sutherland-1911/02_007

Transcription

vi -- HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION.

have many examples of well-known types been noted for the first
time, but a large number of constructions, representing types of early
habitations, which have not hitherto been made the subject of special
observation on the mainland of Scotland, have been examined and
planned. There have been enumerated in the Inventory groups of
objects as well as single objects, so that the actual numbers do not
indicate the fulness of the record. Very few of the objects noted
have hitherto been described. Owing to the great extent of the
county and the sparseness of its population, trustworthy information
regarding its ancient monuments was difficult to obtain, and we
believe that there still exist a certain number of objects which have
not come under our observation. We trust, however, that the
publication of the Inventory will attract attention to such monu-
ments, and that intimation of their existence may be ultimately
made to us.
Full facilities have been granted by proprietors and tenants
to inspect the monuments on their ground, and general interest
has been shown in the work of your Majesty's Commission.
To the Ministers of the Gospel as well as the Parish School-
masters, and to others throughout the county occupying no
official position, your Commissioners have been indebted for much
assistance.
We view with much regret the destruction which has overtaken
so many remarkable prehistoric monuments and constructions
throughout the county owing to the facilities they have afforded
for a supply of stones for road-metal and building purposes,
but we have pleasure in bringing to your Majesty's notice the
efforts of the County Council, which for the present have been
successful in checking further mischief. Vigilance, however,
will be required to prevent a repetition of these objectionable
practices.
The attention of proprietors may be drawn to the damage
frequently done to ancient constructions through the practice of
planting trees upon or immediately adjacent to them.
The attention of your Commissioners has been directed to frequent
instances throughout the county of the excavation of monuments
without any record having been kept of the results, or plans made
of the structures. This is much to be regretted, as it involves the
loss of valuable evidence regarding the racial characteristics and
culture of the prehistoric inhabitants.
In further execution of your Majesty's Commission we have
requested the co-operation of the Town Councils of the Royal Burghs
throughout Scotland, and have asked them to assist by preparing lists
of ancient buildings and other objects existing within their bounds.
The response to this request has been most gratifying, and we have
much pleasure in bringing to your Majesty's notice the great trouble
which in many instances has been taken to further the objects of the
Commission.
During the year a number of intimations have reached us of the
threatened destruction of ancient monuments in various parts of
Scotland, and we have been able by representations to assist towards
their preservation.
A survey of the monuments and constructions in the county of