standing to a considerable height all round.
The interior diameter is 31': The entrance is
from the W. [West] through a passage 17' in length.
3' wide on the interior and 2'.9" at exterior.
Three of the covering slabs remain in situ but
the passage is choked with debris. At
9' from the outside on the N. [North] is a wall face at
right angles to the passage which appears
to have been the entrance to a chamber
measuring 8' from the passage to its
furthest end where another passage 3' long and
2' wide opens onto the interior courtyard.
At most the chamber is about 4'.9" wide
[continued on page 100] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-100 |
[Page 100]
[continued from page 99]
The chamber is full of debris and the wall on
the inner side is broken down.
[Sketch inserted]
On the right of the entrance
is another chamber
entering from the
passage at 2' from the
interior. It extends
inward for 10': at 7' in the
wall to the interior
is 5'.3" thick and to the
exterior 6.9". The width of the entrance to it appears to
be about 1'.10". The chamber is about 4' wide, and
at the back, where one covering slab remains in
position, 4' high. The interior of the broch is
full of debris and the entrance to the staircase
is not visible. The gallery is visible on the N. [North] for
about 1/2 way round. The greatest height of wall
visible on the interior is about 4' and to the outside
a similar elevation.
I had left J. [Jocelyn] at the Mound where we had had tea
& bicycled on to Kinnauld not expecting to find
much of the broch left but I found so much to do
that just as I got started on my 3 m. [miles] ride to the
station the express passed! It tarried long enough
for me to get within hailing distance at the
station but regardlessly moved off and I had
to ride back to Brora - a pleasant spin with the
[continued on page 101] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-101 |
[Page 101]
[continued from page 100]
wind behind me. It has been a showery day.
4th Sept. [September]. Same unsettled weather. Writing up
notes all forenoon.
6th Sept. [September]. J. [Jocelyn] Miss Barrie [Drew] & Sandy all accompanied
me to Helmsdale to inspect the objects in the
glen of the Caen burn.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 28.
About 3/4 m. [mile] above Helmsdale on the E [East] side
of the valley and at the N. [North] end of the cultivated
land are the remains of Carn Laggie.
The cairn has in great measure been
removed, and there now remains a long
low heap of small angular stones with
a bank of broken road metal at one end of it
The whole is about 180' in length by about
50' wide. The cairn lies almost due N and S. [North and South].
The dilapidation is so great that no proper
measurements are obtainable.
On the W. [West] side of the Caen burn about 500
yards above the road bridge are the remains
of a long cairn. The cairn is much dilapidated
but no chamber is exposed. It lies ENE [East North East] and
WSW. [West South West]. Measures about 100' in length some 35'
at the E [East] end and 27' at the W. [West]. Its condition
makes accurate measurement impossible.
About 1/2 m. [mile] up the Glen on its W [West] side and
about 250 yds. [yards] above the long cairn on a
[continued on page 102] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-102 |
[Page 102]
[continued from page 101]
marshy spot with no trace of cultivation anywhere
in the vicinity are two parallel mounds about
18' apart & 22' long x 14' broad and 4' high, slightly
converging to one end. This appears to me to be
a kiln similar to those noted elsewhere.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 25.
There are numerous small cairns of the usual
type scattered along the side of the glen
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 30.
Some 1000 yds. [yards] above the road bridge over the
Caen, on W [West] side of the glen about 200' above the
burn is a hut circle.
[Sketch inserted]
It enters from the SE. [South East]
through a passage 12'.6"
long and about 3' wide
The main enclosure is
circular with a diameter
of 37' surrounded by a
bank about 4' thick
increasing towards the entrance
The interior has been diminished by a wall or
bank, from 2' to 4' thick running in a curve from
side to side at a distance of 24'.6" from the centre
of the entrance along the circumference. The
crescentic space left between the back of this
wall and the outer bank is at a slightly higher
level than the interior. Against the inside of
this wall there appears to have been another small
[continued on page 103] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-103 |
[Page 103]
[continued from page 102]
oval enclosure measuring interiorly about
16' x 7' directly opposite the main entrance.
The W. [West] half of the main enclosure is at
a slightly lower level than the rest of the
interior. The outer bank terminates abruptly
on the NW. [North West]. Seven feet E [East] of the entrance
in the interior is the entrance to an under:
:ground house passing under the bank,
which at this point is 7' thick. It is covered
by a linlet [lintel] 3'.4" long, 1' deep & 1'.2" wide. The
entrance is 2' wide and 4' high and is reached by two
or three steps. The passage at first slopes down:
:wards and runs inwards at about 70º E of S. [East of South]
for 6' then turning Southwards to the right at 13'.6" it
takes a Southerly direction which it maintains
to the end which is reached at about 26' following
the curve of the S. [South] wall. At 12' from the
entrance it is 2'.9" wide. At 17' there is a slight
intake on the E [East] wall contracting the passage
to 2'.6". At 21' it expands to 2'.10" and
gradually widens to the back where it measures
3'.6" across, and is 4'.10" high. The whole
of the passage except a few feet at the entrance
is covered with boulders to within about 2'.8" of
the roof and at the end where a few stones
have been picked out so as to expose the
[continued on page 104] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-104 |
[Page 104]
[continued from page 103]
original floor level. The walls are as usual
built and the roof covered with flags. It
was a rather painful progress getting along on
hands and knees over the boulders, grasping a
candle, note book &c, and there was none too
much air at the end. Had I found a fox
at the end what would have happened?!
[Margin] From the E [East] side of the entrance passage a wall has run down the hill in front.
Between the entrance to the circle on the interior
and the opening into the passage a low bank runs for
7' into the enclosure. It is noteworthy
that here the external features of the circle
give no indication of the existence of the
underground house.
Some 200 yds. [yards] SSW. [South South West] of it is another circle
with an interior diameter of 24' entering from
the SE [South East] through a passage 14' long and 5 wide.
The enclosing bank is about 7' and begins to
increase in width at about 16' from the entrance.
About 100 yds. [yards] NNE. [North North East] of the first enclosure is
another, circular with a diameter of 31' interiorly
- an enclosing bank about 8' wide and entrance
from the SE [South East] about 5' across. An old wall
runs off from the bank on the E [East] of the entrance.
Numerous small cairns lie around
these enclosures.
On the opposite or E [East] side of the glen are
[continued on page 105] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-105 |
[Page 105]
[continued from page 104]
also a number of hut circles and small
cairns
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 25
Some 700 yds. [yards] above the road on
the E. [East] side of the glen and about 100' above the
burn is a circular enclosure which has
been surrounded with a stone wall. It
has entered from SE [South East] through an entrance
about 2' wide & 10' long, the bank in the circumfce. [circumference] being about 6' thick. The interior diameters are
about 22' x 24'. The upper side of the
enclosure has been dug out of the slope of
the hill side & the wall built against the
bank. From the left or S [South] side of the entrance
an old bank runs down hill and another
joins the W. [West] side from the direction of the
burn. There are indications of chambers
in the interior but they are too indistinct
to plan.
About 100 yds. [yards] lower down the glen are
two circular enclosures with wide entrances
and no signs of interior divisions and
on the hill side above them remains of
one or two others & of old walls.
The lower of the two circles has an interior
diameter of about 34' It enters from
the S. [South] through a passage 9' to 10' long and
about 5' wide. The interior is levelled
[continued on page 106] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-106 |
[Page 106]
[continued from page 105]
and dug out of the hill
side on the E [East] where it
is about 7' below the
top of the bank.
[Sketch inserted]
The bank on the W. [West] side
is about 6' thick and
on the top of the slope
on the E [East] where it has
apparently got spread
out, it is 18' across.
and is continued of great thickness to the entrance
where on the face of it is
a semicircular recess measuring about 8' x 12.
On the W. [West] side of the hill road about 400 yds. [yards]
above the cottage at Caen are the remains of
a long cairn It has been greatly dilapidated
but no chamber is exposed. Its longest axis
is NE and SW. [North East and South West]. It measures about 166' in
length, 25' in width at SW [South West] end and about 46'
at NE [North East] end. Its ruined condition does not
enable one to see whether it has been horned
or not. Its greatest height remaining
is about 5'.
7th Sept. [September]. A very stormy day. Wrote notes all
forenoon & rested. I am paying the penalty
of having done rather much with a boil on my chest.
[continued on page 107] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-107 |
[Page 107]
[continued from page 106]
8th - 14th Sept. [September] In the hands of Dr. [Doctor] Simpson with a
carbuncle on my chest which has had
to be lanced &c. As the weather at last
is beautiful I am much disgusted at
having to cease work.
15th. Almost all right again. Drove over
to Golspie in the afternoon to see Dr. [Doctor] Joass
who is preparing notes for me from the
Dunrobin Museum catalogue. I took
two photographs of Carn Liath as I
passed.
16th Sept. [September]. Allowed to resume my work. Left
Brora by the 10.0 train to stay with Mr.
Sykes at Borrobol. With the keeper to
carry my burdens I bicycled down the
Strath towards Suisguill. About 2/3 m. [mile]
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 35.
above where the Suisgill burn enters the
Helmsdale River on the N. [North] side of the Strath
is situated the Suisgill broch. It occupies
the summit of a mound about 30' above
the river, towards which the slope is steep. Away
from the river bank on either side it has
been encircled by a ditch with a wall on
the top of the scarp at about 18' distant except towards river where it is less, interrupted by an
approach from the S. [South]. To the E [East] of the
approach an outer mound parallel with the main
[continued on page 108] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-108 |
[Page 108]
[continued from page 107]
defence an outer mound, at about 28' distant from top of counterscarp, now inconsiderable
some 12' broad on base, runs for a short
distance. The ditch is about 34' across and
at deepest 8'-10' below top of scarp & counterscarp.
These outer defences bear a close resemblance to
those at the neighbouring broch of Salscraggie.
It is noteworthy that the structure is placed
at a narrow part of the strath in the centre of
the pass. Of the broch itself little remains.
It is greatly dilapidated and a considerable
portion of the N. [North] wall has recently been entirely
removed for road-metal. The interior
diameter has been 40'. the wall on the N. [North] 15'
thick and on the S. [South] or river side only 12'.
The remains of a chamber are visible on the S. [South].
Very slight remains of the wall faces are remaining
on either exterior or interior and the entrance is
not apparent. (photo to show defences)
[Margin] Unnoted.
On a flat haugh which has been cultivated
about 1/4 m. [mile] W. [West] of the junction of the Suisgill
burn and the Helmsdale and situated some
50' back from the river are the remains of
an earth-house. Neither extremity is open
and at two places the roofing slabs have
been removed so that the interior is largely
filled up with earth & stones. The passage
[continued on page 109] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-108a |
[Page] 108 [108a]
[Continued from Page 107]
[Photograph inserted]
[Continued on page 109] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-109 |
[Page 109]
[continued from page 108]
is visible for a distance of 24' curving round
so as to give a chord of 19' between the extremities
on the inner side. The sides are built and roof
formed of slabs. The passage is 2'.6" and 2'.8"
wide at the extremities and 3' wide where unroofed
near the middle of its course. - (Called on Mrs. Hirsch
[Margin] Unnoted.
at Suisgill). On a grassy area above the birch wood for:
:merly under cultivation beside a ruined
cottage to the S [South] of a small stream
about
(3) 1/2 m. [mile] SE [South East] of Suisgill Lodge is an oblong
enclosure with rounded ends which has
probably been a garden and entering
under the bank in the SE [South East] corner is an
earth-house. The enclosure is modern
but two converging horns projecting from
its E [East] bank may have formed part of a previously
existing hut circle.
[Sketch inserted]
The entrance to the
passage is about 2'.4" wide
& slopes down sharply
curving with a general
S. [South] Easterly direction for
3' at which
distance the roofing
begins. It then takes
[continued on page 110] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-110 |
[Page 110]
[continued from page 109]
a Southerly direction for about 22' and thence
curving to the right it runs to the WSW [West South West] for
the remainder of its course the end being reached
at a distance of 40' from the first slab measuring
along the inner side of the curve. At 9'
from the outside the passage begins to widen out,
and is 3'.10" wide and 2'.8" high. At 15'.6" it is
3'.10" wide and 4'.2" high: at 22' it is 4'.2" wide
& the same in height; at 28' it is 4' wide and 6'.2" high
and at 35'.6" in it is 4'.6" wide and 4'.6" high. The
wall at the back is rounded. The floor at the
end is covered with several inches of soil.
The walls are built to a great extent with boulders
and the roof is formed of flags.
[Margin] Unnoted
On the top of the moor about the 500' elevation
some 50 yds. [yards] WNW [West North West] of the Kildonan burn and
the same distance N. [North] of the road up the strath,
is a group of small cairns and at the W. [West]
end of them faint indications of a number
of round turf enclosures.
[Margin] Unnoted
Up the W [West] bank of the Kildonan burn
at a level of about 100' to 150' above the stream
and running up the glen for about 3/4 m. [mile]
from the road is a large group of
hut circles and small cairns. The
hut circles are mostly of the circular type
[continued on page 111] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-111 |
[Page 111]
[continued from page 110]
largely built of stone and the remains
of walls which run among them as
if demarcating holdings belonging to them
are very numerous. The groups of cairns
as well as the hut circles appear to be
within these enclosures, but...
[Margin] Unnoted.
Some 400 yds. [yards] from the burn and 500 yds. [yards] above
the road is a circular enclosure with an
interior diameter of 26'. The thickness of
the bank is indefinite - along the the inner
face large stones are set at intervals. The Entrance
is from the SE. [South East].
[Margin] Unnoted.
Some 40 yds. [yards] SE. [South East] of the last is an oval
enclosure with interior diameters of 38' x 41'.
It enters from SE [South East] but the width of the
entrance is not apparent. It has probably
been about 3'. The bank is 7' in width, &
is overgrown with heather
and seems to be of turf & stone.
[Sketch inserted]
At about 6' along the
inner face of the bank
to the right of the
entrance is a passage
through the bank
some 6' in length
into a sunk chamber
[continued on page 112] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-112 |
[Page 112]
[continued from page 111]
oval in form, some 20' in length x 11' in width,
the present floor level of which is some 4' lower
than that of the hut circle and 2' to 3' below that
of the surrounding ground which slopes
in its direction. The sides have been built. The
roof has entirely disappeared. The width of the
entrance passage is indefinite. From the
lower end of this chamber on the outside an old
wall passes down the hill. Some
15' distant from the entrance to the hut circle
and partially covering it a bank about 17'
wide runs in a Westerly direction for a
distance of about 33'. A number
of small cairns lie around. This
sunken chamber is in a similar position
to the underground passage connected with
the hut circle on the Caen burn (p. [page] __ ). In form
it resembles the "Weem" below the Silver
Craig (p. [page] __ ).
Some 300 yds. [yards] distant from the burn and
600 from the road is a hut circle the interior
of which is faced with stones. It is
circular with an interior diameter
of about 34' and bank about 8' thick.
On the right of the entrance within the
interior are the ruins of a circular
[continued on page 113] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-113 |
[Page 113]
[continued from page 112]
stone building with a diameter over all of
from 10' to 12'. The stones have fallen inwards
& lie in concentric rings over the interior suggesting
that it was a bee-hive building
[Sketch inserted]
The bank or wall of the
main enclosure is
some 8' in width but
widens out towards
the entrance so as
form a passage 20'
in length which has
been largely built of
stone. The walls on
the sides are still
in places about 3' high and the amount
of stone lying in and about it shows
that originally the height of the building
must have been considerable. In the
interior the width of the passage is 3'.4".
at 8' outwards are two door checks 3' apart
within them the passage has expanded
to 4'.8" and beyond to the exterior it main:
:tains a width of 3'. (Photo.) This is the
only hut circle in which I have observed
the passage so constructed. It is
singularly like the entrance to a broch. Ent. [Entrance] is from SE. [South East].
[continued on page 114] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-114 |
[Page 114]
[continued from page 113]
Some 200 yds. [yards] further up the glen is a small
circular enclosure of 24' diameter with a stony
bank and entrance from SE [South East]. A small
mound covers the entrance on the exterior
otherwise it presents no features of particular
interest. A large group of cairns lies
to the S. [South] and a few are immediately in
front at a nearer distance.
Some 80 yds. [yards] further up the glen is another
circular enclosure, the wall of which appears
to have been built of stone. It has an interior
diameter of 26' to 28'. The entrance is from the
SE. [South East] through a passage 2'.6" wide and 11' in
length. The circle is overgrown with heather
& exact measurement of the walls unobtainable
but apparently of the usual dimension 5' to 6'.
Some 3/4 m. [mile] up from the road is the furthest
up enclosure. It is largely formed of stone,
has an interior diameter of 24' and enters from the
SE. [South East] through a passage 10' long and of indefinite
width. A larger group of small cairns lies
between it and the burn which is about
200 yds. [yards] distant.
At the West or S. [South] end of the group
on the top of the bank above the burn
and on the SE [South East] point of the hill is a depression
[continued on page 115] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-114a |
[Page] 114 [114a]
[Continued from Page 113]
[Photograph inserted]
[Continued on page 115] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-115 |
[Page 115]
[continued from page 114]
lined with stones and filled with ruins,
circular & having an interior of 7' and entering from the
SE. [South East].
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 26.
Returning up the valley we crossed the
Helmsdale at Suisgill and proceeded to
Cnoc Leiter nan Caile, a low hill about 1 m. [mile]
NW [North West] of Leirable. On its South slope is a
large group of small cairns of from
16' to 20' diameter and among them
one or two round hut circles of no particular
interest. Near the top of the hill and
towards the W. [West] of the group is an oval
depression measuring interiorly 6' x 4' with
the remains of a stone wall all round
lining the sides. The bottom is about 2' below
the surface on the exterior. The cairns
are very numerous. There is an absence
of old walls among them.
At the NE. [North East] end of the group is a circle
with a diameter of about 34' but the
details are indefinite.
This has been a magnificent day.
17th Sept. [September]. Probably from doing too much
yesterday I had an almost sleepless
night. Mr. Sykes accompanied me
in his motor to Allt-an-duin on the
[continued on page 116] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-116 |
[Page 116]
[continued from page 115]
S. [South] of the Frithe. 4 m. [miles] W. [West] of Borrobol Lodge.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 38.
Of the broch which formerly existed here
practically nothing remains the stones having
been removed to build cottages and dykes in
the neighbourhood. It was situated on the
end of the slope of the hill side between
the Allt-an-Duin and the Frithe on the
top of the banks overlooking the haughs by
the river. On the W. [West] it had been protected by
a ditch 24' across running to the edge of the
bank and a parallel rampart beyond it.
[Margin] Unnoted
About 1/2 m. [mile] NW. [North West] of Allt-an-Duin Lodge on the
W [West] side of the low hill bearing the name of
Tomich is a numerous group of small
cairns and towards the lower side of the
group a few turf formed hut circles of
simple type. One entering from SE. [South East] measures
36' x 43'. Its banks are much worn down.
Some 200 yds. [yards] NW. [North West] is another similar. Some
200 yds. [yards] NW. [North West] of it again another near the base
of the hill measures 39' x 45' and enters
from SE. [South East]. Its banks much worn away.
About 30 yds. [yards] SW. [South West] is another in similar
condition.
[Margin] Unnoted
At the foot of Achrimsdale hill on
the N. [North] bank of the Frithe about 1 1/2 m. [miles]
[continued on page 117] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-117 |
[Page 117]
[continued from page 116]
above Allt-an-Duin is a heap of iron
slag which has been exposed by the action
of the burn. Some 2 1/2 m. [miles] further up are
two other heaps on the same side of the
Frithe. These I did not visit but
Mr. Sykes gave me the particulars of their
situation.
[Margin] Unnoted
On the low moorland to the S. [South] of the Frithe
and about 1/2 m. [mile] SW. [South West] of Fearnach is a cairn
with a diameter of 24' to 26' and a height
of 3' - 4'. It is overgrown with turf from
which a number of round stones protrude.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 37.
On the SE. [South East] end of the Cnoc Dail-Chairn
and about 100' above the Frithe are the remains
of Fearnach broch. The wall of the
broch remains on the exterior to a height
of 7' to 8' and though on the interior it
is nowhere visible for more than 7' above
the ruins it no doubt exists for 4' or 5'
more. The entrance is from the W. [West]
through a passage 15'.6" long. At the
exterior it is 2'.6" wide. 5'.6" inwards is
a rebate for a door the passage widening
to 3'.11" and 3'.6" from the interior it again
slightly contracts to 3'.6" and retains that
width to the end. Five of the lintel
[continued on page 118] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-118 |
[Page 118]
[continued from page 117]
stones remain in situ. The greatest height
of the passage above the debris is 3'.6" The
[Sketch inserted]
interior diameter of the
broch is 36'. The thickness
of the wall at base 15'.6"
and at 7'.6" elevation
11'.6". There are remains
of no less than six
chambers in the walls.
On the right of the entrance
passage has been a guard
chamber - the entrance to
which is broken down. It passed through a
passage some 4' in length into a chamber measuring
about 6' x 5'. 7'.6" from the back of this
chamber along the wall is the W. [West] end of an:
:other chamber 14'.6" long x 4' wide the
entrance to which is obscured by the ruins.
6' beyond is the third chamber 15'.6" long
x 4'.6". the entrance to which is also not visible.
7' of wall divides this chamber from the fourth
which is 13' long and 3'.6" wide. Another
7' divides the fourth from the chamber which
has apparently contained the stair. It is
36' long and 4'.6" wide. and is entered by a
passage 5' long and 4' wide 2' distant from
[continued on page 119] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-118a |
[Page] 118 [118a]
[Continued from Page 117]
[Photograph inserted]
[Continued on page 119] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-119 |
[Page 119]
[continued from page 118]
its W. [West] end. 4'.6" Westward is the sixth
chamber 18'.6" long, and 4' wide. The
entrance is visible at 7'.6" from the E. [East] end
and is 3'.9" long x 2'.8" wide. Over the
entrance is an opening 1'.6" wide and 2'.6" long
to light the chamber. The interiors of
the broch and of the chambers (which are
all roofless) are full of debris. Around
the broch there are no signs of outworks,
nor are there any cairns visible in the
immediate vicinity.
[Margin] Unnoted.
On the left bank of the Frithe about
1 m. [mile] above Dalcharn and 200 yds. [yards] back
from the stream is a hut circle of simple
type entering from SE. [South East] the bank of which
is much eroded and overgrown with
heather. About 1 doz. [dozen] cairns lie near it.
About 100 yds. [yards] to the E. [East] is another also
entering from SE. [South East] in similar condition.
On the hill side about 3/4 m. [mile] W. [West] of
Dalcharn and about 1/4 m. [mile] above the
left bank of the Frithe is a cairn of
some 25' to 26' in diameter and about
4' in height overgrown with heather.
A glorious day but I felt a wreck
after my sleepless night. The
[continued on page 120] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-120 |
[Page 120]
[continued from page 119]
garden at Borrobol is very prettily laid out
The honeysuckle & roses on the pergola are over
and the frost has killed the nasturtiums but
the phloxes and annuals are ablaze
with colour. A burn has been diverted through
the "pleasaunce" and splashes down over miniature
waterfalls.
18th Sept. [September]. Another magnificent day. With
J. Mackay Mr. Sykes's stalker to carry my satchel &c.
and Mr. Mould, I left Borrobol on bicycle for
Grimacharry thence to walk to the top of Ben
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 2
Griam Beg. The mountain rises to a height
of 1903' and strategically commands the approaches
from the N and E [North and East] coasts by Strath Halladale
and Strath Helmsdale as well as affording a
prospect over a great area of country to the
W. N. and E. [West North and East] the view to Southwards being
interrupted by Ben Griam More. The
upper part of the hill is rugged with remains
of old red sandstone in outcropping rock and
detached slabs, which have formed abundant
material for fortification. Two
main lines of defence fortify the summit.
Approaching from the S. [South] above the 1500'
level a solid stone wall some 5' thick and
in places still the same in height runs
[continued on page 121] |
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[Page] 120 [120a]
[Continued from Page 119]
[2 x Photographs inserted]
[Continued on page 121] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-121 |
[Page 121]
[continued from page 120]
down from the summit at the SE [South East] and
is carried Westward along the edge of the shoulder
of the hill for what appears to be a distance of
400 or 500 yds. [yards] terminating at the edge of a
mossy hollow beyond which a precipitous rocky
face forms a natural defence on the W. [West].
The absence of the wall across the short
stretch of wet peat is remarkable but it
may be due to the difficulty of obtaining a
firm foundation on such material. Below
this wall except for a space of about 150
yards where there is an almost complete ab:
:sence of stone, there is a perfect network
of ruined walls or piled stones enclosing
irregular spaces as if to break the force
of an attack. At the W. [West] end of the
hill above the mossy peaty hollow the
same system of defence is repeated but at
a higher level than on the S [South] face and an
open space is left varying from 20 to 60
yds. [yards] or thereby in width between the lower
edge of this defence at its S. [South] end and the wall
along the edge of the shoulder. Enclosing
the more or less level portion of the
summit towards the W [West] is another
wall 4' to 5' thick and at highest some
[continued on page 122] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-122 |
[Page 122]
[continued from page 121]
[words to the left of this page written on back of photograph]
3' high, a break in it just below the summit on N. [North] side 6' wide seems to have been an entrance. This wall appears to terminate at
the actual summit, which is a rocky peak, on
its W [West] side and across a gap of about 40' are
visible the remains of another wall flanking the
gap on the E [East] and running for a short distance about 50'
Westward. Below this again about 100' down appears a network
of ruined walls from which starts the wall previously
described which runs along the shoulder.
The NE. [North East] flank of the hill is precipitous and
the N. [North] is also very steep but as the shooting tenant
was believed to be stalking there I was unable
to make a close inspection. The actual
top of the hill within the upper enclosure
is windswept and barren with little
vegetation on it. Through the lower main
wall near the centre of its course is a break
which has probably been an entrance,
having a depression in rear of it on the
E [East] side. Lying among the ruins
of the lower wall, roughly 150' below the
summit at the extreme E [East] end lies a
round mill-stone of the native sandstone
broken in halves. It is 4' in diameter
5" thick, and is pierced in the centre with
a hole 5" in diameter. To lessen the
amount of piercing the stone has
been previously flaked towards the centre
[continued on page 123] |
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[Page] 122 [122a]
[Continued from Page 121]
[2 x Photographs inserted]
[Continued on page 123] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-123 |
[Page 123]
[continued from page 122]
in a circle of 1'.7" diameter
reducing the thickness to 2".
[Sketch inserted]
Neither face of the stone
is worn regularly smooth by friction but
there are depressions across the line of its
revolution. The keeper at Griamacharry
told me of two other such stones unbroken
which originally lay near the "green spring"
below the wall, one of these he had
rolled down to the base of the hill.
There is no spring of water visible in
the fort but several on the hill side
just below it. The idea that this
formidable construction was for the
capture of deer is quite ridiculous.
About 2/3 of the way back between the
summit and Griamacharry is a
group of small cairns running along
the slope at about the 700' elevation and
I observed the indistinct remains of
an enclosure. Saw two large herds of deer & an eagle.
The latter nests in the mountain as we picked up portions of egg shells.
Returned to Brora.
Sunday 19 Sept. [September]. Engaged the greater part of
the day writing notes as I have no time
to spare to finish before 10th Oct. [October]. I feel
much the better for my week's rest and
not the least pulled down by my illness.
[continued on page 124] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-124 |
[Page 124]
[continued from page 123]
20th Sept. [September]. The Treasury have allowed me to
engage assistance at the rate of 25/- [£1.5.0] a week
so I have procured a stout youth today.
Trained to Kildonan with Serjeantson.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 8
On the left bank of the Allt a Choire Mhoir
about a mile above its junction with the Helmsdale
near Killournan on the S. [South] side of the strath,
are a number of circular enclosures.
No. 1 which is situated about 3/4 m. [mile] up the glen and
some 200 yds. [yards] back from the burn is ill defined.
It has a wide entrance to the E. [East] and has probably
been for cattle.
The second situated several hundred yards higher
up the ridge may be entirely a sheep or cattle
fold but is not modern. It consists of a
[Sketch inserted]
circular enclosure of 25' Interior
diameter entering from ENE [East North East]
through an entrance 5' wide.
6' to W [West] of entrance is an
opening into an oval en:
:closure 23' long x 16' broad.
The E [East] bank of the entrance
to the main circle is prolonged
towards the N. [North] for about
60' and thereafter turns Eastward and forms a
small rectangular enclosure some 45' across.
[continued on page 125] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-125 |
[Page 125]
[continued from page 124]
One or two other similar constructions are
near. No cairns are in the immediate
vicinity.
Some 300 yds. [yards] W. [West] of the last is a complicated
construction consisting of
two circular enclosures
and an oval one
all conjoined
[Sketch inserted]
Two of these
have smaller
enclosures in
the interior
The main enclosures
open to the Eastward. There is much stone
on the inner face of the circles and remains
of numerous walls are visible on the ridge
on which all these constructions lie.
To the S. [South] between the last described and
the burn are numerous small cairns.
About 100 yds. [yards] E. [East] is another construction
overgrown with heather, of indefinite detail
but presenting features of a similar char:
:acter, and some 30 yds. [yards] S. [South] of it another
enclosure much worn away.
About 100 yds. [yards] distant from the burn
at the upper end of the group is a
[continued on page 126] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-126 |
[Page 126]
[continued from page 125]
well preserved circular enclosure with interior
diameter of 35' and banks of stone and turf about
5'.6" high & 8' across base. The entrance from NE [North East], facing down the
glen, is 3'.6" wide. The entrance is protected at 6' distance by
a mound 24' long, 21' across base and 5'- 6'
high on low side. A number of small cairns
lie around. (Photo.) Adjacent to it on the
N [North] is a small mounded construction resembling
a kiln.
Across the burn on either side of the road from
Kildonan to Loth and some 3 to 400 yds. [yards] from the
burn is a large group of small cairns. Towards
the centre of the group are three adjacent
& larger than the others. That nearest the
road measures about 26' in diameter and
from the lower slope is about 6' high . 25' to the
W. [West] of it is another lying with longest axis
N and S. [North and South] measuring 26' x 18' and about the
same height as the last. Another 25' further
W. [West] lies the third measuring 20' in diameter
and about 5' in height. They are all over:
:grown with heather. To the S. [South] of the
group is a small hut circle of simple type
overgrown with heather. It enters from
SE [South East] and measures interiorly 29' x 26'. The
bank is about 5' thick.
[continued on page 127] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-126a |
[Page] 126 [126a]
[Continued from Page 125]
[Photograph inserted]
[Continued on page 127] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-127 |
[Page 127]
[continued from page 126]
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 42.
On the W. [West] bank of the Allt a' Choire Mhoir
rather more than 1/2 m. [mile] above its junction
with the Helmsdale river, and about 40'-50'
above the burn are the remains of a
broch (marked "Pictish Tower" on O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 1.)
It is a complete ruin, no portion of the
inside of the wall is discernible and only
here and there the lowest course of the
outer face. The diameter over all has
been about 58'. The entrance appears
to have been from the S. [South] and to the
left are indications of a chamber
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 10.
On the moor about 1/2 m. [mile] SW. [South West] of Killournan
is a long cairn. It lies with its longest
axis E and W. [East and West] is 108' long; 27' wide at
W [West] end. At about 45' from the E. [East] end it
begins to expand in that direction and at widest is 43' across
It is quite low at the W [West] end and 7' high
at the E. [East]. Both extremities are rounded.
Numerous excavations have been made
in it but no chamber appears to have
been exposed.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 34.
On a knoll beside the burn at
Killournan has stood a broch now
entirely demolished. Only a few structureless
heaps of small stones remain.
[continued on page 128] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-128 |
[Page 128]
[continued from page 127]
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 43.
On the E. [East] side of the Gylable burn about 1/4 m. [mile]
above its junction with the Helmsdale are the
remains of a broch. It is a complete ruin and
only the base of the wall is visible The interior
diameter has been 31' and the thickness of
the wall 16'. No further details are observable.
There are no remains of outworks.
I have had a youth carrying my camera
& other baggage all day and have felt much
relief in consequence.
21st September. Trained to Kildonan and
bicycled to Craggie in search of the earth-house
I was told of by the ghillie at Salzcraggie.
I saw the shepherd at Kildonan station and
to my enquiries said he had never heard of
such a thing nor did my visit to the spot
result in finding any signs of it.
About 1/2 m. [mile] W. [West] of Craggie on the N. [North] side of
the glen are indistinct remains of one or
two hut circles.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 11.
About 100 yds. [yards] to the E [East] of the Allt Halligarry and some
60' above the road is a levelled up platform
measuring about 23' x 29'.6" which has
apparently been a hut circle but no details
are now visible.
[Margin] ?
Some 3/4 m. [mile] W. [West] of where the Allt Breac
[continued on page 129] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-129 |
[Page 129]
[continued from page 128]
flows into the Helmsdale river on the
N. [North] side of the road and some 80' above it
is a large earthfast granite boulder
about 8' square on the upper surface and
5'-6' in height with a natural depression
on the upper face know as, "Cathair" or
"Suidhe Donnan" from which St. Donnan
is said to have preached.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 32.
Situated on the top of the W [West] bank of
the Eldrable burn about 200' up from
the Helmsdale River are the remains
of a broch. It stands on the upper end
of a ridge running down to the
strath protected by the gorge of the burn
on the E [East] and by a natural hollow separating
it from the level on the W. [West]. The interior
is a mass of debris and no more than
two rows of building are visible about
3' high except at the back of the entrance
to the stair where about 5' of walling re:
:mains exposed. The interior diameter
has been about 25' and the thickness
of the wall 12'. The greatest height of
wall visible to the exterior is about 6'.
The entrance has been from ENE. [East North East] opposite
the burn and has been 4' wide near the
[continued on page 130] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-130 |
[Page 130]
[continued from page 129]
exterior. Elsewhere unmeasurable. Some 13'.6" along
the inner face of the wall to the Southwards
is the entrance to the stair through a passage
about 3' in length (width unobtainable.) There
has been no chamber adjoining the stair
which rises directly from the end of the passage
to the right. Four steps are visible 2' long
and 9" broad. It has been
a dull misty day. I took photos of the
semicircular setting of standing stones by
the roadside and also of the broch at
Eldrable but fear they will be overexposed
as I gave them the exposure recommended
by Mr. Turnbull for such conditions of weather, viz. 1 sec. [second] 6/8 stop.
whereas the Wellcome calculator works out the
exposure at 1/2 sec. [second]. with 1/8 stop.
22nd Sept. [September]. Took S. [Sandy] back to school at Cargilfield
A wearisome journey from 6.6 a.m. to 5.15 p.m.
23rd Sept. [September]. In Edinburgh.
24th Sept. [September]. Returned to Brora. Dull misty weather.
25th Sept. [September]. Bicycled in forenoon to Loth Glen. A
foggy day. The Broch is situated on the
E [East] side of the glen on low lying ground between
the base of the hill and the river about
1 m. [mile] above the road bridge at Lothbeg. It
occupies a strategic position in a narrow
[continued on page 131] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-130a |
[Page] 130 [130a]
[Continued from Page 129]
[Photograph inserted]
[Continued on page 131] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-131 |
[Page 131]
[continued from page 130]
pass through which a road runs to Kildonan
Loth
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 4.
in Strath Helmsdale. It is a mass of debris
about 12' high among which the faces of the
walls can with difficulty
be perceived.
[Sketch inserted]
The diameter over all
is about 55': thickness
of walls about 12' where
measurable, and interior
diameter 31' to 32'. Though
only the top of the wall is
visible here and there, beneath
the ruins it may stand for a considerable
height. The entrance appears to have been
from the WSW. [West South West] or river side but details of it
are unobtainable. Some 27' to the N [North] of the supposed entrance the
back wall of a chamber is reached. The
chamber is accessible through a hole in the
roof 3' long. It is largely filled with debris
and is about 8' long by 4' wide, - 30' from
its N. [North] end is another chamber largely filled with
debris the inner wall of which is traceable
to the Southward for 36' and has evidently
formed one side of the stair. The entrances to
the chambers are not visible. On the
SE. [South East] are the remains of an outer wall about
[continued on page 132] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-132 |
[Page 132]
[continued from page 131]
8' in thickness and 18' distant from the broch.
It probably encircled the broch except on the river
bank but on the N. and NW. [North and North West] it is no longer visible.
It appears to be known as "Carn Bran".
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 6
On top of the bank above the road some 250 yds. [yards] (?) to the E. [East]
of Loth bridge are the remains of a long cairn.
It appears to have been about 130' in length
but it is now reduced to about 65', the Western
half having been removed for road-metal at
no distant date. It lies with its longest
axis WNW. and ESE. [West North West and East South East]. At the W [West] end it appears
to have been about 37' broad and at the E [East]
end from 65' to 70', but the rank growth
of bracken & grass render accurate definition
impossible. At 32' in from what appears to be
the extreme E [East] end is a large lintel stone 5'.10" long,
3'.10" deep and 1'.4" thick, fully exposed supported
on two upright stones 2'.4" apart. About 5' to
the E. [East] of it a portion of the passage uncovered,
2' wide, is visible. In rear of the lintel the
back wall of the chamber partly formed of a
large slab and partly built is just visible among
the debris with which the chamber is filled.
The length is 6'.10" but the breadth without
excavation is not ascertainable. Though
excavations have been made in several
[continued on page 133] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-132a |
[Page] 132 [132a]
[Continued from Page 131]
[Photograph inserted]
[Continued on page 133] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-133 |
[Page 133]
[continued from page 132]
places no other chamber is exposed. Towards
the E [East] end the cairn is about 12' high.
Returned to luncheon and in the afternoon
bicycled to Loch Brora. I secured a boat and
Clyne.
as my assistant seemed ignorant of handling
an oar I rowed to the island. It is situated
at the S [South] end of the loch. No sign of building
remain visible on the level top but along
the E [East] face for 30' or 40' are the remains of
a retaining wall some 4' to 5' high. On the
E [East] and and W. [West] faces near the N. [North] end two
built recesses probably indicate the position
of the stairs mentioned in the New Stat. Acct. [Statistical Account].
At the S. [South] end a circular depression may
mark the site of the well.
Clyne.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 4.
On the W. [West] side of Loch Brora about 1 m. [mile]
S. [South] of Craig Carrol and 4 1/2 m. [miles] NW. [North West] of Brora
at an elevation of about 200' above the loch
is situated the broch of Carrol, or Carril,
It has been excavated and the relics found
are in Dunrobin Museum.
The entrance is from the ESE [East South East] through
a passage 14'.8" in length, 2'.9" wide at the
outer end and 3'.9" at the inner. The
passage has been protected by doors the
checks of which occur at 3'.4" and 9'.1"
[continued on page 134] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-134 |
[Page 134]
[continued from page 133]
from the outside. Within the outer checks the
passage is 3'.10" wide. Its greatest height is 5'.8"
and the roofing remains almost complete only
two slabs being awanting. Behind the inner joint are bar holes at 22'.4" from present ground level. That on the W. [West] passes into the chamber to the S [South] of the stair. Two feet behind
the outer checks on 5'.11" from the outside on the
right of the passage is the entrance to a guard:
:chamber 2' wide and 3'.6" long & 3'.11" high. The chamber closely
resembles that at Kintradwell. It is oval, 8'.6"
long x 6'.4" wide and 9'.6" high. The roof is
entire except for an aperture in the apex
about 2' square. The diameter of the interior
is from 30'.6" to 31'. - 19' distant from the W. [West] side
of the doorway on the interior is the entrance to
a chamber and stair 3'.6" above the present
floor level, through a passage 6' long - 2'.10" wide
at the entrance and 3'.7" in the interior.
The stair rises to the right for 11'. 13 steps are
visible from 3'.3" to 2'.6" in length, 7"- 8" on the
tread and 4" to 5" high. To the left a narrow
passage 18' long and about 2'.6" wide leads
to a chamber about 7'.6" long and 4' wide at
the back, which is straight. Only a small
portion of the roof remains at the back of the
chamber which is 9' high above present floor
level. The steps described by Dr. [Doctor] Joass
as leading down to this chamber are now
[continued on page 135] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-135 |
[Page 135]
[continued from page 134]
obscured with debris. The breadth of wall
across the top of the stair is 14'.8".
The greatest height of wall above the present
floor level in the interior is 13' and the
average height about 10'. About 9' from floor
is a scarcement about 18" wide. The greatest
height of wall visible on the exterior is 5'. From 7'
distant from the side of the entrance passage
towards the E [East] a portion of the gallery
remains for 25' with a width of from
1'.8" to 2'. The width of the opening above
the entrance passage is about 2'.11"
Outside the broch a well built wall from
7'-8' thick surrounds it at a distance of
about 23' on the N. [North] 28' on NW. [North West] and 13' on S. [South]
having a ditch or trench outside it about
20' in width. The entrance through these
defences is in line with the entrance to
the broch. The outermost
wall which represents the counterscarp of
the ditch is at this point 7' thick & its outer
face 59' distant while the outer face of the
main wall is 45' and from it a passage 5' wide
walled on either side leads to the broch.
Some 53' to S. [South] of the entrance through
the outer wall is a small doorway
[continued on page 136] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-136 |
[Page 136]
[continued from page 135]
[Sketch inserted]
through it under a lintel 3' wide &, from
present level, 2' high. The moor to the
W [West] is marshy and in consequence the
ditch appears to have been discontinued in
that direction. The hut circle
noted by Dr. [Doctor] Joass some 40 yds. [yards] to the N. [North]
is an ill-defined irregular oval measuring
about 66' in length by 33' at West end and
considerably less at the E [East]. The
setting of flag stones inside the broch on
the left of the entrance measuring 7' x 3'
is in rather a ruinous state and the
flags are getting displaced. The
[continued on page 137] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-136a |
[Page] 136 [136a]
[Continued from Page 135]
[Photograph inserted]
[Continued on page 137] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-137 |
[Page 137]
[continued from page 136]
shallow weem-like structure noted
by Dr. [Doctor] Joass 8' in diameter at top and with
well-built wall is visible about 80 yds. [yards] to
the SE [South East] of the entrance. The walling around
it is now almost entirely obscured by
grass. The trench running NE [North East] from
it is still apparent and is also visible
running towards the bank of the Carril
burn on the SW. [South West].
26th Sept. [September]. Sunday. Notes all morning
and bicycled back to Carril with J. [Jocelyn] in
the afternoon for further details which
I omitted to get yesterday. I am longing
for a rest but unless I am prepared to
stay several weeks longer I cannot take it.
27th Sept. [September]. Train to Forsinard where we were
met by the motor from Melvich.
[Margin] Unnoted
About 1 1/2 from Forsinard lodge NE. [North East] to the
N. [North] of a pony track which leads from the right
bank of the Halladale river Eastwards is a group of
small cairns extending along the hill
side at a distance of about 1/2 to 3/4 from the
river for about 1/4 m. [mile]. They are somewhat
larger and more stony than the usual
type. One near the S. [South] end of the group
lying with longest axis ENE. and WSW. [East North East and West South West]
[continued on page 138] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-138 |
[Page 138]
[continued from page 137]
measures 28' x 18' and is about 3'.6" high
They extend along the hill in a band about
150-200 yds. [yards] wide. There are remains of old
walls running through among them from
E to W. [East to West] and another is apparent along the
lower side going N. and S. [North and South]. About 150 yds. [yards]
to the N. [North] of the pony path a crescentic hollow
in the hill face 28' cross and 8' deep is
lined with stones and faces SW [South West]. Towards
the N [North] end of the group are the remains of
a hut circle, the bank of which is much
worn down, measuring interiorly 26' x 29'
and entering from SW. [South West]. The details of the
entrance &c. are indefinite. Some 60 yds. [yards]
E [East] of it at higher level there appear to be the
foundations of a number of small contiguous
circular enclosures but the remains are
very indefinite. To the N. [North] of the group
are the remains of walls forming field-like
enclosures. One of these is irregularly
quadrangular and contains about 1/2 acre.
At the NW. [North West] corner a hut circle opens out
of it measuring about 28' x 34' with a
bank about 6' thick. From the back
of the circle the wall runs Northward.
A little further N. [North] and some 3/4 m. [mile] N. [North] of the
[continued on page 139] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-139 |
[Page 139]
[continued from page 138]
pony path are the remains of stone built
hut circles formed
of three or more
[Sketch inserted]
conjoined circular or oval
enclosures with interior
[Margin] (Take fuller measurements from field note book)
diameters of from about
8' to 14'. They enter from
the W. [West] in which direction
is their greatest diameter.
Two of these dwellings
lie adjacent and in
their neighbourhood are
the ruins of old walls
running along the hill.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 58.
Broch at Breacache. Situated on a slight
elevation on the E. [East] of the Halladale about
130 yds. [yards] E [East] distant from the road and 1 N. [North]
of Forsinain Bridge. It stands about 100' up on
the side of the Strath on a slight elevation
from which the ground falls sharply
away on all sides except the S. [South]. The
broch has been built of very large stones.
The interior has been partially cleared out
The Entrance is from the E. [East] through a
passage 22' long - 2'.6" wide at exterior at
which width it remains for 15'.6" when it
[continued on page 140] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-140 |
[Page 140]
[continued from page 139]
widens to 3'.9". At 8'.6" inwards on the E. [East] side
of the passage has been the entrance to a guard
-chamber now completely ruined. The passage
though retaining the roofing slabs for 15'.6" of
its length is in a ruinous condition. The interior
diameter from N. to S. [North to South] is 34' and from E. [East] to
W. [West] opposite the entrance 26'.6" the wall on
the E. [East] side having been strengthened at
some period by some 9' of extra building. The
thickness of the wall on the S. [South] at base is about
13'.6" and on the W. [West] at base from 16' to 17' and
8' high - 14'.6". The greatest height of wall
visible in the interior is 6' and the average
height if cleared 8' or 9'; the greatest height
on the exterior is 9'. 18' S. [South] of the entrance
in the interior is the entrance to a passage 2'
wide and traceable inwards seemingly for 10' or
11'. There are no signs of a chamber connected
with it and the passage may be secondary.
An old wall runs Eastward from the broch
at its E. [East] side for about 40 yds. [yards] and passing
Northward returns to the structure forming a
large enclosure against it. This is probably
of later date.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 57.
On the W. [West] side of the Halladale at Bunahoun
on a slight elevation between the road to
[continued on page 141] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-140a |
[Page] 140 [140a]
[Continued from Page 139]
[Photograph inserted]
[Continued on page 141] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-141 |
[Page 141]
[continued from page 140]
Trantlemor and the river are the remains of a
broch, known as Carn Liath. It is now
a structureless mass of small stones. The
entrance has been from the E. [East] through
a passage 14' and some 2'.3" in width
in the interior. The diameter over all has
been 58' and of the interior about 30'.
Only here and there the foundation stones
remain visible.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 21.
At Trantlemor some 3/4 m. [mile] to the north:
:ward on the croft of Mr. Mackenzie on
a slight elevation about ? 250 yds [yards] from the river
are the remains of a broch now overgrown
with turf. Some of the foundation stones
of the outer face of the wall are visible
indicating a diameter over all of about
58'. The entrance appears to have been
from the N. [North].
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 20.
On the E. [East] side of the strath on the slope
of the hill from about 100 yds. [yards] back from the high road about 1/4 m. [mile] N. [North] of Dalhalvaig
school are a large number of cairn
like heaps of stone from about 16' to 25'
in diameter. They differ in appearance
from the ordinary small cairns so
common on the hill sides by being
slightly lower in the centre as if partially
[continued on page 142] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-142 |
[Page 142]
[continued from page 141]
[Sketch inserted]
excavated, by there being no admixture
of earth or turf with the stones and by
an absence of vegetation over them except
for a fringe some 3' to 4' wide round the
outer edge. They are also not infrequently
linked together by walls or have curving
lines of walling projecting from them as
if to flank an entrance. Ruins of old
walls run hither and thither among
them in sinuous lines in places giving
the effect of serpentine cairns. These con:
:structions I believe to be the ruins of
small huts probably built with overlapping
roofs. Locally they are considered
[continued on page 143] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-143 |
[Page 143]
[continued from page 142]
to be the graves of warriors who fell in
a great battle with the Danes. So much
for tradition! My attention was first
attracted to this class of ruin by the remains
on the S. [South] side of the Cnoc a' Chatha, Lairg
I observed no other group of them till I reached
Kinbrace where cairns with similar features
lie on the hill side to the S.E. [South East] of the railway
station. Here and there odd specimens
have attracted my attention as on the
Ord at Lairg, to the N [North] of the __ burn
near Sciberscross and on the Cnoc Leiter
nan Caile near Suisgill. The stones of
which they are composed are boulders
and not flat slabs. At Dalhalvaig
there is a group of four ruins connected,
except towards the W. [West], by walls, the
foundations of which alone remain, each
28' in length and about 3' in thickness
and forming an incomplete circle the
two cairns opposite towards the
W. [West] being unconnected to each other, and
42' apart. The diameter of the enclosure
from E to W. [East to West] being also 42'. The ruins
measure from 18' to 22' in diameter.
(See illusn. [illustration]). Near this group is
[continued on page 144] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-144 |
[Page 144]
[continued from page 143]
a single heap of stones 16' in diameter over
all and having a short wall curving to the
S.W. [South West] for 13'. (Illus [Illustration]) One large
[Sketch inserted]
cairn near
the SW. [South West] end of the group
lies with its longest axis
N. and S. [North and South] and clearly discloses
the outlines of several small circular chambers
among the debris. At the extreme SW. [South West]
end is a specimen which indicates an
interior diameter of from 12' to 15' and
entrance from SW. [South West]. As far as indica:
:tions serve, the interior diameters seem
to have been from 8' to 10' and the en:
:trances from W. or SW. [West or South West]. At the S.E. [South East]
end of the group are the remains of a
small oblong building with rounded ends, measuring about
42' over all from NE. to SW. [North East to South West] having the
ruins of a hut about 9'
across at the NE [North East] end.
[Sketch inserted]
The Interior diameter
of the construction
including the hut has
been about 33'. The
entrance has been from
SW. [South West] and has been 3' wide. (Cf p. [page] 59). The
[continued on page 145] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-145 |
[Page 145]
[continued from page 144]
are of turf and stone. There are among
these ruins a very few mounds over:
:grown with turf and lacking the
depression in the centre in no way
differing externally from the ordinary
small cairn or tumulus. The group
must contain about 100 and stretch
along the hillside for about 1/4 mile
[Sketch inserted]
At the extreme NW. [North West] end are the
ruins of two conjoined huts one
18' & the other 14' in diameter
It has been partially excavated
for stone.
[Margin] Unnoted
About 2 m. [miles] further N. [North] on the S. [South] end of
the hill opposite Calgary Beg on the W. [West]
side of the Strath about 150' to 200' above
the river is another group of similar
constructions. The same features are
present and in some traces of the circular
wall on the interior is visible. They are
mostly circular with a diameter over
all of about 18'. One oval specimen was
observed measuring 25' x 16'. At the
extreme S. [South] of the group is a ruin
which shows remains of the wall about
2' high in the interior. The diameter
[continued on page 146] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-146 |
[Page 146]
[continued from page 145]
of the interior seems to have been about 6' and
over all 18'. The entrance has probably been
from the S. [South]. No conjoined examples were
observed but one cairn of the usual size
[Sketch inserted]
(18') has a wall built from it
at the W. [West] side which curves S. [South] and
then E [East] down the hill
at 53' distant, is an irregular
line. Crossing & recrossing
the Halladale was not a serious
matter as the river was low.
Rejoining the motor we proceeded
onwards towards Melvich.
About 1 1/2 SSE. [South South East] of Melvich Inn toward
the N. [North] end of Loch Mor and on the E [East] side
where it narrows are the fragmentary remains
of a broch. Only a few of the foundation
stones remain which indicate a diameter
over all of about 55'. An upright stone
3'.6" high 16' in from the N [North] end possibly
marks the end of the entrance passage.
We reached Melvich Inn about 5.30.
The village of crofts straggles along the
hill side rising up from the Halladale
river for a mile or more in appearance
[continued on page 147] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-147 |
[Page 147]
[continued from page 146]
very reminiscent of Bettyhill. The Inn
is well managed, unpretentious, and
comfortable. There are very many lochs
to fish in from it and the sport seems
good. There were still a few fishers staying
at it.
28th Sept. [September]. Hired the motor and set out
at 9.30 for Armadale. The road
winds through the most desolate of
moorlands, its surface broken by constant
peat hags. Round the crofts for the
first time we saw fences (?) of Caithness
flags. The journey was enlivened by
the dangerous hills and and turns of
the road and the reckless-ness of the
chauffeur. The fact that the M.P. [Member of Parliament]
was lying with broken bones in Strathy
Inn the result of a motor accident did
not reassure us.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey]
On the W. [West] bank of the Armadale burn
about 1 1/2 from the sea, perched on the
top of a cliff 100' above the burn and rising
steeply from the moorland behind are the
ruins of a broch. On the exterior, except
beside the entrance where the wall is some
3' high little beyond the foundations are
[continued on page 148] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-148 |
[Page 148]
[continued from page 147]
visible. In the interior where the debris has
been cleared from the wall towards the NW [North West] about
4' of wall is exposed. The Entrance has been
from SE. [South East] through a passage 14' long, and
3' wide at either end. No door checks are visible.
The thickness of the wall has been 14': the diameter
of the interior 23'. Some 12' S. [South] of the entrance
are apparent the ruins of a chamber which
passes round towards the W. [West] and of which
the E [East], or interior wall, is visible for
some 19' in length. Flanking the broch
on the N. and S. [North and South] the ends of the hillock have
been protected by walls at from 20'- 30' distant.
The situation has been an exceedingly strong
one.
[Margin] Unnoted.
About 1/4 m. [mile] down the burn from the broch
on the same side and on the top of the
bank are a few circular ruins similar
to those at Dalhalvaig &c.
[Margin] Unnoted.
At Bowside Lodge some 2 3/4 m. [miles] S. [South] of Strathy
situated about 100 yds. [yards] NE. [North East] of the keeper's house
on a terrace beside the Bowside burn
is a small group of about 10 ruins
most of which present the same features
as those at Dalhalvaig &c. The stones
in the interior are exposed, the centre is
[continued on page 149] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-148a |
[Page] 148 [148a]
[Continued from Page 147]
[Photograph inserted]
[Continued on page 149] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-149 |
[Page 149]
[continued from page 148]
lower than the edges and there is no admixture
of earth. The diameters are from 14'-16'
and the heaps of stones from 30' to 40' apart.
There are no signs of connecting walls.
I observed one built into a bank as at
Dalhalvaig. A few cairn like mounds
of similar size, overgrown & conical
existed among the ruins.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 45.
About 1 m. [mile] above Strathy Church on
the W. [West] bank of the Strathy River on the
flat haugh to the N [North] of the influx of the
Allt Dail Teine are a number of circular
enclosures and cairn-like constructions
some with a depression in the centre
like those at Dalhalvaig and others
conical. Near where the Allt Dail
Teine flows into the Strathy is a mound
some 18' in diameter and 3' to 4' high, showing
no depression on the top, from which a
wall or bank runs towards the river
and also in the opposite direction up
the bank of the burn. Some 50' NW. [North West] is
a small circular enclosure of about
12' interior diameter and some 50' W [West] of
it again a larger one with entrance
from the E. [East], having an interior diameter
[continued on page 150] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-150 |
[Page 150]
[continued from page 149]
of about 14' and surrounded by the remains
of an encircling wall about 6' thick. Attached
to it on the W. [West] there appear to be the ruins of a
small chamber. Some 30 yds. [yards] NW. [North West] is a
cairn like mound, overgrown with heather
about 16' in diameter and 3' high. Proceeding
N [North] along the haugh are from 15 to 20 more
mounds, two of them rather larger than the
rest are situated within 20 yds. [yards] of each other,
and measure some 20' in diameter and
3' in height. While some of these present
the features of the ordinary small cairns
two or three at the N [North] end of the group
have the appearance of having been excavated
in the centre but there is no trace of the
excavated stones around. At the
extreme N [North] end is a small enclosure with
an entrance from the E. [East]
[Sketch inserted] (Details not absolutely certain.)
measuring over all some
29' from N to S [North to South] x 27' from E to W. [East to West].
From the entrance two passages
pass respectively to right and left
leading into small circular
chambers 8' and 5' in interior diameter
separated from each other by a foundation from 3' to 5' across projecting from the back wall.
In the thickness of the wall at the back are
two almost contiguous hollows 2' in diameter.
[continued on page 151] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-151 |
[Page 151]
[continued from page 150]
Two or three other enclosures near over:
:grown with heather and fern appear
to be of similar character.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 44.
About 1/2 m. [mile] S. [South] of Strathy church on
slope of the hillside about 100'
above the level of the river is a group
of hut circles and small cairns
At the extreme S. [South] end of the group opposite
the most Southerly of the Strathy crofts
across the valley and about 1/4 m. [mile] back
[Sketch inserted]
from the river is a hut
circle of three separate
compartments, two in line
E and W [East and West] and the third along
side that at the E. [East]. The most
westerly measures interiorly
16' x 12", that to the E. [East] of it 14'
x 10, and that to the S. [South] 14' x 9.
The entrance seems to have
been by a curving passage
near the centre of the S [South] side. The thickness
of the enclosing wall seems to have
been about 9' around the W. [West] chamber and
5' round the others. There is much stone
from the walls lying in the interior and
the inner face is lined with flat sided
[continued on page 152] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-152 |
[Page 152]
[continued from page 151]
boulders set on end.
Some 100 yds. [yards] to the Northward at the same
elevation as the last are the remains of a
circle in the construction of which much
large stone has been used. The entrance
is from the E [East] through a passage 9' long and
from 1'.6" to 2' wide. Near the centre of the
passage two large upright stones 3' and 3'.6"
high stand opposite each other 1'.6" apart.
The wall is from 2' to 3' high and, except at
the entrance, about 4' thick. The interior dia:
:meter from N to S. [North to South] is 27' & from E. to W. [East to West] 25'
In the interior 4'.8" from the entrance 8' from back,
9' from the N [North] side and 7' from the S [South] is a
mound 13' x 10' in dia. [diameter] outlined with large stones some
3' in height with a depth of a foot or two of
[Sketch inserted]
humus on the top. On the
S. [South] side a wall curving from
the centre mound to the side
forms the back of an enclosure
15' long x 7' wide. Many large
stones lie scattered over the rest
of the interior obscuring any
other details. Abutting on
the outer wall to the S. [South] is
another enclosure measuring interiorly about
[continued on page 153] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-153 |
[Page 153]
[continued from page 152]
13' x 9' and apparently entered from the
main circle. The thickness of the wall &c. is
not very apparent.
Some 30 yds. [yards] N.W. [North West] are the remains of a
small construction of 2 or 3 conjoined
circles entirely overgrown with heather
and nearby several small cairn-like
Mounds and others again to the N [North]
of from 18' to 20' diameter.
About 1/2 m. [mile] SW. [South West] of Strathy Parish Church
and somewhat less to the W. [West] of the river
on the N. [North] side of a small ravine and
between it and an old feal dyke is a
circle of upright & almost contiguous boulders 9'.6" in diameter
On the N and NE. [North and North East] are the remains
[Sketch inserted]
of an outer and nearly parallel
row - not so closely set some 5'-8' distant. On the S. [South]
side of the circle is a mound about
10' long, 5' across and 2' high which may
be the remains of the original bank. To the
NE. [North East] at 7' distant is a mound or small
cairn about 9' in diameter. This construction
appears to be the remains of a dwelling and
resembles the circle of stones on the ? Ant Sron
near Lairg and also near Cnoc Arthur in
Rogart.
[continued on page 154] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-154 |
[Page 154]
[continued from page 153]
Here, alas, I lost my leather case with surveyor's
pins in it. I had carried it in my hand all sum:
:mer and will miss it sorely. For the cross
slab lying on the moor we searched high
& low but in vain returning however on the
29th I found it. It is situated about 1/2 m. [mile]
W.SW. [West South West] of the road bridge over the Strathy,
some 32 yds. [yards] E. [East] of the upper of the two feal
dykes which crosses the moor from N to S [North to South]
and about 120 yds. [yards] N [North] of the dyke running E & W. [East & West].
The stone is lying NE. and SW. [North East and South West]. The stone is
4'.4" in length - 1'.8" wide where widest across
the arms of the cross and 1'.2" at base, and
about 8" in thickness. The cross which
is incised on the surface - is a Latin cross
2'.8" in length, 1'.7" across the arms, The shaft
is 1'.6" long and 4" broad. The arms and
shaft terminate in circular expansions
formed of a plain disc 3" across enclosed
within a ring the whole 7" across. The
termination at the base of the cross is some:
:what flattened from the round measuring
6" x 7". Parallel incised lines are cut
down either side of the shaft and arms.
The stone is illustrated in the Proceedings of
the Soc. of Antiq [Society of Antiquaries] (Scot. [Scotland])
[continued on page 155] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-155 |
[Page 155]
[continued from page 154]
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 1.
Dun Mhairtain
On a promontory whose precipitous cliffs
tower 100' or so above the ocean, situated
to the NE. [North East] of the village of Balligal and
on the W. [West] of where the burn of that name
enters the sea, are the foundations of a
castle or fort. A narrow neck, partially
excavated from either side so as to
reduce the width of the approach to 8'
connects it with the mainland. The
base of a wall some 17' in thickness crosses
the landward end of the fort. Beyond it
to seaward are the indefinite foundations
of a structure from the interior of which
a passage 3' wide and, at present, a couple
of feet in height built without mortar on
the sides and covered with flags runs
under the surface for a distance of 42'
and opens on the face of the cliff where
there is a slight ledge some 4' below the
upper level. A depression at the inner
extremity suggests that the passage may
have been 10' or 12' longer. It is difficult
to conjecture the use of this passage as the
cliff below it seems quite precipitous but
it must be borne in mind that centuries
of buffeting by wind and wave may have
[continued on page 156] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-156 |
[Page 156]
[continued from page 155]
greatly altered it. The cliff scenery
here is magnificent unfortunately a
mist hung over the sky making the scenery
gloomy and depressing.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 2.
An Dun.
On the E. [East] side of the Balligil burn on a
slight promontory some 200' above the sea
are the indefinite foundations of a fort or
castle. A parapet some 6' in thickness has
been built round the edge of the cliff and some
15' back from it at the centre of the curve
are the foundations of a structure measuring
interiorly about 20' x 8'. There are no remains
of mortar visible and the form and character
of the construction is not obvious.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 3.
At the E [East] side of the base of the Rudha
na Cloiche and about 1/2 m. [mile] W. [West] of Portskerra
between two goes that pierce the land with
precipitous cliffs is a long promontory very
difficult of access along a hog-backed ridge
some 50' in length and for about
one half that distance 2' to 3' in width. Beyond
that a sheep track circles round a grassy
hillock onto a fresh green plateau beyond.
Round the edge of this runs an earthern
rampart or parapet but in the depressions
in the interior there are no signs of
[continued on page 157] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-157 |
[Page 157]
[continued from page 156]
buildings. Some 20' down the cliff at its
N. [North] end is a ledge on which there is a depression
but there is no sign of any passage connected
with it. The position in early times
must have been quite unassailable.
I was glad when I got safely back over
the hog-back keeping my eyes firmly fixed
on the narrow path before me, a false step
on which would have ended my career.
It is said to be called "Dornie Buidhe".
[Margin] Unnoted
On the left bank of the Strathy river
about 80 yds. [yards] S. [South] of the road bridge and near
the top of the bank a slight excavation
marks the site of the entrance to an
earth-house discovered a few years ago.
No signs of building are visible. It does
not appear to have been thoroughly explored.
[Margin] Unnoted
29th Sept. [September]. A little more than a mile
SSE. [South South East] of Bighouse Lodge on the E [East] side of the
Thurso road is a hut circle
[Sketch inserted]
The enclosing bank which is about
3' in height has been largely
formed of stone. The interior
diameter is 32'. The entrance
has been from the SE. [South East]
through a passage 10' in
[continued on page 158] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-158 |
[Page 158]
[continued from page 157]
length, the thickness of the bank in the
circumference being about 7'. In the centre
of the interior is a small stony mound
or cairn 9' in diameter and 2' in height
and from the W. [West] side of it, 18' distant from
the entrance a wall appears to have crossed
to the bank as if to form the back of a
chamber similar to that on the hut circle
near Strathy. Some 10' to the left of the entrance
a narrow break in the bank 18" wide gives
access to a small enclosure formed of
large stones with an interior diameter of
7'. In the interior of the main structure
there are indications of other walls but so
overgrown as to be indefinite. This
circle is almost identical in plan
with that above Strathy Church.
[Margin] Unnoted.
Some 50 yds. [yards] to the NE [North East] are the remains
of another enclosure of simple type the
bank of which is much worn away.
It enters from the SE. [South East] and has an
interior diameter of 23' x 27'.
Some 30 yds. [yards] N. [North] across the road is another
similar construction, entering from SE. [South East]
through an entrance 2' wide and with
banks 6' to 7' thick. The interior diameters
[continued on page 159] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-159 |
[Page 159]
[continued from page 158]
are about 22' x 30'. Four or five small
cairns overgrown with turf and heather
lie quite near. One of these some 30' N. [North]
is 18' in diameter, has a depression
on the top and is about 2'.6" high
On the top of the bank across the burn
and some 300 yds. [yards] NNE. [North North East] of the first described
enclosure is a large circular one
with walls 4' to 6' thick and an interior
diameter of 43'. It appears to have had
several smaller constructions in the
interior and adjoining it to the N. [North].
[Margin] Unnoted.
Some 80 yds. [yards] N. [North] of it are the remains of a
hut circle overgrown with fern and
showing signs of ruins in the interior
but the details are obscure.
[Margin] Unnoted.
30 yds. [yards] or so further N [North] are the remains
of another, also indistinct, but which
seems to have been composed of 4 or
5 small circular compartments
from 5' to 8' in diameter. Adjoining it
on the N [North] is a small oval enclosure
measuring 40' x 20' the outer wall of which
is continued round to the N [North] of the hut
construction.
[Margin] Unnoted
40' or thereby to the W. [West] is another small
[continued on page 160] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-160 |
[Page 160]
[continued from page 159]
enclosure of simple form the banks of which
are much worn down. It has been entered
from the S. [South] and has an interior diameter
of from 15' to 20'.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 4
On the hillside to the W. [West] of the township of
Melvich and about 1/2 m. [mile] SSW. [South South West] of the Hotel
are the dilapidated remains of a cairn
Its diameter from E. to W. [East to West] has been about
about 63' and from N to S [North to South] about 70'.
Some 27' in from the N [North] the upper part of
a large slab facing N [North] probably indicates
the back of a chamber and other large
stones protruding seem to be part of such a
structure.
In the afternoon we motored back to For:
:sinard and from there returned by train
to Brora.
30th Sept. [September]. From Kilmain, a crofter township
two miles W. [West] of Brora, an old peat road leads NW. [North West] into the
deer forest for nearly two miles. Near the
termination of this road on the E. [East] of it rises
abruptly a massive rock, precipitous on
[Margin] Unnoted
the E and W. [East and West], with a steep slope at the
S. [South] end and a comparatively easy approach
from the N.W. [North West]. It bears the name of Duchary (?)
rocks. The summit which is level
[continued on page 161] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-161 |
[Page 161]
[continued from page 160]
has been strongly fortified by a wall where
not defended by nature. The wall at the
N. or NW. [North or North West] end is 12' in thickness and in places
still 3' high, well built of flat stones. It
is pierced towards the NW. [North West] by an entrance
passage 6' wide, between the faces of the opposing walls.
In front of the wall forming the W. [West] side of the entrance passage,
stand two large flat slabs apparently in
situ as if forming a facing for the masonry.
Some 14' outside the wall are the foundations
of an outer wall about 7' thick seeming
to run from a point on the main
wall about 10' E. [East] of the entrance & to
meet it again at the edge of the steep slope 80' or 100' to Westward thus
covering the entrance. Between the
steep cliffs at the S. [South] end is a wall about
70' in length and 10' thick through which
is an entrance 4' wide. On the W. [West] side
of it is an indication of a chamber in
the wall. The total length of the
interior is about 260 yds. [yards] and the average
width about 60 yds. [yards]. The immense mass of
debris indicate that the height of wall was considerable.
Some 30' below the outer wall at the SE. [South East]
is a natural rock shelter, the covered
area measuring about 12' x 17'.
In the rocks facing Eastward about 100 yds. [yards] NE [North East] of the
[continued on page 162] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-162 |
[Page 162]
[continued from page 161]
entrance under a large rock is the entrance
to an underground passage apparently
natural. At its commencement about 2'
wide and 3' high it passes inwards in a
Southerly direction for about 13' then turning
sharply to the right runs onward for 18' or
20' more with a width of some 15".
[Margin] Unnoted.
Towards the S. [South] end of Loch Brora about 1 m. [mile]
SE. [South East] of the Carril broch and some 300 yds. [yards] W. [West]
of the road on a slight knoll which stands
out green among the heather are the remains
of a broch. It is much overgrown with
vegetation and in no place is the face
of the inner wall visible. The diameter
over all has been 58'. The entrance seems
to have been from the E. [East] . On the right
or N. [North] of what is presumed to be the position
of the entrance passage are signs of a
chamber with suggestions of another on
the S. [South] side. Slightly to the S. [South] of a point
directly opposite the entrance are remains
of another chamber. The height of the
mound formed by the ruins is about
5'. A small enclosure about 15' in
width has extended round about 1/4 of
the circumference of the broch from NE. [North East] to
[continued on page 163] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-162a |
[Page] 162 [162a]
[Continued from Page 161]
[2 x Photographs inserted]
[Continued on page 163] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-163 |
[Page 163]
[continued from page 162]
N. [North]. As I learned from a ghillie
sent to me on the Duchary rocks that
the Dunrobin party was stalking I could
not go again to search for the earth-house
[Margin] Unnoted.
on Beinn a' Bhragie so I called on Dr. [Doctor]
Joass who furnished the following par:
:ticulars. It is situated to the S.E. [South East] of the
Monument & about 100' below it just inside the wood above an
open space. It is narrow
at the entrance for about 6' when it expands
to about 4' in width and 5' in height. It
is almost straight and is about 40' in length
though only about one half remains entire.
1st October. This morning we left Brora
and its ill-managed second-rate hotel
with no regrets. The golf course is
excellent, the fishing for sea trout on
Loch Brora not very good but at its best
in September, and none of its three hotels
particularly attractive. It is a popular
place and will likely grow. The sands
are beautiful.
Left the train at the Mound where
Mr. Bentinck handed to me the stone
lamp on the back of which is a curious
mould for some chisel like tool, curved
[continued on page 164] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-164 |
[Page 164]
[continued from page 163]
in the direction of its length, which I wish to
exhibit to Dr. [Doctor] Anderson.
[Margin] Unnoted.
On the summit of a bluff which overlooks the
high road to the E. [East] of the gamekeeper's house
at East Kinnauld, one mile E. [East] of Rogart station
are the ruins of what appears to have been
a fort, though the remains in the interior
of the defences show measurements identical
with a broch, viz. walls 12' to 15' in thickness
and an interior diameter of 31'. Beyond
the measurements, however, there are no
suggestive details. The summit which
measures about 126' from N to S. [North to South] by about
96' from E to W. [East to West] & has been enclosed by a
wall about 6'-7' in thickness now entirely dilapi:
:dated. On the E [East] slope about 1/2 way up
is a shoulder or terrace some 90' long x 30'
wide and above this the defences have
been supplemented by an extra wall 7'
thick, still for a short distance showing its outer
& inner faces. Within these defences is the
inner enclosure above referred to. The
approach appears to have wound upwards
from the S [South] end of the shoulder passing
diagonally through the outer wall towards
the N [North] then turning sharply to the SW. [South West] past
[continued on page 165] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-165 |
[Page 165]
[continued from page 164]
the end of a flanking wall which runs
from the N. [North] of the central enclosure
N. [North] and then SE. [South East] terminating seemingly opposite
the point where the entrance passes through the
outer wall 17' distant from the central enclosure
and leaving a passage between it and the outer
wall about 2'.6" wide. In the thickness
of the outer wall to the N [North] of the entrance
through it are appearances of two chambers
one in rear of the other about 6' and 10'
in diameter. The position of the entrance
to the inner enclosure is not evident.
There is an absence of the mass of debris
in the inner enclosure which one would
expect were it the remains of a broch.
The ruins of the walls render the details
difficult of discernment. The rock is
isolated and steep on all sides though
not difficult of access on the N and NE. [North and North East].
At Pittentrail Rogart is a small but clean
inn where I lunched afterwards bicycling
on to Blarich where Mr. Menzies
had noted some singularly small
cairns. These are situated on the SE [South East]
side of a small corrie called "Clach Hatch"
about 1/2 m. [mile] NW. [North West] of Blarich. We opened
[continued on page 166] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-166 |
[Page 166]
[continued from page 165]
one or two but, as I expected from their external
appearance they seemed to be natural concretions
of moss or peat. They were all close together,
some 4' in diameter and 1 1/2 to 2' high. Could
they have been heaps of turf or peat gathered
in some distant age and left on the
ground? Among them is an oval depres:
:sion facing NW. [North West] measuring interiorly
about 12' x 7'; some 3' in depth and showing
the remains of a low bank on the edge
around it. In the interior was a thin
layer of charcoal below the turf all
over and from it was taken a flake
of yellow flint about 3/4" x 1/2" in dimension.
Another similar hollow existed about 40'
to the W. [West]. The charcoal did not resemble the
remains of twigs on branches but of thin flakes
or shavings of wood.
Leaving Blarich I bicycled to Ardgay
passing through Lairg and stopping for
a few minutes to photograph the remains
of the small stone circle by the side of
the Shin. It was a lovely evening and the
autumn tints of gold and crimson on the
birch trees and rowans intermingling with
the darker hues of the pines as the road
[continued on page 167] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-167 |
[Page 167]
[continued from page 166]
wound along the banks of the Shin,
were very lovely.
Kildonan
[Margin] unnoted.
When in the N. [North] I did not succeed in
visiting the group of small cairns that
lie on the E. [East] side of the road from Kinbrace
to Syre, about 2 m. [miles] N. [North] of Easter Badenloch
and yesterday Dr. [Doctor] Joass mentioned incidentally
the existence of hut circles on the N. [North] side
of Badenloch near its W. [West] end. On the
peninsula which divides Badanloch
from Loch nan Clar and on the
outer end of it have been found great
quantities of flints, scrapers, flakes &c.
2nd October. Ardgay. Walked over the
Bonar Bridge and called on Mr. Donald
Mackenzie who accompanied us to Druim
liath. The Tulloch Druim Liath
which is a portion of it, are covered with
cairn like heaps of stone and hut circles.
Of the former by far the greater numbers
present features which convince me that
they are the ruins of huts. Most of them
are circular with a diameter of 16', some
are oblong and some of the heaps are so
long as to suggest that several huts have
stood attached in a row. Among them
[continued on page 168] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-168 |
[Page 168]
[continued from page 167]
here and there are mounds overgrown with
vegetation and convex in outline which are
possibly sepulchral but they are much less
numerous than the others. Towards the
SE. [South East] end of the hill in a field in Swordale to the S. [South] of the
Combination Poorhouse is the site of a
broch known as Carn Mor. Only a low
mound of small stones remains.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 13
On Tulloch hill about 1/4 m. [mile] N [North] of the schoolhouse
are the remains of Carn an fhitich. The diameter
is about 42' and the height about 5'. The cairn
has been excavated and one or two slabs which
have formed part of a cist lie displaced among
the stones. The O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 6" mentions that two stone
cists existed in it. Dr. [Doctor] Joass is said to have been
at the opening.
A short distance to the E [East] of the cairn are a
number of the supposed hut ruins. One
heap of stones lying E and W. [East and West] measures
30' x 17' while adjacent in form of a crescent
facing S. [South] some 60' long x 20' wide at the centre.
Near the top of the hill towards the SW. [South West]
are a few small overgrown cairns meas:
:uring from 12' to 16' in diameter. On the
same part of the hill is an oval ruin
measuring 20' x 14'. The remains of old
[continued on page 169] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-169 |
[Page 169]
[continued from page 168]
walls are running through among the ruins.
In one instance a course of wall is succeeded
by two mounds about 15' apart and 15' to
16' in diameter.
Some 1/2 m. [mile] NW. [North West] of the W. [West] end of Loch Migdale
are the ruins of a hut circle measuring
24' x 20' with foundations of walls running
from it. To N [North] of it some 40' is a heap of
stones lying N and S [North and South] measuring 40' x 18'
and showing marked depressions near
the centre. Near are a number of conical
mounds overgrown with vegetation some
12' in diameter and about 1 1/2' in height.
About 1/4 m. [mile] NNW [North North West] of the church is a
well marked hut ruin. It measures 16'
in diameter over all and the interior
depression, which is clearly defined, about
7'. The Entrance appears to have been
from the SE. [South East]. Some 80 yds. [yards] NNW [North North West] of it
are two small cairns about 18' in diameter
and 2' to 3' in height.
On the W. [West] side of the road which crosses
Druim Liath from N. to S. [North to South] and towards the
N [North] side of the hill is a small circular
enclosure measuring 12' in interior
diameter. The entrance appears to have
[continued on page 170] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-170 |
[Page 170]
[continued from page 169]
been from the W. [West]. Some 30 yds. [yards] to the N [North] of it is a
horse-shoe shaped enclosure facing N.W [North West] some 30'
in diameter and 20' in length with a bank
about 9' thick. Opposite the end of the bank
at the SE [South East] is a low heap of stones about 14' in
diameter.
On the N. [North] side of Druim Liath some 3/4 m. [mile] NNE [North North East] of
the Poor House is a circular enclosure with
an interior diameter of about 30'. The wall
which has entirely broken down has measured
about 8' in thickness and has been formed of
boulders. On the E. [East] side a bank projects 25'
in length and 15' in breadth probably flanking
the entrance. What appears to be the ruins
of one or two small circular huts lie near
to the S. [South]. On the SE [South East] flank of
the hill are the remains, almost obliterated,
of several hut circles of simple form.
Some 300 yds [yards] SW. [South West] of the last described circle
is another of simple form measuring interiorly
26' x 32'. The entrance appears to have been
from the E. [East] but the circle is overgrown with whins
and details indefinite.
On the top of the hill near its NW. [North West] end are
some large heaps of stone probably ruins
of two attached huts. Two of these measure 28' in
[continued on page 171] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-171 |
[Page 171]
[continued from page 170]
length by 16' in width.
On the top of Druim Liath about 1 m. [mile] NE [North East]
of Bonar Bridge is a small hut circle
measuring interiorly 20' x 23' with entrance
from the SE [South East] - 2' wide through banks 5' thick.
Some 100 yds. [yards] W. [West] is a circular enclosure with
[Sketch inserted]
an interior diameter of 33'
surrounded by the ruins of
a wall composed of rather
small stones in its present
state from 7' to 8' across.
The entrance has probably
been from ESE. [East South East] and 3' wide.
Against the wall in the interior and slightly
to the N. [North] of a point opposite the entrance are
the ruins of a hut, similar to those all
over the hill, measuring some 12' x 14.
Some 15' to the N. [North] of the back are the
remains of another circular enclosure
with an interior diameter of 38'. The
bank has been of stone and turf; the
entrance from ESE. [East South East] about 9' wide.
At the extreme NW. [North West] end of Druim Liath
is a group of small cairns about six
in number, conical in form of some
17' in diameter and from 2'.6" to 3' in height.
[continued on page 172] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-172 |
[Page 172]
[continued from page 171]
Some 100 yds. [yards] N. [North] on the N. [North] slope of the hill is
a hut circle with interior diameter of 21'
x 26' entrance from the E. [East]: banks of turf and
stone about 4' thick. Several small cairns
lie adjacent none having the hut features.
At the W. [West] end of Druim Liath and about
1 m. [mile] N. [North] of Bonar Bridge is Carn Liath.
It has been excavated and much of the stone
removed especially from the E [East] side inwards.
The diameter is about 65' and the greatest
height 9'. Certain large stones set upright
suggest a chambered character. One at 19'
from the E. [East] edge probably indicates the
commencement of the chamber and the
pointed head of a large boulder set with its
broad face to the E. [East] at 42' inwards seems
to have formed the back.
About 120 yds. [yards] N [North] of Carn Liath is a hut
circle which has had an enclosing wall
of stone 6' to 7' thick. The interior diameter
is 28' : the entrance from the E. [East] 3' wide.
Around it are small cairns of from
15' to 18' in diameter mostly covered with
vegetation.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 12.
At Airdens on a ridge 80 yds. [yards] SE. [South East] of
the targets are the remains of a hut circle
[continued on page 173] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-173 |
[Page 173]
[continued from page 172]
with an interior diameter of 30', bank 4'
thick, and entrance from the E. [East].
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 11.
At Airdens about 150 yds. [yards] N. [North] of the targets
is a group of about 18 small cairns.
Several of them measure about 18' in diameter
one is from 4' to 5' high and 24' in diameter
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 10.
Carn an Duin. On the top of a slight
eminence at the SW. [South West] end of Creagan
Reamhar are the remains of what appears
to have been a cairn. It has to a great
extent been removed but appears to
have measured 64' from N. to S. [North to South] by 77'
from E to W. [East to West]. Two lines of large stones
set point upwards appear in the
construction, one marking the exterior limit
of the cairn, the other some 12' within it
on the N. [North] 13' on the E. [East], 5' on the S. [South] and
16' on the W. [West]. The position in which the
stones are placed weighs against the
idea that this has been a broch which
the name suggests. It has been so
pillaged that its true character is difficult
to determine.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 9.
To the E [East] of Garbh Leathad is a small
group of cairn like constructions
of from 18' to 20' in diameter which
[continued on page 174] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-174 |
[Page 174]
[continued from page 173]
have probably been huts.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 8.
At the S. [South] end of Creagan Reamhar about
400 yds. [yards] N. [North] of the croft of Druimban at Airdens
near the peat road are two hut circles and
a number of small cairns. The most
Westerly of the two circles is of the simple form
entering from SE. [South East] through what appears to
have been a wide entrance. The interior
diameters are 26' x 31' : the bank of stone
and turf. The second enclosure
which lies to the E. [East] of the peat road is
circular with an interior diameter of about
30'. The entrance is from the SE. [South East] and the
bank from 5' to 6' wide formed of earth
and stone. The level of the interior is
slightly higher than that of the surrounding
ground. Near the first enclosure lie a
few small cairns the stones of which are
somewhat exposed. About 140 yds. [yards] to the
E. [East] of the second circle is a small group
of about half a dozen cairns. The most
W. [West] of the group measures about 15' in dia. [diameter],
is about 1 1/2' high and has its outline
defined by large stones. One lying with
its longest axis NNW and SSE [North North West and South South East] measures
23' by 13' and is 2' to 3' in height : the others
[continued on page 175] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-175 |
[Page 175]
[continued from page 174]
are from 16' to 18' in diameter and
about 3' in height. This has been
a very long day and it was 6. o'clock
before I got back to Ardgay.
4th Oct. [October]. A lovely day. To the N. [North] of the
Migdale crofts close by the small reservoir on the
Allt na h-Atha and to the W. [West] of it is a
group of about 8 small cairns - the
largest of which is about 18' in diameter
and about 3' in height. On a slight
elevation at the N. [North] end of the reservoir are
two conjoined hut circles of simple type
The banks have been of turf now much
worn away, and the
entrances from the SSE [South South East].
[Sketch inserted]
The Westmost enclosure
measures 24' x 28'. The en:
:trance seems to have been
about 2'.6" wide and the
bank some 5' across.
The adjoining enclosure
is larger measuring 34' x 41'.
The bank appears to have been
about 7' thick. The width of the entrance is
not now obtainable.
[continued on page 176] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-176 |
[Page 176]
[continued from page 175]
[Margin] Unnoted
Some 80 yds. [yards] SSE. [South South East] of the house occupied by
Mr. F. Campbell at Badbea, among the
whins, is an enclosure with an interior diameter
of about 30' - entrance from SSE. [South South East] about 2'.6"
in width and bank some 5'-6' in thickness.
Among the whins about 100 yds [yards] to NW. [North West] the
remains of another are visible.
On the shoulder of the hill behind the
house of __ Murray at Badbea are a
few small cairns and a hut circle.
[Margin] ? unnoted.
On the croft of Mr. William Mackenzie at
Tulloch, to the N. [North] of Bonar Bridge, & about 150
yds. [yards] SSW. [South South West] of his house is a cairn about
60' in diameter and 6' in height, bearing
the name of Carn Mòr. It is overgrown
with vegetation and does not appear to
have been excavated.
Small cairns at Achaidh. (see Mr. Mackenzie's
notes & letter from Mr. Bentinck of 22nd Sept. [September])
[Margin] unnoted
Situated in the church-yard at Creich about
50' SSE. [South South East] of the SE. [South East] corner of the church,
is a recumbent slab, 6' long - 2'.10" broad
at its W. [West] end and 1'.8" at the E. [East]. Incised
on the surface is Latin Cross set on a
graduated base, measuring 5' over all
in length and 1'.6" across the arms. The
[continued on page 177] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-177 |
[Page 177]
[continued from page 176]
breadth of the stem is 4". The upper arm
is pointed symmetrically and the side
arms obliquely. An indecipherable in:
:scription runs round the upper edge of the slab.
(This cross is similar to those noted in
Berwickshire.)
As I rode on my bicycle through the
Swordale wood on my way to Creich
Church I observed a small flock of Cross-
-bills, as I believe them to be, hard at work
on the larch trees, hanging underneath the
branches and nipping off the cones.
5th October. To visit the great standing
stone so frequently described to me by
Mr. Donald Mackenzie I hired the hotel
motor and with J. [Jocelyn] set off on a long
journey to Oykell Inn. As the position
of the stone was marked in pencil on
my map I made my way straight to it,
up a steep hill side and over a wet
moor but could find not the slightest
trace of a standing stone. I walked a
mile or two in different directions and
scanned the country with my field glasses
but could discern nothing resembling it.
Nor could I get any satisfaction from
[continued on page 178] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-178 |
[Page 178]
[continued from page 177]
a ghillie at the inn, who knew the country
intimately. If such a stone exists, it does not
stand about 1 mile to the N. [North] of Oykell Bridge.
It is said to be about 15' high! Mr.
Mackenzie had only seen it in the distance
and probably mistook for a standing stone,
a stone, or pole erected on the slope of the
hill on the N. [North] side of the Oykell about 1 1/2 m. [miles]
above Oykell Bridge, for setting traps on!
Creich
[Margin] Unnoted
At Linsidemore on a croft near the
middle of the township and some 40 yds. [yards]
N. [North] of the high road is a natural gravel
mound encircling which at a few feet
above its base is a setting of stones which
seems to be the remains of a stone circle.
The stones appear to have been continuous
Two or three pointed stones remain set with
their broad faces in line of the circumfer:
:ence but the majority of the stones are
boulders. The two largest stones remaining
in situ measure 3'.10" x 2'.10" and 3' x
2'.10" respectively. A quadrangular
block about 2' high placed in the centre
does not appear to be in situ. From
NE. [North East] running round by E [East] to SW. [South West] are the
remains of an outer circle of boulders.
[continued on page 179] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-178a |
[Page] 178 [178a]
[Continued from page 177]
[Photograph inserted]
[Continued on page 179] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-179 |
[Page 179]
[continued from page 178]
which seem to converge at NE. [North East]. The elevation
of the centre suggests the existence of a
cairn while a depression seems to
indicate that it has been excavated.
The diameter of the main circle is
from 40' to 43' and the outer circle
seems to have been some 6' distant from it.
The exact character of this construction
is not quite clear owing to interference
due to the cultivation of the land in which
it stands. It has the appearance of a
large cairn with a setting of stones at
its base.
[Margin] Unnoted
In a cultivated field about 1/2 S. [South] of Inveran
Inn, and 100 yds. [yards] W. [West] of the high road is
a standing stone. It is 5'.5" in height above
ground, faces N. and S. [North and South] measuring 2'.6" across
at base and 1'.5" near the upper end, while
its thickness is 1'.4". It is quadrangular in
section. Some 4' to S. [South] of it and,
a
stone some 5' in length and 7" to 8" thick
protrudes in form of a hog-back to a height
of about 1 ft. [foot] from the ground.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 2.
The castle of Duffus or Invershin situated
on the E. [East] side of the Kyle of Sutherland
[continued on page 180] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-180 |
[Page 180]
[continued from page 179]
about 3/4 to the S. [South] of Inveran Inn has
almost entirely disappeared. The mound on
which it was placed stands on the bank above
the Kyle. It is some 14' in height on the
landward side and has been surrounded
by a ditch.
[Margin] Unnoted.
On the top of a low oak clad knoll about
1/4 m. [mile] N. [North] of Invershin station and some 30 yds. [yards]
E. [East] of the road, are the large slabs, which
have formed part of the walls of a megalithic
chamber. It seems to have been an undivided
chamber 13' in length by 7' in breadth entering
from the S. [South]. Seven slabs remain - two on
each side, one at the back and two low
stones at the entrance. The most Southerly
of the two stones on the W. [West] side has fallen,
the others are in situ. All trace of the
outline of the cairn has disappeared but
the chamber is still partially filled with
stones.
[Margin] Unnoted.
On the slope of the hill about 1/4 m. [mile]
E [East] of Invershin station is a small group
of cairns of about 18' diameter.
This has been a very stormy day. I
sent the motor back from Inveran, after
having taken it up to Achany to try to
[continued on page 181] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-181 |
[Page 181]
[continued from page 180]
get a photo of the cairn near the Grudie
Burn. In passing we visited the falls
of Shin and saw numbers of fish
trying to leap up them. The river was
in flood and few succeeded.
In a storm of wind and rain I
toiled up the Sithean above Invershin
Station to look for another of Donald Mac:
:kenzie's standing stones. My experience
earlier in the day did not fill me with
high expectations and I was not disappointed!
I could find nothing but the storm was
so violent I did not waste much time
on the hill, among soaking heather, looking
around.
6th Oct. [October]. In the Maikle Wood to the N. [North] of
the W. [West] end of the cultivated land are
some half a dozen cairn-like mounds;
overgrown with vegetation, from 18' to 20'
in diameter, and the indefinite remains
of a hut circle through which a road
passes running E. and W. [East and West]. Small
cairns extend for some distance through
the wood towards the W. and N. [West and North].
Mr. Mackenzie took me to see the
Balblair keeper, who was responsible
[continued on page 182] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-182 |
[Page 182]
[continued from page 181]
for the statement that a standing stone
existed on the Sithean. As it was a two
hours expedition and he believed the stone
to be natural in shape & position, I de:
:cided it was not worth my while to go to it.
[Margin] Omit
Some 230 yds. [yards] S.W. [South West] of the W. [West] cottage of Maikle
is a mound which appears to a certain
extent artificial and probably in part a
cairn, but no details are obtainable.
[Margin] (?) O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 6.
This is not in my opinion a cairn
nor the remains of a stone circle.
A portion of erupted rock has been split and
has the appearance of stone in a circle.
[Margin] O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 7.
On the farm of Maikle about yds. [yards]
NW. [North West] of the farm buildings are the remains
of a large cairn. It appears to have
been about 70' in diameter but about
one third on the E. [East] side has been removed
The remainder is from 10' to 12' high. There
are no signs of a chambered cist exposed.
The O.S. [Ordnance Survey] 6" records the finding in it of "a short
cist containing an Urn and Pictish Razor"
in 1853.
In the SE. [South East] corner of Maikle Wood about
150 yds. [yards] above the road is a small group
of ill-defined, cairn-like mounds.
[continued on page 183] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-183 |
[Page 183]
[continued from page 182]
This concludes my inspection of the
Antiquities of Sutherland. The work
has been very arduous by reason of
the extent of ground to be traversed
and the large number of hitherto un:
:recorded Monuments to be noted and
described, but on the latter account the
interest has been all the greater.
The weather has been exceptionally bad
except in September. |
| gb0551ms-36-10-184 |
[Page 184]
[Book Cover, with label]
THIS BOOK BE:
LONGS TO ALEXAN:
DER ORMISTON CURLE |
| gb0551ms-36-10-185 |
[Page 185]
[continued from page 184]
Ardgy -- 1. 166
Achtomlinie -- 15.
Ardichonachir -- 16.
Allt Ach-a' Bhathaich -- 66.
Ascoile -- 67.
Allt a' Mhuilinn -- 67.
Allt Cille Pheadair -- 70. 80.
Allt Breac -- 84. 128.
Allt Tigh-Neill -- 98.
Allt an Duin -- .115
Achrimsdale -- 116.
Allt a Choire Mhoir -- 124
Allt Halligarry -- 128.
Armadale -- 147.
Allt Dail Teine -- 149.
Airdens -- 172.
Allt-na-h'Atha -- 175.
Achaidh -- 176.
Achany -- 180.
[continued on page 186] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-186 |
[Page 186]
[continued from page 185]
Bonar Bridge -- 1. 167.
Blarich -- 15. 165.
Brae -- 28.
Backies -- 33.
Ben Bhragie -- 34. 37. 163
Brora -- 35. 45. 64. 133
Braegrudie -- 46.
Ben Armine -- 50.
Blackwater -- 60.
Balnacoil -- 66.
Burnfoot -- 88.
Borrobol -- 107.
Ben Griam Beg -- 120.
Ben Griam More -- 120.
Breacache (Broch) -- 139.
Bunahoun -- 140.
Bowside -- 148.
Balligil -- 150.
Bighouse Lodge -- 157.
Badbea -- 176.
[continued on page 187] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-187 |
[Page 187]
[continued from page 186]
Clabran Sallach -- 2.
Culnara Croft -- 4.
Clyne -- 18.
Clynekirkton -- 18. 65.
Clynemilton -- 18.
Cinn Trolla -- 22.
Cnoc Chaisteal -- 23.
Caen Burn -- 24. 101
Carnachy Strath -- 27.
Carnach -- 30. 96.
Crois -- 38.
Creich -- 43. 177.
Clach an Eig -- 43.
Cnoc-an Liath bhaid -- 44.
Cnoc-an-Socaich -- 55.
Castle Cole -- 59.
Clais Rath Finn -- 70.
Coulan Burn -- 81.
Carradh na Clach -- 86.
Clach Mhic Mhios -- 86.
Carn Tigh-nan-Goileach -- 87.
Creag Rui-nan-Caorach -- 87.
Caen Burn -- 101. 24.
Cnoc Leiter nan Caile -- 115.
Cnoc Dail-Chairn -- 117.
Craggie -- 128.
Cathair -- 129.
Carn Bran -- 132.
Craig Carrol -- 133.
Calgary Beg -- 145.
Carril Broch -- 162. & 133.
Clach Hatch -- 165.
Carn Liath -- 172.
Carn-an-Duin -- 173.
Creagan Reamhar -- 173.
Carn Mor -- 176.
Creich Church -- 177.
[continued on page 188] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-188 |
[Page 188]
[continued from page 187]
Drumanargeid -- 10.
Dalnamain -- 31. 96.
Dunrobin Mains -- 31.
Dalreavoch Lodge -- 48. 62.
Dalcharn -- 119.
Dalhalvaig -- 141.
Dornie Buidhe -- 157.
Duchary -- 160.
Druim Liath -- 167.
Druimban -- 174.
Duffus -- 179.
[continued on page 189] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-189 |
[Page 189]
[continued from page 188]
Eldrable Burn -- 129.
Easter Badenloch -- 167.
[continued on page 190] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-190 |
[Page 190]
[continued from page 189]
Farlary Loch -- 5.
Frithe -- 115.
Fearnach -- 117.
Forsinard -- 137.
Forsinain -- 139.
[continued on page 191] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-191 |
[Page 191]
[continued from page 190]
Golspie -- 31. 34.
Grudie (Loch) -- 49.
Gordonbush -- 68.
Glen Sletdale burn -- 86.
Grimacharry -- 120. 123.
Gylable Burn -- 128.
Garbh Leathan -- 173.
Grudie Burn -- 181.
[continued on page 192] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-192 |
[Page 192]
[continued from page 191]
Helmsdale -- 22. 70. 101. 107. 120.
Harvieston -- 87.
Halladale (Strath) -- 120. 137.
[continued on page 193] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-193 |
[Page 193]
[continued from page 192]
Inveran -- 179.
Invershin -- 180.
[continued on page 194] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-194 |
[Page 194]
[continued from page 193]
Knock Arthur -- 5.
Kintradwell -- 20.
Kildonan -- 38. 43. 110. 126.
Kilbrace -- 58.
Klyne Kirkton -- 64.
Kilphedir Burn -- 79.
Kinbrace -- 87. 93.
Kinnauld (East) -- 99. 164.
Kinnauld -- 100.
Killournan -- 124.
Kilmain -- 160.
[continued on page 195] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-195 |
[Page 195]
[continued from page 194]
Letty's Grave -- 16.
Learable -- 39. 115.
Loth -- 86. 126. 130.
Lothbeg -- 130.
Loch Brora -- 133.
Loch Mor -- 146.
Lairg -- 166.
Loch nan Clar -- 167.
Linsidemore -- 178.
[continued on page 196] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-196 |
[Page 196]
[continued from page 195]
Market Park -- 3.
Migdale (Loch) -- 4. 169.
Mound -- 96.
Melvich -- 137. 146. 160.
Maikle Wood -- 181.
[continued on page 197] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-197 |
[Page 197]
[continued from page 196]
Oldtown -- 64.
Oykell -- 177.
[continued on page 198] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-198 |
[Page 198]
[continued from page 197]
Port Skerra -- 156.
[continued on page 199] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-199 |
[Page 199]
[continued from page 198]
Reidlochan -- 10.
Rogart -- 15. 164.
Rhives -- 34.
Rudha-na-Cloiche -- 156.
[continued on page 200 ] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-200 |
[Page 200]
[continued from page 199]
Swordale Wood -- 2. 177.
Salzcraggie Lodge -- 26. 69
Strath Stephens Cove -- 35.
Silver Craig -- 38.
Suisgill Lodge -- 38. 107.
Sciberscross -- 44. 49.
Scottarie Burn -- 58.
Suidhe Donnan -- 129.
Strathy -- 147. 157.
Sithean -- 181.
[continued on page 201] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-201 |
[Page 201]
[continued from page 200]
Torboll -- 28.
Tressady Burn -- 16.
Taunachy -- 62.
Torrish -- 81.
Tomich -- 116.
Trantlemore -- 141.
Tulloch -- 167.
[continued on page 202] |
| gb0551ms-36-10-202 |
[Page 202]
[continued from page 201]
Uppat Wood -- 36. |
|
|
