DOCSLIB.ORG

80 Proceedings of the Society, 1952-53. an Aisled

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
80 Proceedings of the Society, 1952-53. an Aisled 80 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, 1952-53. V. AN AISLED FARMHOUS E ALLASDALETH T EA , ISLE OF BARRA. BY ALISON YOUNG, F.S.A., F.S.A.ScoT. During 1950 and 1951 Sir Lindsay Scott examined the farmhouse at the AUasdale heath f do Barran ei mose th , t southerle y sizth y islan n ean i f do Outer Hebrides; he planned to complete the excavation in 1952. In April of that yea became rh e seriously befor d ill ,an deats ehi Junn hi expressee eh d the wish that the examination of the site should be completed. Her t seemei s tributfittin y wors pa hi Scottisr o kgo fo t et h prehistory. His keen observation and wide outlook won for him a very special place in compane th Scottisf yo h archaeologists. Excavation at the AUasdale in 1953 was made possible by grants from the Society and from the Prehistoric Society. Thanks are due to The MacNeil, the owner of the site, for permission to excavate, and for presenting the finds to the National Museum of Antiquities.1 The site, described by Lindsay Scott as an aisled farmhouse, is built o nknola l of rocky outcro . abovft 0 ep40 sea-level, wher steeple eth y slabbed hil f Coro l a Bheinn characteristio s , e Hebrideath f o c n landscape, flattens int oseriea terracesf so , also typica terraie th f o l. n 1) (PI , V . The farmhouse entrance faces west across one of these terraces towards e nortClian th Be ho e sead T th shelter. e sitth se fro e worsmth f tho te north-westerly e south-wesgalesth o t , Martin Be t n rise abouo st ft. 0 , 80 t and the coastal plain at the foot of these hills is a wide stretch of machar bounded northwards by Greian Head, where there is deep water anchorage, shelvin e soute th th y ho b t gd reefan Seaf so l Bay. The site excavated consists of the farmhouse, with souterrain and kiln- hpuse and an outside working-place, as well as a steading, which included barn and byre, the whole standing in approximately 1^ acres of ground, enclosed by a wall (see fig. 1). The farmstead, known locally as Tigh Talamhanta ("The house under the ground"), was built with the entrance at the highest point of a rocky knoll steeply scarped on three sides. On the fourth, to the east, a gentler incline of gravelly soil overlies schistose rock (figs. 2, 3, 4). The wall footings were lai clay n havclay d o an y,ma e been use filo dt l 1 I am indebted to Miss K. M. Eichardson, P.S.A., and Mr B. Steel, who worked during the 1953 season; also to Mrs E. Steel for her drawing of the final plan of the site (fig. 3). Also to Mr H. H. Coghlan, P.S.A., and Mr A. D. Lacaille, P.S.A., for examining material. AISLED FARMHOUS E ALLASDALETH T EA , ISLE OF BARRA1 8 . TIGH TALAMHANTA, ALLASDALE , Farmhouse1 . PigNo , Souterrain 2 . 1 . , KilNo ;3 . n , OutsidhouseNo ;4 . No ;e working place; No. 5, Steading; No. 6, Later structure. Fig. 2. Conjectured reconstruction of farmhouse. VOL. LXXXVII. TIGH TALAMHANTA j~ Ash o Post holes Uprights FARM WALL HEIGHTENED TO FORM SIDE OF LEAN TO. STEADING Pig. 3. General Plan. AISLED FARMHOUS E ALLASDALETH T EA , ISL BARRAF EO 3 8 . in between stones; this was easily obtainable at various points in the banks nearbo otw f y streams. These burns, risin Corn gi a Bheinn, divergee on , flowing west, drainin fertile gth e Allasdale othee ,th r turning north, providing alike defenc thein ei r marshy margin easiln a d y san accessibl e water supply. The iron present in the soil colours the burns, and the rocky sides are stained wintee th re o dt r high-water mark. e enclosinth n i p g ga wal A •l e nortopenth goon o ho t s d pasture, also towards another farm site, one of a group noted by Lindsay Scott, in this instance lying at a distance of half a mile from Tigh Talamhanta above the steep nort e banth f hko flowing burn. ALLASDALE, BARRA FARM HOUSE TI MM nit mini HITTT HEARTHS DRAIN! BEAT enl .OCCUPATION GRAVEL OVEI CLAY FLOOR SCHISTOSE IS 20 SOUTERRAIN . FigCD . Section4 .d an B sA The Farmhouse. This structure diametern i . ft 6 3 ,s roughl i , y circulae th plann i rd an , souterrain and kilnhouse open from the main building. The paved entrance on the west leads inward from a sill of the natural rock, and the building at this point is much wrecked. Rough steps in the rock lead down the knoll, which is an outcrop of Hebridean gneiss stretching westward from the entrance ove irregulan ra r are morf ao e . thaft Wher 0 n2 e wallin lais dgwa on the natural rock it has greatly collapsed. There were indications of a working platform outsid entrancee eth mera w e no ,rickl f stoneseo a t bu , series of bowl forms recovered from this area suggest a dairy. Pilin againsp gu e a eassofe gneis th s th i t t n schistoso s e rock with 84 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY, 1952-53. gravelly covering thin e greateo sth d an ,re farmhous parth f o t builts i e . The surviving wall stands at highest six courses and is built with no apparent sign of batter, well laid and of massive stonework. The outer and inner wall faces, filled with smaller material, have long stones lying athwart, bonding the whole. The choice of building-stone in this locality is poor, nevertheless skil shows li 1 n bot selection hi layinn i d stone gnth an e walling. Phase I. The horizo e Phasth f neo I leve blaca s i l k layer. Thiascribes swa d by Lindsay collapsScote th burnto a t f eo roof covered an , centrae dth l area. It was of varying depth from 4 ins. to a mere powdering of ash over the beaten clay floor of the bays, excepting in Bay 6, where the ash deepened and contained numerous sherds of pottery. At the lowest level many of these cam rathea s e ha fror h t leasma large as e on t e Th storag . 1) r (fig , eja 5 . different characte thihavn y ri sma ebay beed rusan ,f no other ho r material whicn i h storage jars were set. Charcoal from twig willof so wrecordes i d at this point, and suggests that baskets were also used. Cobbling alternates with rough pavine centrath n gi l area, where th e fire was made on the gravelly soil which was reddened and burnt to a depth of 2 ins. The Phase I hearth, roughly oval, was defined on the west by slab paving. This feature was also noted on the west of the barn hearth (PL VI, 2) would an d provid elevea l cooking place r baking r potsth fo efo o r o T , . southeaa y stonelesf pho la s clay, unburnt. Roughl t stoneyse s limie th t hearth on the east. Large charred fragments identified as spruce, presumably from a log of drift timber,2 were recovered from and around a post-hole. Two smaller post-holes on either side of the original hearth indicate a wooden structure firse th t n phasei . Stone-built piers, set radially, formed the foundations of roof supports. Of these, seven remain; originally there must have been nine survivine th , g piers, also lai clayn do , showing sign rebuild.f so baye Th s 3forme thesy db e radials were fenced toward centrae sth l are kerbingy a b slippe e On .d corbel- stone originally joinin outee gth e rth radiae wallins th wa d l6 g piean . rno sole remaining evidence of the method of roofing employed, with the excep- tion of heather charcoal identified in samples from the black level overlying the earnest occupation. Lindsay Scott was of the opinion that the roofing techniqu similas ewa thao rt t indicate t Clettraval,da wherd wallan e eth s are built free-standing as in the 4 AUasdale farmhouse, this is the simplest method of roofing where timber is scarce. He also postulated an overall 1 See plan (fig. 3). "Drift Timber in the West," Antiquity, XXV (1951), 151-3. 2 scraA 3 metalf po , perhap fragmene sth broocha f o e tbasfouns th f Pie wa ,eo t da (ser4 , e 1 fig , 9 . Appendid an . xB) ' P.P.S., xiv (1948), 53. AISLED FARMHOUS E ALLASDALETH T EA , ISL BARRAF EO 5 8 . 43 86 PROCEEDING E SOCIETYTH F O S , 1952-53. roof of thatch or turf to carry rain-water down to the outer walling, and from the charcoal identified as heather twigs we may deduce thatching. The skin tent roofing recently suggested by Mr T. C. Lethbridge for his Kilpheder site,1 wher walle eth s wer t free-standineno t backegbu d against the sand, would be impracticable on an exposed site such as Tigh Talamhanta, where howeve e outeth r r wallin s capablgwa f carryineo e weighgth a f o t roof. A recess r walo , l chamber, opening fro interioe mth s Phasn i r wa eI entered by a doorstep 21 ins. in length, which indicates that the original floor-level of this feature was higher than the interior of the main building.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Anke-Beate Stahl
    Anke-Beate Stahl Norse in the Place-nam.es of Barra The Barra group lies off the west coast of Scotland and forms the southernmost extremity of the Outer Hebrides. The islands between Barra Head and the Sound of Barra, hereafter referred to as the Barra group, cover an area approximately 32 km in length and 23 km in width. In addition to Barra and Vatersay, nowadays the only inhabited islands of the group, there stretches to the south a further seven islands, the largest of which are Sandray, Pabbay, Mingulay and Bemeray. A number of islands of differing sizes are scattered to the north-east of Barra, and the number of skerries and rocks varies with the tidal level. Barra's physical appearance is dominated by a chain of hills which cuts through the island from north-east to south-west, with the peaks of Heaval, Hartaval and An Sgala Mor all rising above 330 m. These mountains separate the rocky and indented east coast from the machair plains of the west. The chain of hills is continued in the islands south of Barra. Due to strong winter and spring gales the shore is subject to marine erosion, resulting in a ragged coastline with narrow inlets, caves and natural arches. Archaeological finds suggest that farming was established on Barra by 3000 BC, but as there is no linguistic evidence of a pre-Norse place names stratum the Norse immigration during the ninth century provides the earliest onomastic evidence. The Celtic cross-slab of Kilbar with its Norse ornaments and inscription is the first traceable source of any language spoken on Barra: IEptir porgerdu Steinars dottur es kross sja reistr', IAfter Porgero, Steinar's daughter, is this cross erected'(Close­ Brooks and Stevenson 1982:43).
    [Show full text]
  • Standard Committee Report
    SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: 13 JUNE 2007 HEBRIDES ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION PROGRAMME Report by Director for Sustainable Communities PURPOSE OF REPORT: To report progress on implementation of the Hebrides Archaeological Interpretation Programme. COMPETENCE 1.1 There are no legal, financial or other constraints to the recommendation being implemented. SUMMARY 2.1 The Hebrides Archaeological Interpretation Programme (HAIP) was initiated to address the need for improved interpretation of archaeological sites in the Western Isles, funded jointly by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the European Union through the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme. The principal outputs comprise a series of guidebooks, development of websites, and installation of interpretative panels and access improvements at key sites throughout the islands. 2.2 A project officer was appointed, and delivery of the Programme’s objectives, now underway, is due for completion in 2008. Progress towards the stated objectives and targets is monitored by a Steering Group. This report provides a summary of progress. RECOMMENDATION 3.1 It is recommended that the Comhairle note the contents of the progress report on the Hebrides Archaeological Interpretation Programme. Contact Officer: Carol Knott, Archaeological Interpretation Officer (tel. 01851 860679) Background Papers: None REPORT DETAILS BACKGROUND 4.1 Implementation of the Hebrides Archaeological Interpretation Programme began in September 2005. The three principal objectives were progressed concurrently: • Production of a series of three guidebooks to the archaeological sites of the Western Isles, covering Barra; the Uists and Benbecula; and Lewis and Harris. • Development of websites: ‘Archaeology Hebrides’, linked to the ‘Visit Hebrides’ website, aimed at promoting the Western Isles archaeological heritage to prospective visitors; and on-line access to the Western Isles Sites and Monuments Record, a definitive database.
    [Show full text]
  • Roads Revenue Programme 2008/2009 Purpose Of
    DMR13108 TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 16 APRIL 2008 ROADS REVENUE PROGRAMME 2008/2009 PURPOSE OF Report by Director of Technical Services REPORT To propose the Roads Revenue Programme for 2008/2009 for Members’ consideration. COMPETENCE 1.1 There are no legal, financial or other constraints to the recommendations being implemented. 1.2 Financial provision is contained within the Comhairle’s Roads Revenue Estimates for the 2008/2009 financial year which allow for the expenditure detailed in this report. SUMMARY 2.1 Members are aware of the continuing maintenance programme undertaken to the roads network throughout the Comhairle’s area on an annual basis with these maintenance works including such items as resurfacing, surface dressing, and general repairs etc. 2.2 The Marshall Block shown in Appendix 1 summarises the proposed revenue expenditure under the various heads for the 2008/2009 financial year and the detailed programme is given in Appendix 2. 2.3 Members are asked to note that because of the unforeseen remedial works that may arise, minor changes may have to be carried out to the programme at departmental level throughout the course of the financial year. 2.4 As Members will be aware the road network has in the last twelve months deteriorated at a greater rate than usual. This is mainly due to the aging bitumen in the surface together with the high number of wet days in the last few months. As a result it is proposed that a proportion of the road surfacing budget be used for “Cut Out Patching.” Due to the rising cost of bitumen products and the stagnant nature of the budget it is not felt appropriate to look at longer sections of surfacing until the damage of the last twelve months has been repaired.
    [Show full text]
  • Allasdale Dunes, Barra, Western Isles, Scotland
    Wessex Archaeology Allasdale Dunes, Barra Western Isles, Scotland Archaeological Evaluation and Assessment of Results Ref: 65305 October 2008 Allasdale Dunes, Barra, Western Isles, Scotland Archaeological Evaluation and Assessment of Results Prepared on behalf of: Videotext Communications Ltd 49 Goldhawk Road LONDON W12 8QP By: Wessex Archaeology Portway House Old Sarum Park SALISBURY Wiltshire SP4 6EB Report reference: 65305.01 October 2008 © Wessex Archaeology Limited 2008, all rights reserved Wessex Archaeology Limited is a Registered Charity No. 287786 Allasdale Dunes, Barra, Western Isles, Scotland Archaeological Evaluation and Assessment of Results Contents Summary Acknowledgements 1 BACKGROUND..................................................................................................1 1.1 Introduction................................................................................................1 1.2 Site Location, Topography and Geology and Ownership ......................1 1.3 Archaeological Background......................................................................2 Neolithic.......................................................................................................2 Bronze Age ...................................................................................................2 Iron Age........................................................................................................4 1.4 Previous Archaeological Work at Allasdale ............................................5 2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES.................................................................................6
    [Show full text]
  • Isle of Barra - See Map on Page 8
    Isle of South Uist - see map on Page 8 65 SOUTH UIST is a stunningly beautiful island of 68 crystal clear waters with white powder beaches to the west, and heather uplands dominated by Beinn Mhor to the east. The 20 miles of machair that runs alongside the sand dunes provides a marvellous habitat for the rare corncrake. Golden eagles, red grouse and red deer can be seen on the mountain slopes to the east. LOCHBOISDALE, once a major herring port, is the main settlement and ferry terminal on the island with a population of approximately Visit the HEBRIDEAN JEWELLERY shop and 300. A new marina has opened, and is located at the end of the breakwater with workshop at Iochdar, selling a wide variety of facilities for visiting yachts. Also newly opened Visitor jewellery, giftware and books of quality and Information Offi ce in the village. The island is one of good value for money. This quality hand crafted the last surviving strongholds of the Gaelic language jewellery is manufactured on South Uist in the in Scotland and the crofting industries of peat cutting Outer Hebrides. and seaweed gathering are still an important part of The shop in South Uist has a coffee shop close by everyday life. The Kildonan Museum has artefacts the beach, where light snacks are served. If you from this period. ASKERNISH GOLF COURSE is the are unable to visit our shop, please visit us on our oldest golf course in the Western Isles and is a unique online store. Tel: 01870 610288. HS8 5QX.
    [Show full text]
  • W32 Bus Time Schedule & Line Route
    W32 bus time schedule & line map W32 Airdmhor View In Website Mode The W32 bus line (Airdmhor) has 2 routes. For regular weekdays, their operation hours are: (1) Airdmhor: 6:25 AM (2) Castlebay: 7:50 AM - 7:00 PM Use the Moovit App to ƒnd the closest W32 bus station near you and ƒnd out when is the next W32 bus arriving. Direction: Airdmhor W32 bus Time Schedule 39 stops Airdmhor Route Timetable: VIEW LINE SCHEDULE Sunday Not Operational Monday 6:25 AM Post O∆ce, Castlebay Tuesday 6:25 AM Craigard Hotel, Castlebay Wednesday 6:25 AM Ledaig Rd End, Castlebay Thursday 6:25 AM Garrygall Rd End, Castlebay Friday 6:25 AM Glen Rd End, Castlebay Saturday 6:25 AM Allt Cruachain, Brevig Number 137, Brevig W32 bus Info Road End, Brevig Direction: Airdmhor Stops: 39 Trip Duration: 26 min Cnoc A' Chonaisg, Leanish Line Summary: Post O∆ce, Castlebay, Craigard Hotel, Castlebay, Ledaig Rd End, Castlebay, Garrygall Township, Earsary Rd End, Castlebay, Glen Rd End, Castlebay, Allt Cruachain, Brevig, Number 137, Brevig, Road End, Township, Rhulios Brevig, Cnoc A' Chonaisg, Leanish, Township, Earsary, Township, Rhulios, Township, Balnabodach, Township, Balnabodach Northbay House, Balnabodach, Bruernish Rd End, Bogach, Turning Point, Bruernish, Junction, Northbay House, Balnabodach Bruernish, Heath Bank Hotel, Bogach, St Barr's Crescent, Bayherivagh, Church, Bayherivagh, Bruernish Rd End, Bogach Junction, Northbay, St Brendans Rd End, Castlebay, Vatersay Rd End, Castlebay, Township, Tangasdale, Turning Point, Bruernish Isle Of Barra Hotel, Tangasdale, Road
    [Show full text]
  • Defining the Archaeological Resource on the Isle of Harris
    Colls and Hunter: Archaeological Resource on Harris DEFINING THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE ON THE ISLE OF HARRIS An assessment of the impact of environmental factors and topography on the identification of buried remains KEVIN COLLS University of Birmingham <[email protected]> and JOHN HUNTER University of Birmingham <[email protected]> The modern itch after the knowledge of foreign places is so prevalent that the generality of mankind bestow little thought or time upon the place of their nativity. It is become customary in those of quality to travel young into foreign countries, whilst they are absolute strangers at home. (Martin Martin, 1707 - in Monro, D [ed] 2002: 2) Abstract Recognition of the richness and diversity of Scottish coastal archaeology has been one of the most important developments in the study of the archaeology of Scotland during recent times. The Isle of Harris, however, has been left behind. Perhaps due to its lack of upstanding archaeological monuments, or because of its harsh terrain – steep mountains, secluded valleys and deep machair (blown sand) dunes – little research has been undertaken to characterise the archaeological resource of the island and how this might be integrated into the wider trends of past human activity in the Western Isles. This paper introduces some of the preliminary results from a long-standing archaeological research project on Harris and offers a new insight into the archaeological and cultural resource of this island. The unique geological, topographical and geomorphological characteristics will be outlined and explored, with particular reference to how these factors have impacted upon the recognition of buried archaeological remains.
    [Show full text]
  • The Western Isles of Lewis, Harris, Uists, Benbecula and Barra
    The Western Isles of Lewis, Harris, Uists, Benbecula and Barra 1 SEATREK is based in Uig on 5 UIG SANDS RESTAURANT is a newly Let the adventure begin! Lewis, one of the most beautiful opened licensed restaurant with spectacular locations in Britain. We offer views across the beach. Open for lunches unforgettable boat trips around and evening meals. Booking essential. the Hebrides. All welcome, relaxed atmosphere and family Try any of our trips for a great friendly. Timsgarry, Isle of Lewis HS2 9ET. family experience with the Tel: 01851 672334. opportunity of seeing seals, Email: [email protected] basking sharks, dolphins and www.uigsands.co.uk many species of birds. DOUNE BRAES HOTEL: A warm welcome awaits you. We especially 6 Leaving from Miavaig Seatrek RIB Short Trips cater for ‘The Hebridean Way’ for cyclists, walkers and motorcyclists. Harbour, Uig, Isle of Lewis. We have safe overnight storage for bicycles. We offer comfortable Tel: 01851 672469. Sea Eagles & Lagoon Trip .............................. 2 hours accommodation, light meals served through the day and our full www.seatrek.co.uk Island Excursion ................................................. 3 hours evening menu in the evening. Locally sourced produce including Email: [email protected] Customised Trips ............................................... 4 hours our own beef raised on our croft, shellfi sh and local lamb. There’s a Fishing Trip ........................................................... 2 hours Gallan Head Trip ................................................. 2 hours good selection of Malt Whiskies in the Lounge Bar or coffees to go Sea Stacks Trip ................................................... 2 hours whilst you explore the West Side of the Island. Tel: 01851 643252. Email: [email protected] www.doune-braes.co.uk 2 SEA LEWIS BOAT TRIPS: Explore the 7 BLUE PIG CREATIVE SPACE: coastline North and South of Stornoway Carloway’s unique working studio and in our 8.5m Rib.
    [Show full text]
  • A'chleit (Argyll), A' Chleit
    Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 1 A'Chleit (Argyll), A' Chleit. "The mouth of the Lednock", an obscure "The cliff or rock", from Norse. name. Abban (Inverness), An t-Àban. Aberlemno (Angus), Obar Leamhnach. “The backwater” or “small stream”. "The mouth of the elm stream". Abbey St Bathans (Berwick). Aberlour (Banff), Obar Lobhair. "The abbey of Baoithean". The surname "The mouth of the noisy or talkative stream". MacGylboythin, "son of the devotee of Aberlour Church and parish respectively are Baoithean", appeared in Dumfries in the 13th Cill Drostain and Sgìre Dhrostain, "the century, but has since died out. church and parish of Drostan". Abbotsinch (Renfrew). Abernethy (Inverness, Perth), Obar Neithich. "The abbot's meadow", from English/Gaelic, "The mouth of the Nethy", a river name on lands once belonging to Paisley Abbey. suggesting cleanliness. Aberarder (Inverness), Obar Àrdair. Aberscross (Sutherland), Abarsgaig. "The mouth of the Arder", from àrd and "Muddy strip of land". dobhar. Abersky (Inverness), Abairsgigh. Aberargie (Perth), Obar Fhargaidh. "Muddy place". "The mouth of the angry river", from fearg. Abertarff (Inverness), Obar Thairbh. Aberbothrie (Perth). "The mouth of the bull river". Rivers and "The mouth of the deaf stream", from bodhar, stream were often named after animals. “deaf”, suggesting a silent stream. Aberuchill (Perth), Obar Rùchaill. Abercairney (Perth). Although local Gaelic speakers understood "The mouth of the Cairney", a river name this name to mean "mouth of the red flood", from càrnach, meaning “stony”. from Obar Ruadh Thuil, older evidence Aberchalder (Inverness), Obar Chaladair. points to this name containing coille, "The mouth of the hard water", from caled "wood", with similarities to Orchill.
    [Show full text]
  • A Bronze Age Burial from Pabay Mor, Isle of Lewis, Western Isles
    A Bronze Age Burial from Pabay Mor, Isle of Lewis, Western Isles Rachel Barrowman and Lorna Innes GUARD, Gregory Building, Lilybank Gardens, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ With contributions from Paul Duffy, Gavin MacGregor and Beverley Ballin-Smith Illustrations by John Arthur Scottish Archaeological Internet Report 29, 2009 www.sair.org.uk Published by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, www.socantscot.org with Historic Scotland, www.historic-scotland.gov.uk and the Council for British Archaeology, www.britarch.ac.uk Editor Helen Bleck Produced by Archetype Information Technology Ltd, www.archetype-it.com ISBN: 978 09039 0398 1 ISSN: 1473–3803 Requests for permission to reproduce material from a SAIR report should be sent to the Director of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, as well as to the author, illustrator, photographer or other copyright holder. Copyright in any of the Scottish Archaeological Internet Reports series (text and illustrations) rests with the SAIR Consortium and the individual authors. The maps are reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown copyright 2001. Any unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Historic Scotland Licence No. GD03032G, 2002. The consent does not extend to copying for general distribution, advertising or promotional purposes, the creation of new collective works or resale. CONTENTS List of Illustrations . iv List of Tables . v 1 Abstract . 1 2 Introduction . 2 2.1 Site location and description . .2 2.2 Circumstances of discovery and background to the excavation .
    [Show full text]
  • Late Viking Site ARCHAEOLOGY (Colley 1983, 159)
    23 CHAPTER 3: THE NATURAL HISTORY AND Age site and twenty-three species on a Late Viking site ARCHAEOLOGY (Colley 1983, 159). Crustaceans, especially crabs, seem to have been caught for food from earliest times. 3.1 INTRODUCTION The shoreline of the Western Isles varies greatly ranging from large expanses of sandy beaches to rocky shores and It may seem a little strange to include an account of the is- cliffs and each of these provides habitats ranging from open lands natural history in an archaeological report but just as the water to cliff top and including the upper shore and the physical environment sets limits on the possibilities for settle- intertidal zone. This variety encompasses a wide range of ment through time so also do the natural resources for flesh, vegetational and faunal resources and was of vital importance fish, fowl and vegetation have an economic significance for in early as well as more recent times. early settlers. Between them, the physical background and the At the highest levels of the shore can be found growths of natural resources of an area define an envelope of potential for channel and flat wrack. The bladderless form of wrack is the settlement which expands and contracts with the varying for- main vegetation of the intertidal zone. Also present in certain tunes of time. Social organisation forms part of the definition conditions are Lithothamnion, Alaria esculent (tangleweed) of this envelope and by appropriate strategic adaptation facili- and various algae (Darling & Boyd 1964, 182). The shores of tates or hinders settlement potential also.
    [Show full text]
  • The Western Isles of Lewis, Harris, Uist, Benbecula and Barra
    The Western Isles of Lewis, Harris, Uist, Benbecula and Barra 1 SEATREK is based in Uig on 5 UIG SANDS RESTAURANT is a newly Let the adventure begin! Lewis, one of the most beautiful opened licensed restaurant with spectacular locations in Britain. We off er views across the beach. Open for lunches unforgettable boat trips around and evening meals. Booking essential. the Hebrides. All welcome, relaxed atmosphere and family Try any of our trips for a great friendly. Timsgarry, Isle of Lewis HS2 9ET. family experience with the Tel: 01851 672334. opportunity of seeing seals, Email: [email protected] basking sharks, dolphins and www.uigsands.co.uk many species of birds. DOUNE BRAES HOTEL: A warm welcome awaits you. We especially 6 Leaving from Miavaig Seatrek RIB Short Trips cater for ‘The Hebridean Way’ for cyclists, walkers and motorcyclists. Harbour, Uig, Isle of Lewis. We have safe overnight storage for bicycles. We off er comfortable Tel: 01851 672469. Sea Eagles & Lagoon Trip ............................................ 2 hours accommodation, light meals served through the day and our full www.seatrek.co.uk Island Excursion ............................................................. 3 hours evening menu in the evening. Locally sourced produce including Email: [email protected] Customised Trips ........................................................... 4 hours our own beef raised on our croft, shellfi sh and local lamb. There’s a Fishing Trip ....................................................................... 2 hours Gallan Head Trip ............................................................. 2 hours good selection of Malt Whiskies in the Lounge Bar or coff ees to go Sea Stacks Trip ................................................................ 2 hours whilst you explore the West Side of the Island. Tel: 01851 643252. Email: [email protected] www.doune-braes.co.uk 2 SEA LEWIS BOAT TRIPS: Explore the 7 BLUE PIG CREATIVE SPACE: coastline North and South of Stornoway Carloway’s unique working studio and in our 8.5m Rib.
    [Show full text]