DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2018 with funding from Duke University Libraries https://archive.org/details/secondreportinve01 roya THE ROYAL COMMISSION ON THE ANCIENT AND HISTORICAL MONUMENTS AND CONSTRUCTIONS OF SCOTLAND SECOND REPORT AND INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS AND CONSTRUCTIONS IN THE COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND EDINBURGH: PUBLISHED BY HIS MAJESTY’S STATIONERY OFFICE. To be purchased, either directly or through any Bookseller, from OLIVER & BOYD, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh ; or WYMAN A SONS, Limited, Fetter Lane, E.C.; or E. PONSONBY, Ltd., 116 Grafton Street, Dublin. printed by NEILL (k COMPANY, Limited, Bellevue, Edinburgh. 1911. Price Six Shillings. t CONTENTS. Royal Warrant ratifying and confirming the Terms of the Commission issued in the Reign of His Late Majesty ....... iii Second Report ...... v List of Ancient and Historical Monuments and Con¬ structions in the County of Sutherland which the Commissioners deem most worthy of Preservation . ix Introduction to Inventory of Ancient and Historical Monuments and Constructions in the County of Sutherland ...... xv Table of Brochs, showing the Interior Diameter in each Case where Ascertainable . xl Table showing the Character and Distribution of Cairns and their Chambers .... xlii List of Ground Plans and Illustrations . . xliii List of Parishes . . . . . xlv Bibliography . . .xlv Inventory ....... 1 Indices ........ 189 Maps of the County of Sutherland, indicating the Position of Monuments, etc., by Numbers referable to the Inventory . . .at end ROYAL WARRANT RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING THE TERMS OF THE COMMISSION ISSUED IN THE REIGN OF HIS LATE MAJESTY. GEORGE, R. I. George the Fifth, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas King, Defender of the Faith, to all to whom these Presents shall come,—Greeting! Whereas it pleased His late Majesty from time to time to issue Royal Commissions for various purposes therein specified: And whereas, in the case of ... . the Ancient Monuments (Scotland) Commission, .... the Commissioners appointed by His late Majesty, or such of them as were then acting as Commissioners, were at the late Demise of the Crown still engaged upon the business entrusted to them : And whereas We deem it expedient that the said Commissioners should continue their labours notwithstanding the late Demise of the Crown: Now know ye that We, reposing great trust and confidence in the zeal, discretion and ability of the present members of each of the said Commissions, do by these Presents authorise them to continue their labours, and do hereby in every essential particular ratify and confirm the terms of the said several Commissions. And We do further ordain that the said Commissioners do report to Us under their hands and seals, or under the hands and seals of such of their number as may be specified in the said Commissions respectively, their opinion upon the matters presented for their consideration ; and that any proceedings which they or any of them may have taken under and in pursuance of the said Commissions since the late Demise of the Crown and before the issue of these Presents shall be deemed and adjudged to have been taken under and in virtue of this Our Commission. Given at Our Court at Marlborough House, the second day of June, one thousand nine hundred and ten, in the first year of Our Reign. By His Majesty’s Command. PENT LAND. Wt. 32869/1025.—500.—1/11.— N. & Co., Ltd.—Gp. II. Sch. B. 356519 SECOND REPORT OF THE ROYAL COMMISSION ON THE ANCIENT AND HISTORICAL MONUMENTS OF SCOTLAND, To the King’s Most Excellent Majesty. May it please your Majesty,— We, your Majesty’s Commissioners, appointed to make an Inventory of the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Construc¬ tions connected with or illustrative of the contemporary culture, civilisation, and conditions of life of the people in Scotland from the earliest times to the year 1707, and to specify those which seem most worthy of preservation, humbly present to your Majesty this our second Report. During the summer and autumn of 1909, Mr A. 0. Curie, Secretary to the Commission, undertook a survey and examination of the monuments and constructions in the county of Sutherland, and has compiled an Inventory thereof, showing the situation and characteristics of each, along with a bibliography, a reference to the Ordnance Survey sheet (6-inch scale) on which it is noted, and the date on which it was visited. Photographs and ground-plans have been appended where these have been considered necessary to explain the text. In order to render the Inventory more serviceable, maps have been annexed, on which the positions of the various monuments and constructions, or groups thereof, are indicated by numbers refer¬ able to the Inventory. Annexed as an appendix to this Report is a list of those monuments and constructions which, in the opinion of your Commissioners, seem most worthy of preservation. These, as formerly, have been divided into two classes, viz.: (a) those which appear to be specially in need of protection, and ( b ) those worthy of preservation but not in imminent risk of demolition or decay. A detailed and illustrated account of all the monuments, etc., will be found in the Inventory which has been issued as a Stationery Office publication. The monuments and constructions of Sutherland were found greatly to exceed in number and importance those previously known to exist, and they mainly belong to prehistoric times. Not only 35G519 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 lias 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 INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. Vll Caithness has been completed during the past summer, and the Inventory thereof is in preparation. We cannot conclude this Report without expressing recognition of the continued good service rendered to us by the Secretary of the Commission, who has grudged no time and spared no personal exertion in the work of inspecting and cataloguing the monuments scattered over a very wide and sparsely populated district. HERBERT MAXWELL, Chairman. CHARLES J. GUTHRIE. G. BALDWIN BROWN. THOMAS H. BRYCE. FRANCIS C. BUCHANAN. W. T. OLDRIEVE. THOMAS ROSS. ALEX R . 0. CURLE, Secretary. Edinburgh, November 1910. LIST OF ANCIENT AND HISTORICAL MONUMENTS AND CONSTRUCTIONS IN THE COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND WHICH THE COMMISSIONERS DEEM MOST WORTHY OF PRESERVATION. I.—MONUMENTS AND CONSTRUCTIONS SPECIALLY IN NEED OF PROTECTION. Defensive Constructions. Brocks — An Dun, Loch Ardbhair (No. 4*) . Do. Loch a’ Chairii Bhain (No. 168) Backies (No. 272) “Cam Liath,” Uppat (No. 270) Carrol, Loch Brora (No. 27) . Castle Cole, or Caisteal na Coille, Black Water (No. 25). Clachtoll (No. 7) . Dail Langwell (No. 49) . . . . . Dun Creagach, Loch Naver (No. 175) Dun Dornaigil or Dornadilla, Strathmore (No. 155). Dun na Maigh, Kyle of Tongue (No. 527) Dunrobin Wood (No. 271) . East Kinnauld, Strath Fleet (No. 477) Feranach, Strath na Frithe (No. 314) Grum-more, Loch Naver (No. 174) Kilphedir, Strath of Kildonan (No. 307) Kintradwell or Cinn Trolla, Kintradwell (No. 467). Langdale Burn, Syre, Strathnaver (No. 177) . Salachadh, Loch Shin (No. 392) Skelpick, Strathnaver (No. 182) Sepulchral Constructions. parish. Assynt. Eddrachillis. Golspie. Do. Clyne. Do. Assynt. Creich. Farr. Durness. Tongue. Golspie. Rogart. Kildonan. Farr. Kildonan. Loth. Farr. Lairg Farr. Chambered Cairns — Achaidh (No. 82) ...... Creich. Coillenaborgie, Strathnaver (horned long cairn) (No. 243) . . . . . Farr. Kinbrace Burn, Strath of Kildonan (No. 372). Kildonan. Loch Borrolan (No. 14) . . . . Assynt. Skelpick, Strathnaver (horned long cairn) (No. 241) . . . . . . . Farr. * The numbers throughout the list refer to the Inventory. X HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Sepulchral Constructions ( continued). Stone Circles — Aberscross (No. 291) Auchinduich (No. 91) . “ Clach an liigh,” Dailharraild, Strathnaver (No. 247) .. Cnoc an Liath-bhaid, Strath Brora (No. 518) . Druim Baile fiur| Acliany (No. 461) Bearable, Strath of Kildonan (No. 374) . River Shin (No. 462) . . . . . PARISH. Golspie. Creich. Farr. Rogart. Lairg. Kildonan. Lairg. Miscellaneous Objects. Sculptured Cross, Strathy (No. 260) Standing Stones — Allt Breac, Strath of Kildonan (No. 379) Learable Hill, do. (No. 381) Torrish Burn, do. (No. 378) Farr. Kildonan. Do. Do. II.—MONUMENTS AND CONSTRUCTIONS DESERVING PROTEC¬ TION BUT NOT IN IMMINENT RISK OF DEMOLITION OR DECAY. Ecclesiastical Structures. parish. Belfry tower, Clvnekirkton (No. 22) . . Clyne. Sepulchral monument in Durness Church (No. 154) ....... Durness. Castellated and Domestic Structures. Ardvreek Castle (No. 2) Dunrobin Castle, Golspie (No. 269) Castle Varrich or Bhurraich (No. 526) Helmsdale Castle (No. 306) . Assynt. Golspie. Tongue. Kildonan, Defensive Constructions. Brocks— Ach an Duin (No. 156). . . . . Achcoillenaborgie, Strathnaver (No. 183) Allt a’ Choire Mhoir, Strath of Kildonan (No. 312). Allt Breac (No. 395). Brae (No. 107) ...... “ Carn Bran,” Glen Loth (No. 468) Camus an Duin (No. 157) . . . . Coill’Ach a’ Chuil, Loch Naver (No. 176) Dun Carnachaidh, Strathnaver (No. 180) Dun Chealamy, do. (No. 179) Dun Yiden, do. (No. 181) Eldrable, Strath of Kildonan (No. 309) . Inshlampie, Skail, Strathnaver (No. 178) Skelbo Wood (No. 106) . Suisgill, Strath of Kildonan (No. 308) “ The Borg,” Forsinain, Strath Halladale (No. 186). “ The Sandy Dun,” Baile Mhargait, Strathnaver (No. 184). Durness. Farr. Kildonan. Lairg. Dornoch. Loth. Durness. Farr. Do. Do. Do. Kildonan. Farr. Dornoch. Kildonan. Farr. Do. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. XI ’orts and Fortified Enclosures, &c. Forts - PARISH. Ben Griam Beg, Strath of Kildonan (hill fort) (No. 316) . Kildonan. Duchary Rock (No. 29)..... Dun Creich (vitrified fort), Dornoch Firth Clyne. (No. 54). Creich. East Kinnauld, Strath Fleet (No. 479) . Fortified Enclosures — Rogart. Auchinduich (No. 55) ..... Creich. Dalnamain (No. 118) Dornoch. Circular enclosure, The Ord (No. 396) . Rectangular construction, “ Grianan,” on islet Lairg. in Lochan Hacoin (No. 531) Earth-houses — Achinnearin, Suisgill, Strath of Kildonan Tongue. (No. 343). Kildonan. Kirkton (No. 274) Golspie. Salscraggie, Strath of Kildonan (No. 324) Hut Circles, Sfc. — Kildonan. Aberscross Hill, Strath Fleet (No. 279) . Golspie. Achnagarron (No. 487) ..... Allt Cille Pheadair, Strath of Kildonan (Nos. Rogart. 327 and 328). Between Dailharraild and Syre, Strath naver Kildonan. (No. 207) ....... Farr. Bighouse, Strath Halladale (No. 226) Do. Brae, Strath Carnaig (No. 129) Dornoch. Caen Burn, Strath of Kildonan (No. 318) Kildonan. Carnachaidh, Strathnaver (No. 211) Farr. Cnoc an Liath-bhaid (No. 506) Rogart. Coich Burn, Sciberscross, Strath Brora (No. 36) Clyne. Creag an Amalaidh, Loch Fleet (Nos. 111-113) Creag Ruidh nan Caorach, Strath of Kildonan Dornoch. (No. 351). Kildonan. Dail a’ Bhaite, Strathy Water (No. 230) Farr. Dalhalvaig, Strath Halladale (No. 224) . Do. Dremergid (No. 503) ..... Rogart. Dulaich (No. 417) ..... Lairg. Feith Osdail (No. 434) ..... Do. Forsinard, Strath Halladale (No. 223) Kildonan, Strath of Kildonan (Nos. 344 and Farr. 345). Kildonan. Kinbrace Hill, do. (No. 352) . Do. Knockarthur (Nos. 498-500) Rogart. Sciberscross, Strath Brora (Nos. 32 and 33) Clyne. Do. do. (No. 511) Rogart. Scottarie Burn, do. (No. 37) Skaig (No. 490) ...... Clyne. Rogart. S. of Lairg Station, Strath Shin (No. 56) Creich. Strath Fleet (No. 414) . . . . . Lairg. Swordale, Kyle of Sutherland (No. 63) . Creich. Tannachy (No. 512) Rogart. Torboll, Strath Carnaig (No. 126) . Dornoch. Tulloch, Kyle of Sutherland (No. 69) Creich. Uppat AYood (No. 281) Golspie. HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. xii Caikns. Chambered — PARISH. Achany (No 447) ...... Lairg. Achcheargary, Strathnaver (No. 244) F arr. Allt nam Ban (No. 44) ..... Clyne. Badnabay (remains) (No. 172) Eddrachillis. Baloharn (No. 457) ..... Lairg. Benbhraggie Wood (remains) (No. 289) . Golspie. Caen, Strath of Kildonan (long cairn) (No. 359).. Kildonan. Caen Burn, Strath of Kildonan (long cairns) (Nos. 356 and 358) ..... Do. “ Carn Tigh nan Coileach ” (long cairn), Allt ach na h-Uaigh (No. 373) . Do. Cnoc an Daimh (No. 169) .... Eddrachillis. Evelix (No. 143) ...... Dornoch. Invershin (remains) (No. 90) .... Creich. Kilournan, Strath of Kildonan (long cairn) (No. 361). Kildonan. Kyleoag (No. 83) ...... Creich. Lairg Moor (Nos. 453 and 454) Lairg. Lednrore Wood (No. 84) .... Creich. Lothbeg (long cairn) (No. 472) Loth. Skail, Strathnaver (remains) (No. 233) . Farr Skelpick, do. (horned cairn) (No. 238) Do. 4'he Ord (remains) (No. 444) Lairg. Torboll (No. 134) ...... Dornoch. With Cists and of unascertained character — Aberscross (No. 288) ..... Golspie. Achany (Nos. 448-451) .... Lairg. Allt a’ Chaoruinn (No 163) ... Durness. Allt nan Eun (No. 79) ..... Creich. Balnacoil (No. 42) ..... Clyne. Cam Loch (No. 12) Assynt. Camore Wood (No. 141) Dornoch. “Carn an Fheidh,” Harriet Plantation (No. 138) Do. Clashmore (No. 144) ..... Do. Creag an Amalaidh (No. 133) Do. Creag Ruidh nan Caorach, Strath Beag (No. 367) Kildonan. Dalcharn, Strath na Frithe (No. 366) Do. Dornoch (No. 137) ..... Dornoch. Feranach, Strath na Frithe (No. 365) Kildonan. Fiscary (Nos. 234-237). Farr. Harriet Plantation (No. 139) .... Dornoch. Kinbrace Hill, Strath of Kildonan (No. 368) . Kildonan. Kinloch (No. 539) ..... Tongue. Loch a’ Chain! Bhain (No. 170) Eddrachillis. Loch Awe (No. 10) ..... Assynt. Loch Loyal (No. 538) ..... Tongue. Mailtle (No. 89). Creich. Skelpick, Strathnaver (No. 242) Farr. The Ord (Nos. 443 and 445) Lairg. Torrish Burn, Strath of Kildonan (No. 362) . Kildonan. Traligill Burn, Inchnadamph (No. 9) Assynt. Stone Circle — Learable, Strath of Kildonan (No. 374) . Kildonan. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. Xlll Miscellaneous Objects. Cap-marked Stones — l’ARISH. Dornoch (No. 137) ..... Dornoch. Grum-beg, Loch Naver (No. 252) F arr. Kiuloch (No. 542) . ... Tongue. Learable, Strath of Kildonan (No. 383) . Kildonan Lochan Hacoin (No. 541) .... Tongue. Torrisdail (No. 540). Do. Rectangular Construction — “ Lettie’s Grave,” Blarich (No. 520) Rogart. Sculptured Crosses — Creich (No. 95) ...... Creich. Farr (No. 258) ...... Farr. Grum-beg, Loch Naver (No. 250) . Do. Kildonan, Strath of Kildonan (No. 377) . Kildonan Klibreck, Loch Naver (No. 248) Farr. Learable Hill, Strath of Kildonan (No. 380) . Kildonan Skail, Strathnaver (No. 256) .... Do. Standing Stones — Achnagarron (No. 519) . Rogart. Camore Wood (No. 148) .... Dornoch. “Carradh nan Clach,” Glen Loth (No. 473) Loth. “ Clach Mliic Mhios,” do. (No. 474) Do. “Clach a’ Ghana, ” Ospisdale (No. 97) . Creich. Inversion Mains (No. 96) .... Do. INTRODUCTION TO INVENTORY OF ANCIENT AND HISTORICAL MONUMENTS AND CONSTRUCTIONS IN THE COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. Sutherland is a large county containing an area of upwards of 1880 square miles. As a field for archaeological research, it presents many attractions; for not only do prehistoric remains exist in great numbers, but the sparseness of the population and the relatively small area of ground broken up by agriculture have left many of these in a better state of preservation than elsewhere. These remains, how¬ ever, are by no means equally distributed over the whole area of the county. Its western half, from its mountainous and barren character, is extremely unfavourable to the support of human life, and it need occasion no surprise that comparatively few traces of the occupation of the prehistoric people are to be found in these infertile districts. Where man exists to-day man existed in former ages, and the majority of the objects of antiquity must be sought in the eastern half of the county, along the seashore, or by the margin of some productive loch or kyle, on the sides of the principal straths, and by the main arteries of communication. Occasionally in • the heart of a deer forest the site of some ancient settlement may be discovered, but this is an exception which only gives prominence to the rule. On the many problems as to the origin and affinities of the Celtic races the ancient monuments of Sutherland throw little light. Something, however, we learn of the earliest inhabitants of the county from such memorials. The men who first penetrated into this northern land through the pine forests whereof the blackened stumps stand so thick in the peat cuttings, have left evidence in their chambered cairns, their polished stone tools or weapons, and pottery, that they belonged to a race that hailed from the Mediterranean seaboard, and reached the north probably up the western coasts of Britain. The round cairns containing cists, the stone circles and rarer stone rows, as well as the cinerary vessels from cisted interments, enable us to recognise their Bronze Age successors. When, however, bronze for tools and weapons had given place to iron, sepulchral customs are no longer an aid to racial identification, and the ethnologist must turn to evidence derived from ornament and habitable structures. The broch, the most characteristic structure of the Iron Age, reveals a Celtic influence, while numerous ornamented objects of this period found in the \vi HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. county bear the impress of the prevailing Late Celtic art. The faint glimmer of light preceding the dawn of history, at a time when the brochs were certainly in occupation, shows the country under the rule of the Piets. With the northward expansion of the Scottish kingdom of Dalriada in the west may be connected the spread of Christianity into Sutherland and the gradual extension of the influence of the Scots which, culminated in the union of the Scottish and Pictish crowns in the middle of the 9th century and extinction by absorption of the Pictish race as a distinct nationality. Whether any class of construction noted in the Inventory belongs to this Scoto-Pictish period is unknown. With the commencement of history in the 8th or 9th century the Norsemen began their plunder¬ ing expeditions on the coasts of Scotland, and abundant traces of their influence may be recognised in the place-names of this county. Though this etymological influence was extensive and tells of the penetration of the Norsemen into many a strath far from the seaboard, no single structure or construction has been met with in the county whose origin or occupation is assignable to these invaders. Nor are personal relics recovered which show that the Celtic art was in any way influenced by that of Scandinavia. It is recorded in the Landnamabok that, about the year 874, Thorstein the Red, son of Olaf the White, Norse King of Dublin, and grandson of the famous Ketill Flatnose, subdued “ Katanes and Sudrland ” (Caithness and Sutherland). According to the Laxdcela Sago,, the Pictish King Constantin acquiesced in this conquest, which doubtless he was in no position to dispute. Thorstein’s rule was brief; the Chronicle of the Piets and Scots allows him only one year, and this is corroborated by the Annals of Ulster, where it is stated that he was treacherously slain in 875 by the people of Alba (i.e. the Piets or Scots), Howbeit, a more permanent Norse occupa¬ tion began about twelve years later, when Sigurd the Powerful, Jarl of Orkney, again conquered Caithness and Sutherland, establishing a dominion over them which lasted until shortly after the beginning of the 13th century, when the line of the Norse Earls failed. After that, the Celtic element in the population resumed pre¬ dominance, though it cannot be doubted that a strong infusion of Scandinavian blood remains as the effect of three centuries of Norse occupation. Ecclesiastical Structures. Few indeed are the objects in the county that fall to be noticed under this heading. Place-names such as Kildonan, Kilphedir, and Kilournan, the number of early monuments sculptured with Celtic ornaments and symbols (most of which are safely housed in the museum at Dunrobin), and the ancient graveyards, all point to the existence of numerous cells or churches existing in the past, of which at this day not a trace remains. Here and there only, as in the graveyard on the island of Handa, or in that near Klibreck on Loch Naver, is a foundation traceable below the turf which may be that of a religious building. The oldest church of which any remains exist is probably the Cathedral at Dornoch (No. 102), first erected INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND, xvii by Bishop Gilbert de Moravia in the early half of the 13th century. It has suffered at the hands of its friends as well as of its foes, for the ruins which the Master of Caithness and Mackay of Strathnaver left smouldering in 1570, and the tempest further wrecked in 1605, were swept away for the most part in the well-meaning restoration of 1835-37- An illustration in Cordiner’s Hums, and the pointed arches rising from clustered columns supporting the tower, show it to have been a building of the Transitional and First Pointed styles of Gothic architecture. The ruined church of Durness (No. 153), dating from 1619, presents no structural features of particular interest; but the tomb of Donald Makmurchou (No. 154), contained in a recess on the left of the doorway, bears a quaint inscription dated 1623, worthy of remembrance. In the churchyard is the grave of Rob. Donn, a notable Gaelic poet. He is known as the Burns of the North, and died in 1777. Castellated and Domestic Structures. Few castellated buildings of any note remain in the county, and of these none showing characteristics belonging to an earlier date than the 16th century. Of these, Dunrobin Castle (No. 269) is pre¬ eminently the most important. Its keep, now entirely enclosed within a pile of 17th century and later building, occupies the site, and probably incorporates the remains of a much earlier structure. The continuous mouldings in place of corbelling beneath the parapet and the angle bartisans are features of a late date. Attention may be drawn to its fine iron “yett” with a wicket-gate through it, now removed from the doorway but preserved against an adjoining wall. All that remains of the Bishop’s Palace at Dornoch (No. 104) is a fragment which, after passing through various vicissitudes, is now in¬ corporated in a dwelling-house. It belongs to the end of the 16th century. These are the only two castellated buildings now capable of habitation. The ruined Castle of Helmsdale (No. 306), beautifully situated above the high bank of the Helmsdale river overlooking the town, is said to have been reconstructed in 1616 from an older edifice. Its chief claim to interest lies, not in its architecture, but in the grim tragedy enacted here in 1567, previous to the reconstruction, when, at the instigation of the Earl of Caithness, John, the 11th Earl of Sutherland, and his Countess were poisoned at supper by the Earl’s aunt, Isobel Sinclair, in order to divert the succession of the title to her own son. Her plan, however, miscarried, for while the heir to the Sutherland title escaped, her son accidentally drank of the poison and perished along with the Earl and Countess.* The ruins of Skelbo Castle (No. 105) are now unimportant Inver- shin or Duffus (No. 100), and Proncy (No. 152), are reduced to foundations. The mounds the two latter have occupied, more or less artificially constructed, and each protected by an encircling moat, suggest an early date for their original erection. Castle Varrich or Bhurraich (No. 526), such a conspicuous object at the head of the Kyle of Tongue, though it has had attributed to it a great antiquity, presents no features suggestive of an earlier date for the existing structure than the 16th century. Ardvreck Castle (No. 2), a ruin on * Gordon’s Earldom of Sutherland, p. 146. b xviii HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Loch Assynt, is a picturesque specimen of a late 16th century tower. Historically, it is interesting as the place to which the Marquess of Montrose was led a prisoner by Macleod of Assynt in 1650. Of Borve Castle (No. 264), once a stronghold of the Mackays on the north coast, practically nothing remains. Tongue House (No. 525), lying among pleasant gardens and woods by the shore of the Kyle of Tongue, is the only structure representative of the domestic archi¬ tecture of the latter half of the 17th century, but it has been altered and added to since its first erection in 1678. Sir Robert Gordon, in his Earldom of Sutherland, states the existence of “ castles and pyles” at the following places in the first half of the 17th century, viz.:—“ Skibo (wher ther is a fair orchard, in the which ther be excellent cherreis),” “ Dulrossie, Golspikirktoun, Torrish (built by Sir Alexander Gordon in 1621), Cratok, Cuttle, Clyn, Eubo, Durnies, Abirscors, Ospisdale, and Clentredwale.” Of these, no trace now remains. The existence of various islands in lochs, probably of partially artificial character, has been noted in the Inventory. They are referred to by Sir Robert Gordon as pleasant habitations in summer; and on one of them, viz.—the island in Loch Brora, there are still foundations of a building. Defensive Constructions. Of the defensive constructions, the brochs, or massive circular dry- built towers, must take precedence by reason not only of their number, which far exceeds that of all other objects of this class, but also for the peculiar interest which attaches to these structures. From the few better-preserved examples existing in various parts of Scotland, as well as from the plans of those which have been excavated, a more or less complete knowledge is obtainable of their original form and arrangement. In construction they are built of undressed, roughly shaped stones, without mortar or cementing material of any kind. In plan they are round, almost invariably circular, with a wall of from 12' to 18' in thickness at base, with a batter for the first 8' or 10' as it mounts upwards, enclosing an interior court open to the sky with a diameter of from 28' to 34', any measurement less or more being exceptional. The height of the structure is presumed to have been from 40' to 60'. An entrance some 3' wide and 4' 6" to 5' high, roofed with flagstones, leads to the interior through a narrow passage, having checks for a door a few feet inward, and a guard- chamber on the right in the thickness of the wall, with occasionally another chamber on the opposite side. Save the entrance, no other aperture pierced the wall of the broch from the exterior. From the interior court there opened one or more small chambers in the thick¬ ness of the wall, roofed with converging stones, lighted at times by an opening above the doorway, carried inward as a shaft along the roof of the chamber passage. A staircase within the thickness of the wall, approached through an entrance situated on the left of the court, wound to the top, giving access to a number of floors or galleries carried round the tower, the flagged roof of each gallery being the floor of that above. From the galleries a series of openings on to the courtyard, rising one above the other, served as windows and supplied the light. Nowhere out of Scotland is a broch known INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND, xix to exist, and within it, while their numbers preponderate in the northern counties, their range is from Orkney and Shetland to Berwickshire. The relics found in them, as well as a faint analogy, from the construction and position of their chambers with other dry- stone buildings of the Early Iron Age to be found elsewhere in the Celtic area, demonstrate that they belong to that period, while the fragments of Samian ware occasionally discovered in them testify to their having been in occupation at some time during the period of the Roman invasions of Scotland, in the first three centuries of the Christian era. When they were first erected, or when they ceased at length to he occupied, are both alike unknown. The only historical references to occupation relate to the broch of Mousa, on the small island of that name lying off the E. coast of Shetland, and are contained in the Orlcneyinga Saga. There it is stated that about a.d. 1155 Erlend carried off the widow of Maddad, Earl of Athol, and took up his residence in Moseyarborg—the broch of Mousa —where he was besieged without avail by her son, Harald, Earl of Orkney. The Saga of Egil Skalagrivison tells also of a temporary occupation of the same broch about a.d. 900.* In Sutherland the brochs still in existence or of which the sites are recognisable, or recorded, number 67. Of these, 48 show measurable features, while the remaining 19 have either been entirely demolished or are represented by structureless heaps of stones. Two structures included with the existing remains are doubtful brochs, viz. that at Camus an Duin, Loch Eireboll (No. 157), and the circular construc¬ tion near Learable in the Strath of Kildonan (Broch (supposed) Learable, No. 315). In regard to the buildings themselves, no single example exists rising higher than the lower part of the first gallery, except Dun Dornaigil or Dornadilla, in Strathmore (No. 155); and the portion of the walling there, which reaches to a height of 22', is merely the outer half of the wall above the entrance, supported by a modern buttress built up from the interior. A number of others have an elevation of from 8' to 12', notably Carrol (No. 27), Carn Liath (No. 270), Backies (No. 272), Sallachadh (No. 392), and Kintradwell (No. 467), all of which have been excavated, and Clachtoll (No. 7), Castle Cole (No. 25), Dun Dornaigil or Dornadilla, Dun Creagach (No. 175), “The Borg,” Forsinain (No. 186) and Dun na Maigh (No. 527), and those at Dail Langwell (No. 49), Grum-more (No. 174), Skelpick (No. 182), Kilphedir (No. 307), and Feranach (No. 314). Taking the interior diameter as the gauge of the size of the structures, it is noticeable that there is a great uniformity among them. The greatest number have that factor lying between 28' and 32', while below that scale there are only 8 or 9 of the 48 measurable examples, and above it 5 or 6. The smallest broch, and also perhaps the most inaccessible, is Castle Cole, on the Black Water, with an interior diameter of only 21'; while the largest in the county appears to have been that situated near Achaneas (No. 51), on a meadow by the river Cassley, which, though reduced to its very foundations and much overgrown with turf, shows an interior diameter of 42' with a wall 18' in thickness. The broch at Suisgill (No. 308) approaches this with 40'; while the next largest is that at * The Orkney inn a Sana (Edinburgh, 1873), p. cxi and chap. 92, quoted in Anderson, The Iron Age. XX HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Feranach, with a diameter of 36'. Another broch of very small dimensions is that on the Armadale Burn (No. 190), which in its isolation as well as its size resembles Castle Cole, standing some six miles distant as the crow flies from its nearest neighbour, and measuring only 23' across the interior. The thickness of the wall of the brochs varies from about 10' 6", as in the broch at Kylesku (No. 168), to 18' 6", as measured along the entrance passage of that at Dail Langwell. As might be expected, the thickness of the wall increases with the diameter of the interior. The wall of Castle Cole measures 12' in thickness, while that of the example mentioned at Achaneas is 18'. Where so few have been excavated and so many are little more than structureless ruins, definite information regard¬ ing details of their plan is difficult to procure. Certain features, how¬ ever, are remarkable for their constancy. Of the 16 brochs which possess guard-chambers or in which these are recognisable, 15 have them placed on the right of the passage, while 4 of these, viz. Clachtoll, Dail Langwell, Sallachadh, and Allt Breac (No. 395), show one situated on the other side as well. Only in the broch on the Allt a’ Choire Mhoir (No. 312) are there indications of a guard- chamber on the left side only; but this broch is so dilapidated that, without excavation, it is hardly safe to assert that no guard-chamber existed on the right of the passage. The guard-chamber is not, how¬ ever, an invariable feature, and in 5 brochs, viz. Allt an Duin (No. 182), An Dun, Kylesku, An Dun, Loch Ardbhair (No. 4), Backies, and Kilphedir, there are no indications of such a chamber ever having existed. The evidence is strengthened by the fact that both Backies and the dun on Loch Ardbhair have been cleared of ddbris. In the broch on the Allt an Duin above Skelpick the curve which the passage makes as it passes inwards is a feature observed nowhere else. The other arrangement from which departure is exceptional is the position of the entrance to the stair, which is to be found to the left of the main entrance in the interior. In 10 brochs this feature is discernible, and the rule holds in regard to 9. In the exception, viz. Kilphedir, the entrance is situated in the wall directly opposite the main entrance to the broch. In no single instance is there any indication of the stair entering from the right of the interior or passing upwards in the opposite direction. The number of chambers contained in the thickness of the wall varies, but knowledge of their existence obtainable without excavation is necessarily incomplete. While the broch near Kylesku and that on Loch Ardbhair reveal no traces of chambers whatever on the ground-level, those at Feranach, and on the Allt Breac near Lairg, including their guard-chambers, show five such apartments. As far as the limited data admit of a generalisation, the usual arrangement appears to have been either a guard-chamber with a single chamber situated at the foot of the stair, or that accommoda¬ tion with an additional chamber entering off the interior. Of the brochs where the plan is evident, a guard-chamber and one other chamber are to be found in the brochs at Sallachadh and Carrol, while the guard-chamber and two other chambers exist in those of Kintradwell and Backies, and probably also of Dun Dornaigil or Dornadilla, “ Carn Bran ” (No. 468), and Castle Cole. In “ Carn Liath ” the only entrance from the interior is that of the stair, while INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND, xxi in the structures at Kylesku and on Loch Ardbhair even that characteristic is not apparent. The distribution of the brochs calls for some comment. The region where they are found is mainly the eastern half of the county, and there, up the straths and glens, by the sides of the lochs, and on the fringe of the seashore: frequently they occur in groups at no great distance from each other, but also occasionally isolated. In Strathnaver from Loch Naver to the sea; in the Strath of Kildonan and up its lateral valleys; from Forsinain down Strath Halladale to Melvich; by the shores of the Kyle of Tongue; around Loch Shin at its lower end, where the land is capable of cultivation ; in Strath Fleet and Strath Brora, and along the coast-line from Golspie to Helmsdale. They are few in number along the north coast, except near Tongue, where, of the three that stood beside the Kyle, only Dun na Maigh now exists. Ach an Duin, between Lochs Hope and Eireboll, seems to mark the range westward ; for the structure about 2 m. to the S. by the Camus an Duin on the eastern shore of the latter loch, though included in the list of brochs, would possibly be more accurately designated a dun. Besides its elliptical form, the absence of debris in the interior and its general character raise doubts as to its being a broch. From the Ach an Duin therefore westward past the Kyle of Durness to Cape Wrath and southward as far as Loch a’ Chairn Bhain the broch-builders have left no traces, and even when the broch is met with again at Kylesku it shows an absence of the characteristic features encountered elsewhere. In addition to the broch at Kylesku, only two other brochs are to be found down the W. coast, viz. that on Loch Ardbhair on the opposite side of Loch a’ Chairn Bhain to Kylesku, and showing similar peculiarities to the broch there, and Clachtoll near Stoer. This last presents a striking contrast to the two others, in that it shows all the features of the fully developed type and is one of the finest examples in the county. The other structures to be found on rocky headlands in this region belong to another class of defensive work, and will be treated of elsewhere. The external details of the brochs, as well as their internal arrangements, demand some notice. Though these in certain cases may lie complicated by the addition of secondary buildings, an en¬ circling or partially encircling wall was frequently a feature of the original plan. This served as an additional defence, and formed an en¬ closure wherein the stock might be safely housed. At Dun Creagach, Coill’ach a’ Chuil (No. 176), Dun Viden (No. 181), Sallachadh, and probably “ Carn Bran,” a wall or rampart forms a loop enclosing about one-half of the broch, including the entrance. Backies, “Carn Liath,” and the broch in Dunrobin Wood (No. 271) and that in Skelbo Wood (No. 106) have each been entirely surrounded by a rampart or wall; while the brochs at Clachtoll, Carrol, Kilphedir, Suisgill, Allt an Duin, and Kilbrare (No. 24) have had still more formidable outworks. A striking anomaly characterises the positions in which the towers have sometimes been placed, as well as the means adopted to strengthen them by outworks. When perched high on the flanks of the hills, or crowning the summits of isolated knolls, on islets connected with the shore by causeways half or wholly submerged, they seem to place attack at defiance ; xxii HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. but when situated on the low ground along the main arteries of communication, even occupying, as “ Carn Bran,” the very throat of a pass, they appear from their position actually to court it. Nor must the fact that both classes of position are occupied in the same district be overlooked. All down Strathnaver to the sea, on both sides of the river, the ruins of brochs overhang the road that winds along the bottom of the strath, with one exception. At Achcoillenaborgie (No. 183), not far from the mouth of the river, are the remains of a broch which lie on level ground in a meadow absolutely devoid of any natural protection observable at the present time, and witli little sign of outer defences. The two nearest brochs—“ The Sandy Dun ” (No. 184) on the opposite side of the river, and that on the Allt an Duin near Skelpick—present the very antithesis of situation. As the occupation of the brochs is believed to have extended over many centuries, it is not to be supposed that they r were all built at the same time, and experience as well as the requirements of the actual date of building must have affected the choice of situation. The fact of proximity does not of necessity imply a similar date of erection, and while resemblances in such circumstances as noted below may suggest this, a striking dissimilarity may indicate the converse. In this consideration it is of interest to note the site of two brochs on the haugh at Achaneas in Glencassley (Nos. 50 and 51) which have been situated within a few hundred yards of each other. The former is not measurable, but there is no indication that it has been at all large, while the latter gives the greatest diameter of any broch in the county. The Carrol broch stands within a walled enclosure protected by a trench. Around its neighbour by the Duchary Rock (No. 28), about 1 m. distant, is an utter absence of such outworks. Considered topographically, it will be seen that certain peculiarities of situation or structure tend to be reproduced in particular groups. Three brochs are situated around Loch Naver, two of them (Nos. 175 and 176) on islets connected to the mainland by causeways, and the third, though now above the summer level of the loch, yet so near it that the waves almost lap the base of its wall. Down the strath the brochs of Langdale (No. 177), Inshlampie (No. 178), Dun Chealamy (No. 179), Dun Viden, and Dun Carnachaidh (No. 180) all occupy similar striking positions and present little difference in size, the interior diameter of the first being 31', of the second 29', and of each of the remaining three, which are nearest to one another, 30'. The two brochs on either side of Loch a’ Chairn Bhain on the W. coast are remarkable, in both being situated on islets connected by causeways with the shore, and in the structural detail, as already noted. The broch of Kilphedir stands on a hillock encircled by a broad ditch, with an additional outwork adjoining the entry through the defences. Its neighbour at Suisgill has a very similar scheme of protection. The brochs at Bunahoun (No. 187) and Trantlemore (No. 188), adjacent to each other, appear to have had over all an identical diameter of 58'. And lastly, as already mentioned, the brochs in Skelbo Wood, of “ Carn Liath ” near Dunrobin, Backies in the same district, and that in Dunrobin Wood are each encircled by a wall at no great distance from the base. With regard to their relation to other prehistoric structures, it is INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. XX111 important to note that the majority of the brochs do not appear to have been situated in close proximity to the hut circles and their associated mounds; though in certain cases, as at Kilphedir and on the liaugh below Dun Chealamy, these abound, in general their absence is noteworthy. The instances where small mounds uncon¬ nected with hut circles lie in their immediate vicinity are fewer still, the neighbourhood of the “ Sandy Dun ” opposite Bettyhill being one of the few places where this peculiarity was observed. The relics recovered from the brochs of this county comprise the usual steatite cups, querns, etc., but of special note are the two hammer-marked plates of brass found in “ Carn Liath,” Dunrobin, and the portions of the antlers of reindeer from the broch of Kintradwell. The presence of the reindeer horns gives credence to the statement in the Orkneyinga Saga, that (circ. A.D. 1158) the Orkney Earls Rognvald and Harald, “ every summer were wont to go over to Caithness and up into the forests to hunt the red deer or the reindeer.” The remaining defensive constructions may be divided into three main classes, viz.:— (1) Promontory forts. (2) Hill forts. (3) Small constructions, circular and otherwise, of a defensive character. The first class may be again subdivided into earth-works and stone-works. Of the former variety only two came under observa¬ tion, both of which were on the N. coast though far separated from each other, viz. “ An Tornaidh Bhuidhe ” near Port Skerry (No. 193), and the “ Seanachaisteal ” near Durness (No. 158). The first named occupies a most remarkable position, and its parapet or rampart follows the outline of the plateau on which it is situated. So hazardous has nature made the approach to it that further defences would have been superfluous. The latter fort has been formed by the usual method of cutting a trench across the neck of the promontory and raising a rampart in rear of it. With these features and the depressions, presumably for huts, in the interior, it ranks with a class of fort well represented in other parts of Scotland.* Of the stone¬ works little can be said. So fragmentary are the remains that they are no more than sufficient to indicate their stone-built character. They occupy the summits of projecting rocks of small extent, and are four in number (Nos. 5, 6, 191, and 192); two being on the W. coast and two on the N. Dun Mhairtein, Baligil (No. 191), and the Dun of Culkein (No. 6) have outer defences on the landward side which the positions of the other two did not necessitate. The underground passage running from the centre of Dun Mhairtein to the face of the cliff is a peculiar feature. To what period these structures belong it is difficult in their present condition to determine. The structure at Camus an Duin, Loch Eireboll (No. 157), already referred to among the brochs, may possibly belong to this class, though it stands, not on a promontory, but on a low projecting rock by the water. There appear to be only five hill forts known in the county, all * Since the completion of the Inventory the Commissioners have been informed of the existence of another similar construction not far from the ferry on the W. side of the Kyle of Durness. xxiv HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. situated in the eastern half. Of these, Dun Creich (No. 54), is note¬ worthy as being vitrified, but to what extent only excavation could disclose. The ramparts are much overgrown with turf. Two others stand apart by themselves, distinguished by their size and character. These are the fort on the summit of Ben Griam Beg (No. 316), and that on the Duchary Rock above Loch Brora (No. 29). Both of these are surrounded by massive stone-built walls. Except where the precipitous flanks serve the purpose of defences, a single wall encircles the summit of the Duchary Rock, with an entrance through it at either end, and with the remains of a chamber visible within it at the S. extremity of the fort. A flanking wall seems to have protected the main entrance, which is 6' wide. Much more complicated are the lines of defences around Ben Griam Beg, and the theory has been advanced that they formed, not a fortress, but a deer-trap, the animals being driven up the hill and forced by the position of the walls over the precipitous rocks which terminate the mountain to the westwards. A consideration of the facts observed on the spot, however, does not tend to confirm this idea. The construction has the character of a fort, and escape down the rocks would be far from impossible to the deer. (The millstones mentioned as lying in the ruins and about the hill have probably no relation to the fort.) A similar theory appears to have been held in regard to the fort on the Duchary Rock, but in that case it is even less tenable. The small fort on the hillock at Dalnamain (No. 108) is included in this class rather from the extent of its fortifications than from its position ; and the ruin at East Kinnauld (No. 479) appears to be of the same character, though, from its condition, difficult to classify. The third class includes a fortified site at Syre (No. 194), to which a modern attribution has been given locally, but which is possibly prehistoric. A smaller construction surrounded by a ditch on The Ord. at Lairg (No. 396) seems to be akin to the hut circles that exist in its neighbourhood, and with the same suggestion of relationship the enclosure at Auchinduich (No. 55) may be con¬ sidered. One small ruin, differing from all the foregoing, remains to be noticed by itself. It is the oblong building occupying the islet in Lochan Hacoin, and known as “ Grianan” (No. 531), a name literally meaning “ a sunny place,” and used in literature to signify a summer house or a royal palace. Its position and the strength of its walls bespeak its defensive character. The absence of any doorway is puzzling, while its rectangular plan implies a date for its erection within historic times. Hut Circles, Etc. No objects of antiquity are so numerous throughout this county as the hut circles and their associated constructions. Representing as they do, in their various forms, the dwellings of the people from prehistoric times, possibly down to the comparatively modern period when round buildings were finally superseded by those of rectangular plan, they are deserving of much consideration. The term “ hut circle,” in default of a better, has been accepted for these remains. It is, however, somewhat inaccurate, as the structures were not, INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. XXV properly speaking, huts, nor are they invariably circular. How, if at all, they were roofed in remains a matter of speculation, and possibly some of the peculiar features hereafter noted may have been adopted to facilitate this end by lessening the span of the interior. Considerable variation in structure and plan has been observed among them, from which, on more complete examination, their continuous development may be evolved. But however this may suggest itself to superficial observation, the intimate knowledge necessary to render a classification reliable can only be procured by excavation. Though the hut circles exist over the county in great numbers, there is no record of a single example having been thoroughly or scientifically excavated, consequently allowance must be made in reading the following remarks for the incomplete data on which they are based. With regard to the antiquity of “ hut circles,” the labours of the Dartmoor Exploration Committee of the Devonshire Archaeological Society have demonstrated that structures on Dartmoor resembling certain of the Sutherland examples belong to the early Bronze Age, if not to late neolithic times, and a like conclusion has been arrived at from the exploration of others in the island of Anglesea; but, as dwellings of a cognate, though not identical, form were actually observed in use in the island of Lewis so recently as the middle of the 19th century, and were described in the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, the survival of these archaic types of dwellings in remote parts of the mainland to a late date is a probability to be borne in mind. In the county of Sutherland their range is concurrent with that of the other antiquities. On the west coast W. of Loch Eireboll no example came under observation, nor is a single instance of their existence in that region noted on the Ordnance Survey maps. Though certain variations are confined to particular districts, one form is found everywhere, and may be regarded as the type. This throughout the Inventory is described as the simple form. It is an oval or pear-shaped structure formed with a bank of earth or turf, and stones, or sometimes merely of the former, now rarely above 2' in height, enclosing an area measuring some 5' more in length than in width, the longest axis being in line of the entrance. There is great variety in size, but the variation of the diameter across is usually from 20' to 30'. The enclosing bank is some 5' to 6' in thickness, and of a uniform thickness throughout. The entrance, which varies in width from, apparently, 1£' to 3', with rare exceptions, faces the SE. Though the entrances are generally too indefinite to afford an accurate measurement, it is observed that in many of the larger circles they have been wider, affording sufficient space for the access of sheep or cattle, and it is presumed con¬ sequently that these may have been folds. Closely associated with those of simple form are invariably to be found the small mounds, in many cases no doubt sepulchral, afterwards to be considered The presence of two circles in close proximity to each other, one of which is not infrequently larger and circular, is occasionally noticed, also the conjunction of two of the simple form, but of different dimensions (Nos. 417 and 511, figs. 60 and 74). Of this variety are others again to which a much smaller circle is attached on one side of the entrance (No. 207, fig. 20). The first departure from the xxvi HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. simple form seems to have been brought about by the widening of the bank on either side of the entrance, thus increasing the length of the passage to the interior by several feet; and a further develop¬ ment of this plan is to be observed in the addition of a small chamber or chambers, resembling the guard-chambers of a broch, on the sides of the passage (No. 398, fig. 57). In the eastern half of the county, where these structures exist in greatest number and variety, subdivision of the interior on various plans was met with; but it is noteworthy that only in one instance, and that in the parish of Tongue, was this departure observed in the western half, while down Strathnaver, though hut circles are numerous, they are also of the simple form, diversified only in a few instances by the lengthening of the entrance passage. As the interior tends to a circular form, a setting of flat-sided boulders, in some cases set contiguously so as to form a facing along the inner periphery, is found (see Nos. 126 and 398). In many of the hut circles of the simple form, with the object apparently of restricting the interior area, a bank of turf, or more frequently a wall of boulders, is met with, carried in a curve from side to side, cutting off a portion of the interior at the back, and reducing the remainder to a more circular form (see fig. 414). As a passage through such a wall was only in one instance observed, it seems probable that this modification is to be attributed to a secondary occupation. In further confirmation of this view is the fact that this inner cross wall was never found in any of those stone-built circles to be described here¬ after, except in one instance, where, however, its object was evident, for, having its convexity towards the entrance, it formed a definite chamber against the back wall (No. 506, fig. 73). A still further variation is observable in the substitution of stone walls (some 8' in thickness and built without mortar) for turf and stone bauks. The walls are usually much ruined and seldom stand above 2' to 3' in height, and the amount of ddbris does not suggest an original height of more than 4' or 5'. When the walls are of stone, the interiors are almost always circular, or approximately so, and display a con¬ siderable diversity in their arrangement, a feature in common with the interiors of some of the stone-lined circles. Bases of walls are observed running from one side of the entrance inwards, or out from the back, dividing the interior into two unequal and irregular compartments (Nos. 351 and 499, figs. 47 and 69), and chambers appear in the thickness of the enclosing walls (Nos. 112 and 113, figs. 13 and 14). Occasionally the ruins of small circular stone huts are found in the interior (Nos. 69 and 345, figs. 9 and 45), and within one particular hut circle (No. 499, fig. 69) there has been a large circular structure, apparently a solid building with small chambers within it, probably each under a separate roof. The regular position of the entrance, from the SE., which characterised those of the simple form is in these circular varieties more frequently departed from ; and the association of the small mounds lying in the neighbour¬ hood, though still occasionally observed, is not so constant as with the former. It is to be further noted that the more complicated and stone-built circles are usually to be found in groups by them¬ selves. Of such are the groups at Creag an Amalaidh in Dornoch parish, the Allt Cille Pheadair in Kildonan parish, and near Knock- INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. XXV11 arthur in Rogart parish. A further departure shows a number of smaller circles either attached to one of greater size (Nos. Ill and 230, figs. 12 and 26), or themselves conjoined (No. 223, figs. 21 and 22). Lastly, an oblong or elliptical form with the ruins of a small dwelling at its inner end approaches to a modern type; and the singular structure at Uppat (No. 281, fig. 33), though retaining in the features of its entrance characteristics of a hut circle, nearly approaches in plan to a rectangular building. Connected to the stone- built circles, and running among them where they are found in groups, are frequently to be seen the remains of old banks or walls, showing that enclosing in some measure was practised when this form was in vogue. With circles of the simple form this feature is much less frequently encountered. Turning from these general characteristics to a consideration of particular features, the geographical limitations of certain forms and peculiarities are manifest. In the Strath of Kildonan the earth- house appears to have been a not infrequent adjunct of the hut circle. In no other part of the county was there the slightest indication of such relationship. Two small conjoined groups of a plan not observed elsewhere (figs. 21 and 22) were found in Strath Halladale, below Forsinain, though with them may be compared an example at Dail a’ Bhaite, above the Strathy Water, in the same region. A circle at Dail a’ Bhaite (No. 230, fig. 27) was peculiar by reason of the mound in the centre and a small enclosure abutting on the outside to the left of the entrance. A few miles to the W., on the moor near Bighouse, an almost identical form was met with (No. 226, fig. 25), but nowhere else. Similarly, in small details the repetition is likewise noticeable. A hut circle near Achnagarron in Rogart parish (No. 487, fig. 66) shows the bank on one side of the entrance projecting for a considerable distance beyond that on the other side, in such a manner as to be remark¬ able. A similar feature of the entrance is seen on another circle (No. 490, fig. 67) at Skiag, 1 m. to the SE., and not elsewhere. Of particular interest are the examples which show a small inner circle contained within the outer one (Nos. 36 and 487, figs. 5 and 66), as if for the joint accommodation of the people and their stock, both situated within a few miles of each other in the parishes of Rogart and Clyne respectively; and a striking develop¬ ment of this plan, illustrated in Nos. 498 and 63, figs. 68 and 8 (the former of which is also in Rogart parish), shows an arrange¬ ment whereby the inconvenience of a common access was obviated, on the presumption that the wide entrance implies an enclosure for stock and the narrow one that for the owners. No. 503, fig. 72, in the parish of Rogart, is a remarkable example of what may be termed a homestead. The hut circle, which is sub¬ divided, contains several chambers, and also recesses, which appear to have been hearths, in the division wall. The horseshoe-shaped construction in the rear has the appearance of a shelter, while the circular enclosure with which it is connected has probably been a fold. Similar horseshoe-shaped constructions, it may be stated, were observed in two other instances in this neighbourhood, viz. one quite close to the previous example, and the other a short distance away, near Sciberscross (No. 34). XXviii HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. A hut circle near the Kildonan Burn (No. 345, fig. 45), alone of all those examined, contained near the centre of the built entrance passage, which was 20' in length, jambs for a door. It also was one of the examples already referred to containing the ruins of a small circular hut in the interior. Attention may be drawn to the hut circles (Nos. 318 and 328, figs. 37 and 42) in the Strath of Kildonan, which have earth-houses attached to them. It will be observed that that on the bank of the Cille Pheadair Burn is a circular stone-lined or interiorly revetted construction with a great mound formed to contain or cover the earth- house existing on one side, evidently a part of the original plan. Such a mound, it may be observed, would not tend to conceal the existence of the subterraneous structure. The position of the sunken chamber to the right of the entrance of the hut circle (No. 344, fig. 44) by the Kildonan Burn is equally evident. In the hut circle by the Caen Burn, no such external evidence proclaims the existence of the gallery which passes under the natural surface. There is evidence of alteration, however, in the plan of this circle, and the earth-house may possibly belong to a secondary occupation. Besides the above instances in which the underground chambers or galleries are visible, three of the hut circles in the strath show such remarkable extensions of the enclosing bank as to suggest the possibility of their containing similar structures. In two of these cases (Nos. 327 and 350, figs. 41 and 46) the extension occurs on the left of the entrance; and in the other (No. 352, fig. 48), near Kinbrace* it occurs about a third of the distance round the periphery, on the left. In the first of these three circles a stone-built circular enclosure is contained within another of pear-shaped plan. The earth-house in front of Salscraggie (No. 324, fig. 39) was discovered beneath a mound of earth some 25' in diameter and some 6' to 8' in height, but as the ground about it had been partially levelled many years ago, no remains of an associated construction were observed. Occasionally small hut circles are met with in connection with the entrances of large walled enclosures as on Lairg Moor (No. 419) or on the Cnoc a’ Chatha (No. 426), or occupying a position in the centre of a continuous wall or bank as on The Ord at Lairg (No. 404). In regard to the whole class in this county, the absence of defensive works connected with them is particularly noteworthy, as in the south of Scotland, with rare exceptions, the but circle is unknown except within the ditch and rampart of a fort, or kindred structure. As these enclosures are thus devoid of any defensive character, they appear to be connected with the peaceful occupations of a pastoral people. Certain groups are the remains of the sheilings to which, till late in historic times, the young women betook themselves in the summer with the cows and goats to make the cheese for the winter’s con¬ sumption. The huts so occupied appear to have been small and oblong rather than round, and the situations selected for them small sheltered meadows by the sides of streams. Such groups are noted * Since going to press, an earth-house has been located in this hut circle, entering from the interior near the centre of the left side, and curving towards the left. For the first 5' or so of its length it is broken down, but thereafter it remains intact for 20', with a width of 4', and height of 5' 6". INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. XXIX by the Skelpick Burn (No. 217), beside the Allt Ardbhair (No. 8), and by the Feith Osdail near Lairg (No. 439). The small trefoil¬ shaped constructions observed by the last-mentioned stream and near Loch Coire nam Feuran (No. 200) probably belong to this class, and may have been shelters for the calves. Yet another class of circular dwelling falls to be considered, to which it is difficult to assign a period of occupation. Frequently in places where evidences of early occupation abound are to be observed a number of small circular ruins of stone structures rising a foot or two above the ground-level, measuring from 16' to 18' in diameter, and distinguishable from the more or less conical mounds overgrown with vegetation. The centre of the ruin being slightly lower in elevation than elsewhere, and the stones there being fully exposed, the whole presents the appearance of a small cairn partially excavated. There is no admixture of earth and turf with the stones, and there is noticeable an absence of vegetation over the surface, except for a fringe some 3' to 4' wide around the outer edge. Occasionally several of these structures are linked together by walls, or have curving lines of walling projecting from them as if to protect their entrances from the storms, while running hither and thither among them in sinuous lines may be detected the remains of old enclosing banks and walls. These huts appear to have existed in many places, but are most notice¬ able at Dalhalvaig (No. 224, fig. 23), and on Meall Mor a’ Bhealaich (No. 225) in Strath Halladale, on The Tulloch near Bonar Bridge (No. 69), and on Cnoc a’ Chatha (No. 431) near Lairg. In a few cases the ruins of similar constructions may be seen in the interior of hut circles of the circular type (Nos. 69 and 345, figs. 9 and 45) and at the inner end of certain oblong or elliptical examples (Nos. 37 (fig. 6) and 224). Though the ruination is usually so complete that with¬ out removal of the debris no walling is visible, yet in one case (on Meall Mor a’ Bhealaich) the inner wall face remained to a height of 2', showing that the interior diameter of the hut had been about 6', and the diameter over all about 18'. According to local tradition, these ruins, as well as the groups of mounds, are graves marking the sites of ancient battlefields, and the fact that all knowledge of their occupation has died out infers a remote period for their origin. Closely associated in locality with the hut circles, more especially of the simple form, are a number of other constructions. Some of these are very probably sepulchral, though conclusive evidence of interment in them is rarely obtained, while others seem to have been connected with the pastoral occupations of the people. To all these objects, formed for the most part of stones and turf, or earth, and overgrown with grass and heather, the term “ mound ” has been applied as being more strictly descriptive and lacking the significance —at times inaccurate—which the word “ tumulus ” as employed on the O.S. maps implies. The mounds for which a sepulchral character is assumed are by far the most numerous, and call for particular remark. Everyone who is at all familiar with this county or with other parts of the Highlands of Scotland must have observed the numerous groups of small mounds which stretch along the sides of the straths, or indent the skyline on the low shoulders of the hills at an eleva¬ tion frequently of from 500' to 600' over sea-level. Though believed XXX HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. locally to be battlefields, a careful search aruoug the mounds of any group will usually reveal the presence of one or more hut circles, generally of the simple form. If the group be a small one, the relation of the mounds to the circles is more obvious from their relative situation, mounds to the number of ten or twelve being frequently disposed around a circle at no great distance from it. Occasionally a mound is found so close as to be actually in contact with the bank or close to the entrance. But though this association is the rule, there are cases where no hut circle is observable among numerous mounds, and other cases where hut circles appear to have existed only in a small ratio to the mounds. Even in these cases, how¬ ever. no argument can safely be based on the absence of the circles, as instances were observed of the almost complete extinction of hut circles owing to the encircling bank having been formed entirely of earth. The dimensions of these mounds are not always the same in each group, nor have they a uniform shape. In general, however, they are circular and slightly conical, measuring in diameter some 12' to 26', and in height from 1' 6" to 3' 6". In a few instances a single upright stone was observed erected on the top (but not necessarily the centre) of the mound, and occasionally the mounds themselves were raised against large earth-fast boulders or rocks. Of the numbers that have been excavated in various parts of Scotland, few have revealed any signs of interments, though occasionally a short cist has been discovered within one. A close inspection of a con¬ siderable number throughout the county of Sutherland, the interiors of which had been laid open in the process of forming roads, etc., revealed no sign of interment or structure except in one instance, viz. on Dmim na Coup near Beinn Laoghal (Xo. 535), where a cist was exposed, while the recorded discovery of another at Syre has been noted (Xo. 209). Of those of circular form the most conspicuous from their size are situated near Dalreavoch on the Brora, where, with a diameter of 26' and over, a number attain a height of from 3 6" to 5'. Besides the circular form, they are frequently met with oblong or oval on plan, having an average length of from 24' to 28', and a breadth of about one-half that extent. These do not appear to be oriented in any particular way. In one unique case near Sciberscross (Xo. 35) a small round mound measuring some 11 in diameter was set on the extremity of one of the oblong variety. More rarely they are observed of a conjoined or 11 dumb-bellform, two mounds of the usual circular variety being connected by a narrow neck (Xos. 407 and 279). This form seems to have been designedly adopted and not produced by accident, as a close examination fails to convey the impression that the neck is due to dilapidation of either mound. A few instances were observed where the mounds were of considerable length, and formed in three divisions, not in alignment. The best example of this formation is to be seen near Knockarthur (Xo. 501, fig. 71) in the parish of Eogart, where the three portions measured 15', 18', and 18' respectively in length, some 9' in breadth, and from 2' to 2' 6" in height. A small circular mound lay about 6' distant at one end. In the immediate vicinity there was no sign of any enclosing bank of which this might have formed a part. Somewhat similar in character are certain long mounds on the haugh near the Carnachaidh Burn (Xo. 211), on the right bank of the Xaver INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. XXXI between Dailharraild and Syre (No. 207), near Loch Coire nam Feuran (No. 200), and at Conaisaite (No. 536), at the base of Beinn Laoghal, where the example bears the name of “ Dhiarmid’s Grave.” More remarkable still are those of greater rarity which take the form of the letter s. The most perfect instance found is situated in a remarkable group of constructions on the haugh by the Carnachaidh Burn (No. 211). It measures 111' in length following the curve, and is some 3' in height. Whether these last two forms in any circumstances can be regarded as sepulchral, in the present state of our knowledge it is impossible to say. Careful ex¬ cavation might possibly reveal the fact. There is also a possibility that some of the round and oblong mounds may likewise be the ruins of small huts, though beyond their outline and dimensions there is no feature to suggest it. The mounds for which no sepulchral character is suggested are fewer in number, but are similarly met with near the hut circles. The large crescentic mounds measuring some 8' to 12' in thickness across the base, tapering to either extremity, some 25' to 30' between the points of the crescent, and with a concavity some 5' to 8' deep in the centre are probably shelters for stock. Without exception they are placed with the convex outline towards the upper slope of the hill. Another class of construction frequently observed remains of doubtful definition, though the excavation of a single specimen led to the belief that it, at least, had been a kiln. These objects, similarly associated, are formed of two mounds some 20' to 30' in length, 12' to 14' in thickness at base, and 3' to 4' in height, laid in the main parallel though converging towards one end, and leaving between them a circular depression some 6' to 8' in diameter. Between the con¬ verging ends the bank is low and occasionally shows signs of walling. At the open end in two instances lintels were observed resting on or fallen from low supports covering a gallery some 2' wide leading into the interior. The immixture of stones and charcoal and the evidences of fire on the blackened stones in the interior of the construction which was excavated suggested that it had been used as a kiln, of which the gallery was the passage for the draught. In certain cases they were found divided in two by a low foundation, crossing the interior, and they were also observed of a size much exceeding the dimensions given above, which, however, may be taken as descriptive of an average example. It is noteworthy that these constructions are usually to be found associated with the hut circles of the simple oval form. Small circular hollows of 1' to 1' 6'' in depth, evidently artificially formed, have also been occasionally noted associated with the hut circles and mounds of various classes. The purpose for which these were formed is not ascertainable from a superficial examination. Earth-houses. With the hut circles have been linked in classification the earth- houses, or subterraneous galleries, with which, as shown in the fore¬ going pages, they have at times been found connected. Of those in Sutherland there are three varieties, distinguishable by their plans. xxxii HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. First, those having access from one end only, measuring 20' to 40' or thereby in length, with no definite chamber attached other than that produced by a slight expansion at the end, curving in their course in¬ wards more or less to the right, with a width along the gallery of from 2' 6" to 3', and a slightly greater width towards the inner end. Though very low at the entrance, the height increases inwards to from 4' 6" to 6', but as the floors of several of them are covered with boulders this dimension is not always ascertainable with accuracy. The existence of ten of this variety is known in the county, ranging from Loch Eireboll in the N. to Beinn a’ Bhraggie in the SE., and five of these are to be found in the Strath of Kildonan. In structure they are all similar. The sides, slightly converging upwards, are usually built of boulders; and the roof is formed of flags laid horizontally across from wall to wall, and slightly overlapping each other with a view probably to hinder the percolation of water from the surface. Those of the second variety differ conspicuously from the first by having an opening at both ends and definitely formed chambers. There are but two examples, viz. one at Kirkton (No. 274, fig. 31) and the other at Kintradwell (No. 469). The one opening or entrance is from the ground-level down a short flight of steps, and the other at the opposite end through a very narrow aperture opening on to the top of a bank. In plan, though dissimilar, both these examples differ from the simple gallery variety. The earth-house at Kirkton is cruciform, with two side chambers opening off the main gallery; while that at Kintradwell, though now in part ruined, contained two chambers separated by a low division wall. In construction they also are rudely built on the sides and flagged on the roof. The examples which form the third variety resemble the so-called “ pit-dwellings.” They have been oval chambers with their sides built and only partially sunk in the ground. Three of these are noted, but as all are roofless, few details are obtainable regarding them without excavation. One by the Kildonan Burn (No. 344, fig. 44) is connected with a hut circle, while that situated by the Silver Rock near The Mound (No. 283) and the other close to the broch of Carrol (No. 27) show no remains of a related structure adjoining them. Whether such places are to be regarded as sleeping-chambers, or habitations during the rigorous months of winter, secret retreats in time of danger, or merely storehouses, are questions still open to discussion. The extreme narrowness of the first variety and the small dimensions of the expansions at the inner end, together with the lack of air and light, make them very unsuitable places for human habitation; but if these galleries were used as granaries, the presence of querns, as in that at Salscraggie, is easily understood. Nor, if they were intended as places of retreat in times of danger, or for concealment of such treasure as the inhabitants possessed, does it seem probable that the fact of their existence would have been made so conspicuous as it appears to have been in certain cases, notably in the hut circle by the Cille Pheadair Burn (No. 328, fig. 42) with its huge covering bank, or in that of the third variety by the Kildonan Burn (No. 344, fig. 44), which must have displayed a marked elevation close to the entrance of the hut circle. Situated as some of these are, opening out of conspicuous hut circles, presumably the daily INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND, xxxiii abodes of the people, they do not seem to answer to the requirements of a secure retreat. Attention may also be drawn to the intake or check which was observed both in the earth-house at Cracknie (No. 220) and in that on the Caen Burn (No. 318, tig. 37), formed by a constriction of the gallery. Though the check is not on both sides, such an arrangement would admit of the inner end being closed by a door opening outwards only. None of these limitations apply to the second variety, and it is noteworthy that much food refuse, as well as other signs of occupation, were discovered in both examples. In both cases the entrance from the upper slope of the ground was down steps visible only from near at hand, while the opening at the opposite end was not more than capable of affording passage-room to a full-grown man. With very little difference in their present en¬ vironment, the existence of both constructions would be perfectly concealed. This variety resembles the underground room mentioned in the Saga of Gisli the Outlaw, written in the 12th century, and relating to events occurring between the years 930 and 980. There it is stated how Thorgerda in Vadil concealed the outlawed Gisli in an underground room one end of which opened on the river bank and the other below her hall. The Roman dressed stones in the earth- houses discovered many years ago at Newstead near Melrose, and at Crichton Mains in Midlothian, show their occupation to be subsequent to one or other of the Roman invasions of Scotland, while the dis¬ covery of Samian ware in several others links their date nearer to these events. Cairns. Before considering this subject, it may be stated that throughout the Inventory the term “ cairn ” is used to denote a construction of greater or less extent, formed entirely of stones, and whose sepulchral character is not open to doubt. Where a construction completely overgrown with vegetation presents features which suggest a different formation, such as stones and earth, or turf, whereby its sepulchral character, though probable, is uncertain, it has been designated a “ mound.” The cairns containing the burials of the prehistoric people, from the evidence their structure and contents may afford of culture and racial characteristics, claim no small amount of attention. The chambered cairns, moreover, as far as we at present know, are the only monuments of Neolithic times which have come down to us. The total number of cairns examined throughout the county is 117, following very much the geographical distribution of the brochs, but, unlike these structures, capable of subdivision into various classes which differ greatly in point of antiquity. The earliest cairns and those in which Neolithic man deposited his dead, burnt and unburnt, are provided in the interior each with a carefully constructed chamber or chambers, and are designated “chambered cairns.” These again fall to be divided into four distinct classes:— (1) Horned long cairns ; (2) Horned round cairns; (3) Unhorned long cairns; (4) Round chambered cairns. c xxxiv HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. In the annexed table it will .be seen that the total number of cairns whose chambered character is definitely ascertainable without further excavation is 45, and of these the remains of two only were observed down the whole W. coast of the county from Durness to Lochinver, viz. at Badnabay (No. 172) and on the Cnoc an Daimh near Badcall Bay (No. 169) respectively, both in the parish of Eddrachillis. Nor were there any other cairns noted in these regions which might possibly be proved to be chambered on closer examination. In the more habitable districts, however, in close company with the other remains their distribution is general. Taking into consideration first the horned long cairns, as being probably the earliest group, as it is certainly the most remarkable, their rarity is as notable as the restricted area of their existence. These cairns, which are of great length (the longest measuring some 230'), expand towards one end and terminate in projecting arms or horns forming a crescentic or semicircular outline. From the centre of this crescent at the broadest end a passage leads inwards to the chamber. The three examples (Nos. 241-243) are all situated within 2 m. of each other, on the right bank of the River Naver, not far from its mouth on the N. coast. An almost similar geographical limitation characterises the long unhorned group. The characteristics of this class are also great length as well as form, being narrow and low at the W. end, rising and broadening out towards the E. Seven of these occur in the Strath of Kildonan towards its lower end, while one outside that area is situated but a few miles distant to the S. at Lothbeg. One solitary example in Dornoch parish, also on the E. coast but further S., is included, though slightly dissimilar in form and length to the others. Two large cairns (Nos. 369 and 370) on Kinbrace Hill, some 15 m. up the strath, though not included in this computation, may also be considered long cairns, but do not appear to be of the same type. Their length is not so remarkable, nor does their height increase, nor their breadth expand, from one end to the other in the same manner. The horned character of the round cairns, from their smaller size and the state of dilapidation into which they have mostly fallen, is more difficult to determine. They are recognisable by having two pairs of arms or horns projecting some 10' to 20' from the base of an otherwise round cairn, the entrance to the passage being usually at the E. end, from a point midway between the horns. The cairns of this class are also observed in a group of three (Nos. 82-84) in the vicinity of Spinningdale in the parish of Creich, while a single example at Skelpick (No. 238) lies adjacent to one of the horned long cairns. The other three, in Golspie (No. 286), Kildonan (No. 367), and Lairg (No. 454), are all doubtful; the first of these, in fact, only showing evidence of a single projection. Passing in review the plan of the chambers, considerable dis¬ tinctions fall to be noticed. Of the horned long cairns, two are three- chambered, while the other appears to have had but one chamber, in each instance entered by a passage from the N. end. The three cairns lie N. and S., in the direction of the valley in which they are situated, with their broad horned extremities towards the N. In only one of the nine unhorned long cairns, viz. that at Lothbeg, is the chamber visible or remaining, and without removal of the debris that INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. XXXV fills it its plan is unascertainable. All these latter, in contradistinction to the previously mentioned group, lie with their longest axes approximately E. and W., and have their broadest ends towards the former direction. From this direction the Lothbeg cairn is entered. Only one of the horned round cairns has been explored, viz. that at Achaidh in Creich parish (No. 82). It was found to have a single undivided chamber, entered by a passage from the ESE. In the ordinary round chambered cairns the prevailing plan throughout the county is that of a single chamber divided into two unequal compartments by two low partition stones set across the chamber on either side some 1' 6" to 2' apart. The inner compart¬ ment measures usually about T in length by 6' in width, while the outer is somewhat less. The walls of the chamber are formed of large flat slabs placed opposite to each other in the sides, and one occupying the back, while neatly laid horizontal building fills the interspaces, the whole being covered with a roof ’formed of converging stones. The chamber is entered by a passage some 2' square leading directly into the smaller compartment, usually from a direction approximately SE. The cairns on the W. coast are notable excep¬ tions, that at Badnabay having had its entrance passage from the S., and that at Badcall apparently from the N. Of this class there are eleven ascertainable examples. In three instances three chambers or compartments occur in the round cairns, viz. near Loch Brora (No. 44), near Rhives (No. 289), and near Kinbrace (No. 372). Of the cairn at Rhives only the megalithic slabs remain. The other two show a distinct feature: the slabs are of less size than in the chambers last mentioned, and there is a marked increase in the amount of building in the walls. Unfortunately the cairn by Loch Brora is in a very ruinous condition, and there being no published record existing of the details disclosed on its excavation, full particulars are not obtainable. In the other cairn, that near Kinbrace, this feature of the building is particularly evident, the side slabs of the central chamber being comparatively small. It is again remarkable that these two tripartite, or more properly three-chambered, cairns (each compartment being separately roofed) lie comparatively near each other, both on the E. coast, and adjacent to the county of Caithness, where the same type prevails. Of cairns with single undivided chambers, only three came under observation: one near Aultnacealgach (No. 14), another the horned cairn at Achaidh (No. 82), and the third at Coillenaborgie (No. 243), near the mouth of the river Naver. They are not situated in the same neighbourhood, nor are they in structure identical. All have been excavated, but while the chambers of the first two are patent to observation, that of the other is partially filled with debris. The first mentioned is peculiar in having a well-built recess on one side, a feature resembling the cells in the chambered cairns of Orkney and the cairn near Bruan in Caithness, while the pottery obtained from it, though consisting only of a few fragments, is of a quality more frequently associated with Bronze Age than with Neolithic interments, consequently indicating a later period for its use. From the second cairn, however, the fragment of pottery XXXvi HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. recovered, associated with an unburnt interment, was of the fine hard quality characteristic of Neolithic burial. In 26 other cairns which show a chambered character the details of the chambers were unascertainable. Round cairns of uncertain type with a diameter of 40' and over number 43. Of these, a considerable proportion may prove on excavation to be chambered; but though occasionally a depression on the top is suggestive, no definite characteristics have disclosed themselves. Cairns of a less diameter than 40' exist to the number of 29, and in 12 of these cists have been exposed, placing them in order of antiquity subsequent to the Neolithic period. A feature in the cairns, usually of the smaller size, which frequently asserts itself is the kerb of boulders of from 1' to 2' in height placed contiguously, or approximately so, around the base. This has been observed in thirteen instances (Nos. 41, 136, 286, 287, 288, 362, 363, 364, 445, 446, and 538). In nine of these the character of the cairn is still indeterminate, while in four, short cists have been found. No record exists of what relics, if any, were discovered when three of them were opened, but in the case of the fourth—that on Learable Hill —the beads of jet show it to be a monument of the Bronze Age. Unlike the brochs, the association in locality of cairns with the small mounds and hut circles, or with the former alone, is frequent, and this is true of the large chambered cairns as well as of the smaller cairns with cists and of those of indeterminate character. This proximity of situation is particularly emphasised in the following cases:—In Dornoch parish, near the cairns on Cnoc Odhar and Creag an Amalaidh, at Torboll, and on Aberscross Hill. In Farr, to a remarkable extent at Fiscary near Bettyhill, also near the horned and other cairns at Skelpick, and near Achcheargary (No. 244). In Kildonan, on Learable Hill, and near the “ Carn Tigh nan Coileach” by Harvieston. In Lairg, most conspicuously on The Ord, and also on Lairg Moor. The complete absence of such association on the W. coast, where the cairns that came under observation were few, is worthy of note. In addition to the general characteristics mentioned above, a few special features have been noted. The large cairn at Fiscary (No. 235) is distinctly set on a platform of stones with a definite outline which extends some 25' out from the base of the cairn, and a similar feature characterises the large cairn near the summit of The Ord at Lairg (No. 443). A few cairns, instead of being approximately circular, are distinctly elliptical. Such is the cairn near Achany in Lairg Parish (No. 449), and to a lesser extent the cairn near Torboll (No. 135). The staliths which are so prominent at the N. end of the Coillenaborgie horned cairn (No. 243) are well known. They are not, however, free standing-stones, but have been set in the outlines of the crescent; and similar stones, though less prominent, are visible along the flanks of the cairn itself. A crescentic setting of large slabs appears protruding through the surface of the chambered cairn near the Gruidie Burn at Achany (No. 447), apparently on either side of the entrance passage. The outline of the cairn in front seems definitely marked, and the meaning of this setting is not obvious. Round one INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. XXXVli side of the cairn near the Allt a’ Chaoruinn on the Kyle of Durness (No. 164) runs a trench or ditch. This was the only instance observed of such a feature. Stone Circles. The stone circles, a class of sepulchral monument of the Bronze Age, are not very numerous in Sutherland. To the two previously recorded, six new examples have been added, exclusive of one at Linsidemore (No. 92) which is doubtful. These eight are situated on the E. side of the county, viz. three at no great distance from each other to the S. of Lairg (Nos. 91, 461, and 462, tigs. 10, 63, and 64), two at Learable in the Strath of Kildonan (Nos. 374 and 375, figs. 50 and 51), and three in different localities, viz. at Aberscross (No. 291), Dailharraild (No. 247, fig. 29), and on the Cnoc an Liath- bhaid near Braegrudie (No. 518, PI. IX.). They may be divided into two main classes, viz. those consisting of a single circle and those consisting of two concentric circles. Of the former class there are six examples, of the latter two. The single circles vary considerably both in regard to their diameter and the number and size of the stones of which they are composed. The circle at Dailharraild lias been formed of large stones, but is of small size. That at Achany (No. 461) is the largest, with a diameter of some 88'; while the circle not far distant from it beside the River Shin (No. 462) is the smallest, with a diameter of only 13' to 14'. The stone circle at Aberscross is formed of stones similar in size to those at Dailhar¬ raild, and has exactly the same diameter, viz. 22'. Of the stone circles on Learable Hill, one is formed of very small stones and the other of large pointed blocks. Of the latter, only three stones remain. The diameter of the first of these two circles has been about 60', and though that of the second cannot be obtained with 1 O # exactitude, it appears to have been identical. A striking uniformity characterises the two double circles situated near Auchinduich and Braegrudie respectively, some 8 m. apart. The diameter of the outer circumference of both is 22', and, contrary to the usual practice, in each case the stones forming the circle have been set with their broad faces at right angles to the line of the circumference. This exceptional feature also appears to have been present in the circle at Dailharraild. To certain special features attention may be directed. In the centre of the circle at Dailharraild are the remains of a low cairn rising little above the general surface level, and a single recumbent stone, which has all the appearance of being in situ , lies at the base of one of the standing-stones, pointing slightly out¬ side the line of the circumference. In the centre of the circle at Aberscross, which in appearance resembles that at Dailharraild, was found a cremated interment, and beneath it a cist which contained no remains. Near the centre of the circle on the top of Learable Hill lies a small round mound, but from the presence of others in the immediate vicinity it is doubtful if it lias any connection with the circle as originally erected. Lastly, the cup-marks and separate ring on the fallen stone of the other circle at Learable are notable features, especially in regard to the near vicinity of another cup-marked stone. No one of these stone circles stands far apart from the evidences XXXviii HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. of early settlements, and at times the local association is very marked. Near the stone circle on Learable Hill (No. 374) are cairns (one of which (No. 362) contained a Bronze Age interment), numerous mounds, and also the stone rows referred to hereafter (No. 381). Not far from the neighbouring stone circle (No. 375) are mounds, hut circles, and a cup-marked stone. Similarly, mounds and hut circles are situated in the vicinity of the stone circles at Auchinduich and Dailharraild, and by the River Shin. The stone circle on Druim Baile fiur, Achany, is closely associated in locality with cairns, hut circles, and mounds; while close to that on the Cnoc an Liath- bhaid near Braegrudie are hut circles and numerous mounds of exceptional size. Cup-marked Stones. Ten cup-marked stones have been noted, three of which on broken slabs of schist or sandstone are not in situ, viz. those at Dornoch Manse (No. 147), Grum-beg Graveyard (No. 252), and in Dunrobin Museum, (No. 301) respectively. In two cases the marks may be regarded as definitely associated with sepulture, namely, on the fallen stone of the stone circle at Learable (No. 375, fig. 51), where also is an unconnected ring-mark, and on the cist cover of the cairn near Embo, Dornoch (No. 137). The other cup-marks are all on earth-fast boulders, and in each case are numerous. The only markings surrounded by rings occur on the boulder at the side of Lochan Hacoin (No. 541). Crosses. The slabs bearing crosses and other Christian symbols with Celtic ornament, especially of early date, are numerous, and have for the most part been collected into Dunrobin Museum. Two fine examples, however, remain in situ, viz. the magnificent Celtic cross slab in Farr churchyard, and the less ornate cross near the church of Creich. All these crosses have been fully described in The Early Christian Monuments of Scotland, and need not be further treated of here. Two, however, of considerable interest, not previously recorded (Nos. 250 and 251, fig. 30), are lying on the top of the wall of the disused graveyard at Grum-beg in Strathnaver. They are both of types dating from the 10th to the 12th century, rare in Scotland, and here to be met with only on the W. coast, but of frequent occurrence in Ireland. Several plain crosses of distinctively Celtic form incised on slabs have been noted for the first time. Attention may be drawn to a cross on a slab in Creich churchyard (No. 94), the peculiarity of which is the oblique termination of the arms. This is a late 16th-century type, several examples of which were observed in Berwickshire. Standing-Stones. Several remarkable standing-stones exist in the county. Two tall pointed pillars of similar character stand not many miles from each other, the one in the Camore Wood near Dornoch (No. 148), and the other on the roadside near Ospisdale (No. 97). The latter is over 11' in height above ground, and the former a foot or two less. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND, xxxix Aii impressive monument of a different shape is the “ Clach Mhic Mhios” (No. 474), a huge slab 11' high, and nearly 5' broad towards its upper extremity and less at base, raised up on the moor near the head of Glen Loth. It is the more remarkable from being set with its broad end uppermost. None of the other standing-stones are particularly noticeable. Iron Smelting. Wherever heaps of scoria or slag, indicating the sites of early iron workings, were met with, they have been recorded. These are situated usually on the banks of burns, and twice they were observed in the immediate vicinity of brochs (Nos. 393 and 463). That these heaps are the refuse from prehistoric smeltings seems probable from the remote situations in which they are found. Stone Eows. Included among the miscellaneous monuments, though their sepulchral character has in some cases elsewhere been definitely ascertained, are various settings of stone rows. The settings on Learable Hill (No. 381, fig. 54) have been noted before, and appear to represent the remains of at least four different groups, each composed of numerous parallel or radiating rows. Associated in locality with them is a stone circle (No. 374, fig. 50), an excavated cairn of the Bronze Age (No. 364), and numerous mounds, presumably sepulchral, but the connection of any one of them with the rows is in no case apparent. The other two settings (Nos. 378 and 379) have been observed for the first time, nor is the relation of either of them to any sepulchral construction obvious. It is noteworthy that all these settings are situated within a short distance of each other in the Strath of Kildonan, close by the border of the county of Caithness. In no other part of the county of Sutherland have such settings been observed, nor elsewhere in Scotland, except in the neighbouring county of Caithness, has their existence been recorded. In England they are said to be found on Dartmoor, in Cornwall, in Northumber¬ land, and also in Wales. Rectangular Settings of Stones. Lastly, attention may be directed to the object known as “ Lettie’s Grave ” (No. 520, plate X.), in Rogart Parish, and the similar construc¬ tions situated in its immediate vicinity. These are small rectangular enclosures, measuring interiorly some 5' or 6' square, formed of longish stones laid on edge, and, in the case of the first-mentioned, with upright stones still erect at two corners. As the other corners have, however, been disturbed, it is impossible to say if they also were marked by similar stones or not. The meaning or purpose of these constructions is not apparent. xl HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. TABLE OF BROCHS IN THE COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND, SHOWING THE INTERIOR DIAMETER IN EACH CASE WHERE ASCERTAINABLE. 1. Assynt. An Dun, Loch Ardbhair No. in Inventory. 4 Interior Diameter. 24' 2. Clachtoll ..... 7 32' 3. Clyne. Coich Burn .... 23 28' 4. 5. Kilbrare ..... Castle Cole or Caisteal na Coille . 24 (site) 25 21' 6. Killin. 26 Unascertainable. 7. Carrol ..... 27 31' 8. Duchary ..... 28 58' over all. 9. Creich. Dail Langwell .... 49 31' 10. Achaneas ..... 50 Unascertainable. 11. Do. 51 78' to 80' over all. 12. Doir a’ Chatha .... 52 Unascertainable. 13. “ Carn Mor,” Swordale 53 Unascertainable. 14. Dornoch. Skelbo Wood .... 106 60' over all. 15. Brae ...... 107 27' 16. Durness Dun Dornaigil or Dornadilla 155 27' 17. Ach an Duin 156 26' 18. Camus an Duin .... 157 55' and 42' 19. Eddrachillis. An Dun, Kylesku 168 28' 6'' 20. Farr. Grum-more .... 174 30' 21. Dun Creagach .... Coill’ach a’ Chuii 175 31' 22. 176 28' 23. Langdale Burn ... 177 31' 24. Inshlampie . . . . 178 29' 25. Dun Chealamy . . . . 179 30' 26. Dun Carnachaidh 180 30' 27. Dun Yiden .... 181 30' 28. Skelpick . . . . . 182 28' 29 Achcoillenaborgie 183 28' 30. “ The Sandy Dun” 184 29' 31. Borgie Bridge .... “ The Borg,” Forsinain 185 About 52' over all. 32. 186 34' and 26' 6'' 33. “ Carn Liath,” Bunahoun . 187 About 30' 34. Trantlemore 188 58' over all. 35. Loch Mor ..... 189 55' over all. 36. Armadale Burn . 190 23' 37. Clerkhill . . . . . 265 (site) INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. xli Golspie. 38. “ Carn Liath ” . 39. Dunrobin Wood . 40. Backies Kildonan. 41. Kilphedir . 42. Suisgill 43. Eldrable 44. Kilournan . 45. Gylable Burn 46. Allt a’ Ckoire Mhoir . 47. Allt an Duin 48. Feranach . 49. Learable (supposed brocli) 50. Cnoc Chaisteal . 51. Dun Phail, Gartymore Lairg. 52. SE. end of Loch Shin 53. Salachadh . . . . 54. Shinness . . . . 55. Dalchork . . . . 56. Allt Breac . . . . Loth. 57. Kintradwell or Cinn Trolla. 58. “ Carn Bran ” 59. Wilkhouse. . . . 60. Midgarty . Rogart. 61. E. Kinnauld 62. A’ Mheirle. . . . Tongue. 63. Dun na Maigh 64. Torrisdail . . . . 65. Dun Riaskidh . 66. Reidh theanga . 67. Dun Buidhe No. in Inventory. Interior Diameter. 270 30' 271 23' to 28' 272 27' 307 32' and 33' 308 40' 309 25' 310 (site) 311 31' 312 58' over all. 313 (site) 314 36' 315 78' over all. 386 (site) 387 (site) 391 56' over all. 392 32' 6" 393 Unascertainable. 394 Unascertainable. 395 31' 6" 467 31' 468 55' over all. 476 (site) 476 (site) 477 31' 478 U nascertainable. 527 27' and 31' 528 (site) 529 (site) 530 (site) 544 (site) xlii HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. TABLE SHOWING THE CHARACTER AND DISTRIBUTION OF CAIRNS AND THEIR CHAMBERS IN THE COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. Parishes. rd C/3 03 2 d 4-i a C/3 03 n >> rd • ° o o £ 02 S fH o c3 "d f-i 03 o 2 2 4-3 4-3 c3 bXJ bo c cd o 6 a w 6 w p3 H H Horned long cairns Do. round cairns 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 7 Unhorned long cairns . i 7 1 9 Round chambered cairns 3 2 3 4 2 5 i 1 4 i 26 45 Round cairns of uncertain type, with diameter of 40' and over .... 4 1 5 5 4 5 8 8 2 l 43 Small cairns of uncertain type, with less diameter 1 1 2 2 i 4 6 17 Cairns in which cists have been exposed 2 2 2 2 3 1 12 Cairns of uncertain type in- eluded above, with kerbs of boulders round base Do., chambered, do. Do., with cists, do. 1 1 2 2 2 l 9 2 1 1 4 Chambers of horned cairns— Tripartite .... 2 2 1 1 ... 2 Undivided Chambers of unhorned cairns— Tripartite .... 1 1 1 3 Bipartite .... i 1 3 i 2 1 2 11 Undivided l 1 Uncertain .... l 1 1 2 l 4 10 2 1 l 27 Chambered cairns . . . . . .45 Large cairns of uncertain type .... 43 Smaller cairns of uncertain type . . .17 Cairns with cists ...... 12 Total number of cairns . . . .117 INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. xliii LIST OF GROUND FLANS AND ILLUSTRATIONS IN INVENTORY FOR THE COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. I.—GROUND PLANS. Parish. Figure. Name. No. IN Inventory, Clyne 1 Brocli, Castle Cole 25 2 Broch, Carrol 27 3 Hut circle, Sciberscross 32 4 Mounds, do. 33 5 Hut circle, do. 36 6 Hut circle, Scottarie Burn 37 Creich 7 Do. S. of Lairg Station 56 8 Do. Swordale, 63 9 Do. Tulloch 69 10 Stone circle, Auchinduich 91 11 Sculptured cross, Creich 95 Dornoch 12 Hut circle, Creag an Amalaidh 111 13 Do. do. 112 14 Do. do. 113 15 Do. do. 116 16 Do. Torboll 126 17 Do. Brae 129 18 Chambered cairn, Torboll 134 19 Do. Evelix 143 Farr . . 20 Hut circle, Dailharraild 207 21 Do. Forsinard 223 22 Do. do. 223 23 Hut ruins, Dalhalvaig 224 24 Hut ruin, do. 224 25 Hut circle, Bighouse 226 26 Do. Dail a’ Bhaite 230 27 Do. do. 230 28 Horned cairn, Skelpick 238 29 Stone circle, Dailharraild 247 30 Sculptured cross, Grumbeg 250 Golspie . 31 Earth-house, Kirkton 274 32 Hut circle, Aberscross Hill 279 33 Hut enclosure, Uppat Wood 281 34 Chambered cairn, Benbhraggie Wood 289 xliv HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish. Kildonan . Lairg Rogart Figure. Name. No. IN Inventory. 35 Broch, Kilphedir 307 36 Do. Feranach 314 37 Hut circle, Caen Burn 318 38 Do. do. 320 39 Earth-house, Salscraggie Lodge 324 40 Hut circle, A lit Cille Pheadair 325 41 Do. do. 327 42 Do. do. 328 43 Earth-house, Achinnearin 343 44 Hut circle, Kildonan Burn. 344 45 Do. do. 345 46 Do. Creag Ruidh nan Caorach 350 47 Do. do. 351 48 Do. Kinbrace Hill 352 49 Chambered cairn, Kinbrace Burn 372 50 Stone circle, Learable 374 51 Do. do. 375 52 Stone rows, Torrish Burn 378 53 Do. Allt Breac (folder) 379 54 Do. Learable Hill (folder) 381 55 Broch, Sallachadh 392 56 Do. Allt Breac 395 57 Hut circle, The Ord 398 58 Do. do. 399 59 Do. Strath Fleet 414 60 Do. Dulaich 417 61 Hut foundations, Feith Osdail 439 62 Chambered cairn, Achany 447 63 Stone circle, Druim Baile fiur 461 64 Do. River Shin 462 65 Broch, East Kinnauld 477 66 Hut circle, Achnagarron 487 67 Do. Skiag 490 68 Do. Knockarthur 498 69 Do. do. 499 70 Do. do. 500 71 Mound, do. 501 72 Hut circle, etc., Dremergid (folder) 503 73 Do. Cnoc an Liath bhaid 506 74 Do. Sciberscross 511 75 Do. Tannachy 512 76 Stone circle, Cnoc an Liath-bhaid 518 II.—ILLUSTRATIONS. Parish. Plate. Name. No. IN Inventory. Clyne I. Broch, Castle Cole. 25 II. Broch, Carrol (entrance passage interior) from 27 Kildonan . . III. Broch, Kilphedir 307 IV. Cairns, Kinbrace Hill 368-370 V. Stone rows, Torrish Burn 378 VI. Do. Learable Hill 381 INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. xlv Parish. Loth . Rogart Plate. Name. No. IN Tnvf.ntorv VII. Broch, Kintradwell (entrance passage 467 from interior) VIII. Standing stone, Glen Loth 474 IX. Stone circle, Cnoc an Liath-bhaid 518 X. “ Lettie’s Grave,” Blarich 520 LIST OF PARISHES. PAGE Assynt ..... 1 Clyne ... 7 Creich . .18 Dornoch .36 Durness ... .52 Eddrachillis . . 56 Farr .... 58 PAGE Golspie . . 90 Kildonan . 104 Lairg . 135 Loth . 160 Rogart . 164 Tongue . . 183 BIBLIOGRAPHY. Annals of Ulster. Antiquities and Scenery of the North of Scotland (Cordiner) Archxologia Scotica ...... Archaic Sculpturings (Sir J. Y. Simpson). Castellated and Domestic Architecture of Scotland (Macgibbon and Ross) ..... Chronicle of the Piets and Scots. Early Christian Monuments of Scotland (Romilly Allen and Anderson) ...... Ecclesiastical Architecture of Scotland (Macgibbon and Ross) ........ Ecclesiological Notes (Neale) .... General View of the Agriculture of Sutherland (Henderson) Guide to Sutherland and Caithness (Morrison) Guide to the Highlands (Anderson) Landamabok. Laxdxla Saga. Macfarlane’s Geographical Collections—Scot. Hist. Soc. Memorabilia Domestica (Sage). Old Lore Miscellany of Orkney, Shetland, Caithness, and Sutherland (Viking Club) Origines Parochiales Scotix ..... Orkneyinga Saga. Abbreviated Reference. Cordiner’s Antiquities. Arch. Scot. Cast.andDom. Arch. Early Christ. Mon. Eccles. Arch. Neale’s Eccles. Notes. Agriculture of Sutherland. Morrison’s Guide. Anderson’s Guide to the Highlands. Macfarlane’s Geog. Coll. Old Lore Miscellany , etc. Origines. xlvi HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Remarkable Ruins, etc., of North Britain (Cordiner) Saga, Laxdxla. Saga of Egil Skalagrimson. Saga of Gisli the Outlaw. Saga, Orkneyinga. Scotlandin Pagan Times—The Bronze and Stone Ages (Anderson) Scotland in Pagan Times—The Iron Age (Anderson) Scottish Market Crosses (Small) . . . . Statistical Account ...... Statistical Account, New Abbreviated Reference. Antiquaries. Cordiner’s Ruins. Anderson, The Bronze and Stone Ages. Anderson, The Iron Age. Small’s Crosses. Stat. Acct. New Stat. Acct. Suth., etc. Sutherland and the Reay Country (Gunn and Maekay). The Book of Maekay (Maekay). The Earldom of Sutherland (Gordon) The Scottish Gael (Logan). Torfaeus’ History (Pope) ..... Tour in Scotland (Pennant) ..... Tours in Scotland (Pococke)—Scot. Hist. Soc. Transactions of the Aberdeen Ecclesiological Society, 1891 Transactions of the Gaelic Society of Inverness Transactions of the Inverness Scientific Society and Field Club Vertebrate Fauna of Sutherland, Caithness, and West Cromarty (Harvie-Brown and Buckley) Views in Orkney and on the North-Eastern Coast of Scotland. Taken MDCCCV. and etched MDCCCVII. (Duchess of Sutherland) Gordon. Torfseus. Pennant. Pococke. Trans. Aberdeen Eccles. Soc. Trans. Gaelic Soc. Inv. Trans. Inv. Scient. Soc. Vertebrate Fauna of Suth., etc. Views in Orkney, etc. INYENTOK Y OF THE ANCIENT AND HISTORICAL MONUMENTS AND CONSTRUCTIONS IN THE COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. PARISH OF ASSYNT. Ecclesiastical Structures. 1. Burial Vault, Inchnadamph. —An arched burial vault within the churchyard is said to have formed part of the ancient Parish Church, but it presents no features of architectural interest. It was the burial-place of the Macleods of Assynt. There are no monu¬ ments or inscribed stones of any importance within it. See Origines, ii. pt. ii. p. 693; New Stat. Acd. Suth., etc., xv. p. 111. O.S.M., Suth., lxxi.* Visited, 9th June 1909. Castellated and Domestic Structures. 2. Ardvreck Castle is situated on the N. side of Loch Assynt, about 1£ m. from Inchnadamph, on the neck of a long rocky peninsula. It has been a simple rectangular keep, with a round stair-case tower at the SE. angle, corbelled out on the upper doors to form square rooms, the turret stair to the upper rooms being carried on corbelling in the re-entering angle. In the basement have been three vaulted apartments, that running parallel with the S. wall being merely a passage 3' 9" wide, into which the doorway entered from the E. The first door has also been vaulted. The castle is in a very ruinous state. The N. wall has entirely disappeared and the E. and W. are fragmentary. It is said to have been built towards the end of the 16th century, and that the Marquess of Montrose was taken to it after his capture in 1650. See Cast, and Dom. Arch., iii. p. 631 (plan and illus.); New Stat. Acd. Suth., etc., xv. p. 111. O.S.M., Suth., lxxi. Visited, 10th June 1909. 3. Calda House, locally known as “ the White House,” is also situ¬ ated on the N. side of Loch Assynt, about 1 m. from Inchnadamph, at its SE. end and not far from Ardvreck Castle. The structure is much ruined. It is an oblong block 54' long by 43' wide, divided in two by a wall running down the centre. The side facing the loch has entirely disappeared. It is said to have been erected in 1660 by the 3rd E. of Seaforth. See Cast, and Dom. Arch., iii. p. 632 (illus.); New Stat. Acd. Suth., etc., xv. p. Ilk O.S.M., Suth., lxxi. Visited, 10th June 1909. * This reference throughout is to the Ordnance Survey maps, 6-incli maps. 1 2 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Assynt. Defensive Constructions. 4. An Dan , Lock Ardbhair. —This brock or dun stands on an isolated rock at the S. end of Loch Ardbhair on its east shore, about ] 00 feet from the mainland, to which it is connected by a rough roadway of boulders, now in part displaced. The broch is only approachable at low tide, and at high water there is little space between the edge of the rock and the base of the building. It is a circular dry-built construction with an interior diameter of 24', the wall being 10' 6" thick near the base. The entrance passage is from the S., is only 2' wide at the interior end, and remains to a height of 3' 6" on the left side. The exterior end is not measurable. Of the outside wall only one or two of the lowest courses of the building remain visible in places, and the rest is concealed by ruins. The interior has probably been cleared of debris, and there the wall exists to a height of 7' 4". There are no signs of chambers in the wall, nor of galleries; the building is poor; the stones are not carefully selected and laid, and the numerous interstices are packed with small angular fragments. O.S.M., Suth., xlix. Visited, 7th June 1909. 5. An Dan , Claslmessie. —On the W. side of the Bay of Clash- nessie are the remains of a dun. On a prominent Hat-topped rock which rises abruptly to a height of some 30' above the shelf that fringes the shore, are the remains of an irregular elliptical structure following to some extent the outline of the rock and measuring over all about 36' x 26'. Only the foundations remain. The entrance has been at the landward end. On either side the rock is cut off by a deep chasm, up which the waves dash, and to seawards it is precipitous. O.S.M., Suth., lviii. Visited, 8th June 1909. 6. An Dunain, Culkein. —At the N. end of the Bay of Culkein are the remains of a fortress of great strength. A promontory is divided into two portions by a chasm bridged over by a neck of rock some 3' to 4' long, about 5' deep, and not more than 1' 6" broad. The outward portion to which this bridge leads rises abruptly from the shelving rocks below to a height of about 50'. Its surface is some 50' long by 20' broad. At the W., or landward end, for a distance of some 20' there are remains of building, which, above the cliff to the N., is still visible to a height of 3' or 4'; elsewhere there are only indications of a wall running along the N. side. About 40' landward from the bridge the neck of the promontory has been traversed by a wall of great strength, about 7' thick, faced out wardly with huge blocks of stone— one on the left of the entrance being 3' high, 2' 10" across the base, and 2' thick. The entrance has been at the S. end of this wall, through a passage 8' long and apparently 3' 6" wide. The right side is com¬ pletely ruined. The area enclosed within the wall is roughly oval, measuring about 40' by 37'. O.S.M., Suth., xlviii. Visited, 8th June 1909. 7. Brock, Glacktoll. —At Clachtoll, on the edge of the flat ledges of rock that fringe the shore at the S. end of the Bay of Stoer, INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 3 Parish of Assynt. is a broch. Its position is not a very strong one to the landward side, and its outworks on that account are somewhat exceptional. About 100 yards distant are the remains of a massive outer wall, much ruined, crossing the uncultivated land to the E. The land to the S. being all cultivated, the outworks in that direction have been demolished. At 40' distant from the broch is another wall built of great stones, 2' to 3' in height and some 6' in thickness, which leads from either side of the entrance and was evidently carried round to enflank the building. On the S. the details are still evident. At the turning it enclosed a mound of stone and earth about 8' across, faced with building on the inner side. The distance between the stone uprights of the gateway through this wall is 6'. The broch is in a fairly good state of preservation, except towards the sea, where it has been for a short distance almost demolished. The interior is very full of debris, and the greatest height of wall showing above it is only about 3'. On the outside the wall is in places 6' to 7' high, and the top of the interior face is 3' to 4' above that. The thickness of the wall at its highest level is 12', but as the ruins block the passage in the interior it is not possible to obtain that measurement at base. The interior diameter is 32'. The entrance is from the E. A large triangular stone, 4' 6" long, 3' 10" high, and 1' thick, forms the outer lintel, as at Dornadilla (No. 155). At the outside the entrance passage is 3' wide and now about 3' 6" high. At 4' from the exterior are door jambs on either side, beyond which the passage suddenly widens to 3' 10", and gradually expands as it leads inwards to a width of 4' 2" opposite to the entrances to guard chambers, which are reached 3' in rear of the door jambs. These chambers are opposite to each other, and the entrances to them are about 2' 5" wide, and, at present, only 2' high. Except for a short portion near the middle, the roof of the passage is entirely covered with flags. The chamber on the right of the entrance extends inwards following the curve of the wall for 12', and the highest point of its overlapping roof is 6' from the present floor level. The chamber on the left is small and low, and a hole in the back of it suggests a connection with something beyond. In the interior of the broch, and directly opposite the entrance, the top of the stairway is visible. The stair itself probably exists for 12' or 14' downwards, but is concealed by debris to within 3' of the roof, which partially covers it. It apparently was entered from the wall on the interior to the left of the main entrance. The masonry of this broch is good owing to the horizontal cleavage of the sandstone of which it is built. A steatite cup was found many years ago in a recess of the wall of the guard chamber, on the right of the entrance passage, by the llev. J. M. Joass, LL.D., Golspie, in whose possession it still is. The O.S. map indicates “Tumuli” about 100 yards to the S. of the broch. O.S.M., Suth., lviii. Visited, 8th June 1909. Hut Circles and Associated Constructions. 8. Allt Ardbhair .—On the left bank of the Allt Ardbhair, about | m. above Loch Ardbhair, on a fertile little haugh fringed in with 4 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Assynt. birch woods, are the remains of several small circular huts. One towards the E. end of the haugh has an interior diameter of 5'. Another is somewhat larger. They are set on low hillocks. About 80 yards further down the burn is an oval enclosure measuring interiorly some 18' x 6', and another, about 50 yards onwards, measures 7' X 5'. These are probably the remains of summer sheilings. O.S.M., Suth., xlix. (unnoted). Visited, 7th June 1909. Sepulchral Constructions. 9. Cairn, Traligill Burn, Lnchnadamph. —On the right bank of the Traligill Burn, about 1 m. E. by N. from Inchnadamph Hotel, on the summit of a slight rocky ridge, is a cairn. It is considerably dilapidated, and its original outline can only be conjectured, but it appears to have been circular, with a diameter of about 50'. It is still 6' to 7' in height. Several large flat stones are exposed lying unevenly about the top, but there is no sign of a chamber or cist having been opened. O.S.M., Suth., Ixxi. (unnoted). Visited, 10th June 1909. 10. Cairn, Locli Awe. —Immediately W. of the S. end of Loch Awe, at an elevation of about 200' above it, and just above an old enclosure studded with heaps of stones (which do not appear to be of a sepulchral character), is a cairn. It is circular, or rather slightly oval, with a diameter of 63' from N. to S. and 70' from E. to W., but as the ground falls away sharply to the E., the extra length of the diameter may be due to the fall of the stones down the slope. On the top, 15' from the N. edge, is a depression running S. for about 20' and measuring 10' across at its greatest width; and there is another hollow towards the E. Neither of these shows signs of recent excavation. There are some large slabs lying about on the top of the cairn, but there is no sign of either chamber or feist exposed. The cairn is still 7' to 8' high. 11. Chambered Cairn, Ledbeg River .—On the top of a knoll, just to the S. of the road bridge over the Ledbeg River at Lyne, and about 50' E. of the road, are the remains of a large circular cairn, much dilapidated, and in great part removed. Three of the large upright blocks which have formed the sides and end of the chamber remain in situ, and a small stone protrudes between two of the larger ones at the NW. The two largest stones measure 4' across the base, are 1' 5" thick, and 3' to 4' high. The diameter of the cairn has been about 36'. The end stone of the chamber is about 23' from the S. edge. The side stones, which are slightly divergent, are 6' apart. O.S.M., Suth., lxxxii. (unnoted). Visited, 11th June 1909. 12. Cairn , Cam Loch. —About \ m. ESE. of the most south-easterly arm of Cam Loch, on the low-lying ground between the high road and the river, is a large circular cairn, with a diameter of 60' from N. to S. and 54' from E. to W. At 21' from the N. edge the top of a large slab is visible standing upright facing N. and S., measuring 4' INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 5 Parish of Assynt. across, but there is no chamber or cist exposed. The cairn at highest is about 6' high. It has been much disturbed on the top. 13. Chambered Cairn, Loch Borrolan .—About ^ m. from the NW. end of Loch Borrolan, between the road and the loch at the landward end of a point which projects into the latter, is a circular cairn, totally demolished on the E. side. It has had a diameter of about 60'. At 19' in from where the edge has been on the E. side are two large slabs facing each other 4' 10" apart, and 7' further W. are two low partition stones of a chamber, with their ends facing each other 2' 6" apart. 7' E. of the partition slabs two slabs just visible above the ground probably mark the E. end of the chamber. The greatest height of the remaining portion of the cairn is 7'. 14. Do. do .—About \ m. NW. of Aultnacealgach Hotel, on the slope of the hill about 100' above Loch Borrolan, is a cairn which has been very completely excavated. It has a diameter of 44'. 16' in from the outer edge is a chamber measuring about 10' long and 6' 3" broad across the centre, with its longest axis WNW. and ESE. It is polygonal in form, constructed of six large slabs having the interspaces filled with building, except between the two large stones at the ESE., where the space is filled up with round boulders and earth, and in the NNW. corner, where there is a recess. This recess is 4' 6" in length and 2' 6" in depth, and is roofed with overlapping stones. Its outer edge is marked off by a double line of flat stones, partially superimposed, about 6" or 8" in breadth. There are no signs of paving behind it. The greatest height from the floor of the chamber to the top of the cairn is 6' 6". No sign of an entrance passage is visible, but the filling between the two slabs at the ESE. indicates its existence. Several small fragments of unornamented pottery, parts of a single vessel with walls about in thickness, were recovered on excava¬ tion. They are coarse in quality, the clay being immixed with numerous small pieces of quartz and stone. The interior surface is blackened and smooth. They are preserved in the Museum at Dunrobin. 15. Cairn, do .—About 400 yards NNW. of Aultnacealgach Hotel, on the side of the hill, and about 100' above Loch Borrolan, is a circular cairn, with a diameter of some 50' and height of from 5' to 6'. There is an irregular depression on the top, and some large stones have been displaced, but no chamber or cist has been revealed. The cairn has been broken into for a short distance on the E. side. O.S.M., Sutii., xci. (unnoted). Visited, 11th June 1909. Miscellaneous. 16. Old Graveyard, Loch Ardbhair .— At the head of Loch Ardbhair, on the S. shore, nearly opposite the broch (No. 4) and just to the SE. of the sheep-folds, is situated an ancient graveyard. It is so covered with small stones as to suggest at first that it is the site of a settlement, but closer inspection shows that the graves have each been outlined and covered with stones, probably to prevent their desecration by wild animals. No symbols or letters are 6 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Assynt. observable on any of the stones. The graveyard, which roughly measures 78' x 51', has been at one time enclosed. O.S.M., Suth., xlix. Visited, 7th June 1909. 17. Old Graveyard and Ruins , Oldany Island. —On the W. side of the vale or “flow” which runs through the centre of the Island of Oldany, and rather nearer the N. end than the centre, on the top of a low spur of the hill, is an ancient burial ground. The graves here have all been outlined with flat stones, and similar stones have in some instances been placed on the top of them. The spot bears the name “ Baile na Cille.” At the back of the burial ground, against the hill, are the ruins of a rude structure outlined with great slabs of rock set on end, the largest 3' high, 3' broad, and 1' thick. It is roughly rectangular, and lies almost N. and S., measuring interiorly some 12' x 10', with an entrance from the E. Attached to it is a smaller building about 13' long by 8' wide, with a circular structure, possibly an oven, in the NE. corner about 3' high and 5' diameter. In the vicinity are the remains of several small circular and oval huts of 5' or 6' diameter. See Stat. Acct., xvi. p. 205. O.S.M., Suth., xlviii. Visited, 8th June 1909. 18. Enclosure, Inchnadamph. —On the haugh, by the side of the graveyard at Inchnadamph, is an oval enclosure surrounded by a bank some 2' to 3' high and 25' broad at base, the interior of which measures 134'x 86'. A slight hollow running alongside the mound on its inner side is probably due to the formation of the latter. There appear to be two entrances from the N. and E. respectively.* O.S.M., Suth., lxxi. Visited, 10th June 1909. 19. Oaves, Inchnadamph .—About 1 m. up the Allt nan Uamh, a tributary of the River Loanan, which flows into Loch Assynt at its upper end, are a series of caves in a limestone cliff some 200' above the level of the stream on the S. Evidences of human occupation were found in one of these which was excavated, about 2' below the surface ; and from 3' to 4' in depth there was also found, among other osseous fragments, a finely preserved canine tooth of the brown bear. See Trans. Inv. Scient. Roc., iv. p. 118. O.S.M., Suth., lxxxii. Sites. 20. Chapel and Graveyard, Feadain, Loch Roe. —The site of this chapel is said to lie about 25' back from the N. bank of Loch Fasg an t-Seana Chlaidh, to the E. of Feadain, near an old rowan tree; but a heap of stones, structureless and featureless, is all that remains. A small level area in front of the crofter’s house, kept un¬ cultivated, is said to be the site of the graveyard. O.S.M., Suth., lxix. Visited, 9th June 1909. * This is said to have been the place where the Chief of the Macleods slept, surrounded by his followers, in time of danger. It is, however, in a very assail¬ able position. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 7 Parish of Assynt. 21. An Dun, Stoer. —The O.S. map indicates a construction “ An Dun ” towards the NW. end of Loch-an-Aigeil, and between the loch and the Bay of Stoer, but there is nothing now observable on the site. O.S.M., Suth., lviii. Visited, 8th June 1909. PARISH OP CLYNE. Ecclesiastical Structures. 22. Belfry Tower, Clynekirkton. —Situated on the top of a knoll some 12' to 13' high, to the NW. of the church at Clynekirkton, is a small circular tower some 29' in circumference and about 10' in height to the base of its conical roof and 14' to the apex, pierced with small square openings at the top of the wall. Before the present roof was put on, the belfry had two large square apertures opposite each other in the roof. The present square openings beneath the roof were the recesses for the beam ends connected with the support of the bell. See Cast, and Dom. Arch., v. p. 221. O.S.M., Suth., xcviii. Visited, 9th August 1909. Defensive Constructions. 23. Brock , Coich Burn. —Situated on the top of a bank some 60' or 70' above the bed of the Coich Burn, -] m. above its junction with the River Brora, and on its E. bank, about 1 m. ENE. of Sciherscross, are the remains of a broch. Little of the structure is left. On the SW. the wall has been entirely demolished, and on the NW. the exterior face of the wall exists to a height of about 3', and that only for a short distance. In the interior a small portion of wall, about 4' high, remains on the E. side. The interior diameter has been 28' and the thickness of the wall 13'. In the wall towards the NW. the top of a -chamber, about 3' across, is exposed. No other details are visible. O.S.M., Suth., xcvii. Visited, 19th August 1909. 24. Brocli, Kilbrare, Scoltarie Burn. —On the right bank of the Scottarie Burn, about £ m. above its junction with the River Brora, and near the shepherd’s house at Kilbrare, the O.S. map indicates 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. O.S.M., Suth., xcvii. Visited, 19th August 1909. 25. Broch, Castle Cole or Caisteal na Coille. —This is perhaps the most picturesquely situated broch in the county. It occupies an almost impregnable position on the left bank of the Blackwater, about 2 m. above the junction of that stream with the River Brora. Below a gorge where the Blackwater 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 landward. From the moorland in rear of it, it is cut off by a gully down which a small stream flows. On this rock stands the 8 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Clyne. broch. It is entered from the ESE. through a passage 12' 10" in length, 2' 8" in width at the exterior end, and 3' 6" in the interior. At 5' in from the outside is a rebate of 6" on either side for a door, and 4' 8" further in is a similar rebate 8" wide. On the right of the passage beyond the first door check, but at what exact distance is uncertain owing to the ruin of the wall, was the entrance to a guard chamber. It led through a passage some 4' in length, one lintel of which at the inner end, measuring 3' 7" in length, still remains. The chamber, which is largely filled with debris, measures, as far as exposed, 5' 8" in length by 5' in breadth. Two lintel slabs remain in position at the exterior end of the entrance to the broch, and the height of the doorway at present is about 5'. The broch is circular in the interior, with a diameter of 21'. Towards the SW., above the river, the wall has entirely disappeared to the foundation, which is 12' across. On the N. the wall is 8' high, which is the ViW-£—£— Fig. 1. — Broch, Castle Cole (No. 25). greatest height in the interior, and on the exterior the greatest elevation is towards the E., 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; its length is unascertainable. At a point 11' 6" back from the inner end of the entrance on the S. side and 4' in from the interior, the wall of another chamber is visible among the ruins. Neither of the entrances to these chambers remains apparent. At 6' to the left of the entrance on the interior is a recess on the present ground level 2' square, and at intervals in the interior about the same level are four other small square recesses, measuring three of them respectively 1' 4" across, 1' 6", and 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 1' x 10". The third and fourth recesses from the right of the 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. Ancient and Historical Monuments — Sutherland. Plate I.—Brocli, Castle Cole (No. 25). To face p. 8. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 9 Parish of Clyne. A small portion of it is visible at the SE. and towards the N. A similar wall appears to have encircled the summit (tig. 1 and PI. I.). See Antiquaries, xv. p. 310 (plan); Anderson, The Iron Age , [). 185 (illus.) ; Agriculture of Sutherland, p. 170 (illus.) ; New Stat. Accl. Suth., etc., xv. p. 154 ; The Scottish Gael, i. p. 17. O.S.M., Sutu., lxxxviii. Visited, 20th August 1909. 26. Broch, Killin .—About 1^ m. SE. of Oldtown and \ m. back from the old road leading thence to Wester Clynekirkton, at an elevation of some 650' above the sea, are the ruins of a broch, now a structureless mass of stones. What was probably the entrance is exposed towards the WNW. by one side of the passage for a distance of about 10'. At the inner end of the wall face, placed at right angles to the line of its direction, is a remarkable slab standing 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. and a part of the outer wall of a chamber on the S. The inner face of the broch wall is in no place exposed, and without excavation it is not possible to obtain accurate measurements. The massive rampart which protects the broch on the W., some 200 yards distant, appears to be of natural formation. O.S.M., Suth., xcvii. Visited, 24th August 1909. 27. Broch, Carrol .—On the W. side of Loch Brora, about f m. S. of Carrol Rock and 4£ m. NW. of Brora, at an elevation of about 200' above the level of the loch,is situated the broch of Carrol. The entrance is from the ESE. through a passage 14' in length, 2' 9" wide at the outer end, and 3' 9" at the inner. The passage has been protected by two doors, the checks of which occur at 3' 4" and 9' 1" 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 jambs are bar holes at 2' and 2' 4" respectively from present ground level. That on the W. side passes through the wall into the chamber to the S. of the stair. At a distance of 2' behind the outer checks, or 5' 11" from the outside, on the right of the passage, is the entrance to a guard-chamber 2' wide, 3' 6" long, and 3' 11" high. The chamber closely resembles that at Kintradwell. It is oval, 8' 6" long by 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 of the broch is from 30' 6" to 31'. At 19' distant from the W. 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 S' 7" in the interior. The stair rises to the right for 11'. Thirteen steps are visible, varying from 2' 6" to 3' 3" in length, 7" to 8" across the tread, and 4" to 5" in height. To the left a narrow passage 18' long and about 2' 6" wide leads to a chamber some 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 iloor level. The steps which have been described as leading down to this chamber are now obscured with debris. The breadth of wall across the top of the 10 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Clyne. 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'. Some 9' above floor level is a scarcement about 1' 6" wide. The greatest height of wall visible on the exterior is 5'. From a point 7' distant from the side of the entrance passage towards the E. a portion of a gallery remains for 25', with a width of from 1' 8" to 2'. The width of the opening on to the interior above the entrance passage is about 2' 11". Outside the brocli a well-built wall from 7' to 8' thick surrounds it at a distance of about 23' on the N., 28' on the NW., and 13' on the S., having a ditch or trench outside it about 20' in width. The approach through these defences is in line with the entrance to the broch. The main wall, where it passes through it, is some 38' dis¬ tant ; and an outer wall, 7' thick, which here takes the place of the Fig. 2.—Brocli, Carrol (No. 27). counterscarp of the ditch, is about 52' distant. From the main or inner wall a passage 5' wide, walled on either side, leads to the broch. Some 53' to the S. of the entrance a small passage leads through the wall on the inner side of the ditch under a lintel, 3' wide, and, from present level, 2' high. The moor to the W. is marshy, and, in conse¬ quence, the ditch appears to have been discontinued in that direction. The setting of flagstones inside the broch on the left of the entrance, measuring 7' by 3', is in rather a ruinous state, and the flags are getting displaced. Lying in the interior is a round stone, with a circular depression on the top, in which the pivot of a door has evidently worked. The broch has been excavated, and the relics found are preserved in the Museum at Dunrobin. These included a steatite cup, with a side handle ; a rude shale ring; and a concave oval plate of ox horn, like the bowl of a large spoon, with four rivet holes at one end and two iron rivets in situ (fig. 2 and PI. IT.). Some 40 yards to the N. of the broch is an ill-defined enclosure -Indent and Historical Monuments — Sutherland. Plate II. —Broch, Carrol: Entrance Passage from Interior (No. 27). To face p . 10. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 11 Parish of Clyne. measuring about 66' in length by 33' at the W. end and considerably less at the E. The shallow weem-like structure noted in Arch. Scot., 8' in diameter at top, and with well-built wall, is visible about 80 yards to the SE. of the entrance to the broch. The walling around it is now almost obscured by grass. The trench running NE. from it is still apparent, and is also visible running towards the bank of the Allt Coire Aghaisgeig on the SW. See Arch. Scot., v. pt. i. p. 107 ; (relics illus.). O.S.M., Suth., xcvii. Visited, 25th September 1909. 28. Broch, Duchary .—Towards the S. end of Loch Brora, about 1 m. SE. of the Carrol broch, and some 300 yards W. of the road, on a slight knoll, whose green surface is conspicuous in 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. On the right or N. of its presumed position are signs of a chamber, with suggestions of another on the S. side. Slightly to the S. 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 \ of the circumference of the broch from NE. to N. O.S.M., Suth., xcvii. (unnoted). Visited, 30th September 1909. 29. Fort, Duchary Boclc .—From Kilmain, a crofter township 2 m. W. of Brora, an old peat road leads NW. into the deer forest for nearly 2 m. To the E. of this road near its termination rises abruptly a massive rock, precipitous on the E. and W., with a steep slope at the S. end, and a comparatively easy approach from the NW. It bears the name of the Duchary Rock. The level summit where, not defended by nature, has been strongly fortified by a wall. This wall at the N. or NW. end is 1 2' in thickness, in places 3' high, and well built of flat stones. It is pierced towards the NW. by an' entrance passage 6' wide between the faces of the opposing walls. The wall forming the W. side of the entrance passage is faced with two large flat slabs apparently in situ. Some 14' outside the wall at this entrance are the foundations of an outer wall some 7' thick seeming to run from a point on the main wall about 10' E. of the opening and 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. end is another wall some 70' in length and 10' thick through which is an entrance 4' wide. On the W. side of it is an indication of a chamber in the wall. The total length of the interior is some 260 yards, and the average width about 60 yards. The immense mass of debris indicates that the height of the walls was con¬ siderable. Some 30' below the outer wall at the SE. is a natural rock shelter, the covered area measuring about 12'x 17'. In the rocks facing eastwards some 100 yards NE. of the NW. entrance under a large rock is the entrance to an underground passage apparently natural. At its commencement it is about 2' wide and 3' 12 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Clyne. high. It passes inwards in a southerly direction for about 13', then, turning sharply to the right, runs onward for 18' or 20' further with a width of some 15". O.S.M., Suth., xcvii. (unnoted). Visited, 30th September 1909. Hut Circles, and Associated Constructions. 30. Easter Clynekirkton .—On the moorland above the eastmost crofts of Easter Clynekirkton is a scattered group of mounds, small and inconspicuous. 31. Clynemilton .—On the hillside, about | m. NNW. of Clvnemilton West, at an elevation of about 300' above sea-level, is a group of prominent mounds of the small type, all of which appear to have 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. 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 1' 6" below the natural level. Some 30' SE. of the last is a hut circle, the entrance to which has been excavated. The interior diameter is about 24'x31'. The thickness of the encircling bank is about 5', increasing to about 9' on either side of the entrance, which is from the SE. Adjoining it, at the S. side of the entrance, is a mound which has been excavated. Some 40 yards S. is another hut circle of ordinary type, with the entrance from the SE., and about 100 yards W. is another small hut circle of simple oval form. O.S.M., Suth., xcviii. Visited, 9th August 1909. 32. Sciberscross .—Some 40 yards NNW. of Sciberscross House is a hut circle, with a group of five or six small mounds around it. The Fig. 3.—Hut Circle, Sciberscross (No. 32). circle measures interiorly some 31'x35', and the enclosing bank or wall is about 5' in thickness. Some 14' in from what appears to be the entrance, which is from the SE., a bank or wall, 3' in thickness, curves across the circle from one side to the other, thus cutting off the back INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 13 Parish of Clyne. portion and forming another enclosure some 13' x 14' facing the entrance. Adjoining the entrance in the outer bank or wall are two large upright stones, conspicuous from the lower slope of the hill, but though they are set with their broad faces across the direc¬ tion of the bank, the space between them appears to have been built up. The position of the entrance, if such existed, to the back part of the circle is not apparent (unnoted) (fig. 3). 33. Do .—Some 600 yards MW. of the farm-house of Sciberscross, on the E. side of the road that leads across the moor to Ben Armine Lodge, is a small group of mounds larger and more conspicuous than usual. The mound nearest to the road has a diameter of 24' and height of about 3'; another, 30' N., is 29' in diameter and in height 3' 6" to 4'. On the top of the latter is a depression of about 8" in depth and 6' in diameter. Some 100 yards E. of the road is a long low mound about 3' high, with its longest axis NNE. and SSW. 39' in length, 19' in breadth at the SSW. end, and 11' at the NNE. extremity. 12' distant from it, at the N. end, lies a small mound of 11'diameter, and 9' away at the opposite end is another, 13' in diameter (fig. 4). To the S. of the mounds 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 measur¬ ing 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. One of these is set against the end of a fairly large mound, which has, in consequence, been slightly dilapi¬ dated. Many other mounds lie around. 34. Do .—Some 400 yards N. of the farm-house is a considerable group of mounds, some of them larger than usual, and in conjunction with those above mentioned, they stretch along the hillside eastward for nearly f m. One mound near the W. end of the group, lying ESE. and WNW., measures 29' in length by 13' at the W. end, and 10' at the E. It is about 2' high. Another near it, lying N. and S., measures 25'x 15'. Close by is a large circular enclosure, well defined, measuring 44'x46' interiorly, surrounded by a bank about 10' in thickness, and having an entrance probably from the SE., 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. A mound near it measures 33' in diameter. oFeet Fig. 4.- - M on 11 ds, Sciberscross (No. 33). 14 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Clyne. The mounds of this group 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. they are rather smaller, 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 a bank 5' thick in the circumference widening to 13' on either side of the entrance. There are remains of numerous old banks or walls running along the hillside. O.S.M., Sutil, xcvi. (unnoted). Visited, 19th August 1909. 35. Do .—Some f m. NE. of the farm-house is an elliptical enclosure 23' long by 7' wide, with an entrance 2' 6" wide towards the E. passing through the wall near the S. end by the side of a large earth-fast boulder. Near the lower end of the group of mounds, etc., directly above the point where the highest part of the birch wood to the E. of Sciberscross terminates towards the W., and about 150 yards distant from it, is a mound formed of largish stones, considerably overgrown with peat, lying with its longest axis NNW. and SSE. It is 30' in length by 15' in breadth and V to 2' in height. On the NW. extremity of it is placed a small round mound of 11' diameter and iy to 2' in height. 36. Coich Burn .—On the hill to the NE. of the Coich Burn, beginning about 200 yards NE. of the broch (No. 23), there is a Fig. 5.—Hut Circle, Sciberscross (No. 36). group of mounds. Some of them, especially those high up on the hill, are larger than usual, and resemble those near Sciberscross. Among them run the remains of banks of old enclosures, and there are other signs of occupancy of the ground. On the lower slope of the hill, towards the SE. of the group, on a natural terrace, is a large hut circle of indefinite detail. Some 100 yards NE. of it is another showing the remains of much stone work in its construction. It has an interior diameter of about 36'. The INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 15 Parish of Clyne. entrance is from the SE. through a passage IP long and 2' 6" wide. At the back of the interior, abutting on the bank or wall on the E., is a smaller enclosure measuring interiorly 20' X 22', with a wall 3' 6" in thickness, and an entrance opposite the main entrance 2' wide. At one side of the entrance to this inner enclosure its 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 (fig. 5). About 150 yards to the eastward is a stone-built circle, with an interior diameter of about 26'. The entrance is from the SE., and the wall is about 6' thick. There are no division walls in the interior. From its E. side the remains of an ancient wall pass indefinitely down the hill. O.S.M., Suth., xcvii. (unnoted). Visited, 19th August ,1909. 37. Scottarie Burn .—About 100 yards SW. of the site of the broch at Kilbrare, on the Scottarie Burn, is a small circular en¬ closure of about 17' interior diameter. The entrance is from the SE. and is about 2' wide. The bank or wall, which is about 5' thick, is on its inner face lined with large contiguous boulders from 1' to 1|' high and 1|' to 2' across. One or two small mounds lie near. On the hillside, to the SW. of the shepherd’s house at Kilbrare, is a group of small mounds, some of which have been opened. Below the upper end of the group is a hut circle of simple oval form, the outline of which, however, is rather indefinite. About ^ m. up the glen of the Scottarie Burn, on its W. side, is a stone-built hut circle of 34' interior diameter. The entrance is from the E. through a passage 9' long and 3' wide. The wall, now broken down, is about 5' 6" in thickness, widening towards the entrance. Some 150 yards higher up the glen are the ruins of an oblong 144—y— p —f ftET Fig. 6.—Hut Circle, Scottarie Burn (No. 37). structure, with walls entirely of stone, in the construction of which very large boulders have been used. The entrance is from the SE. 16 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Clyne. The total length of the interior is 46', and the greatest width 18'. The wall is 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'xl4' over all, but as the space occupied by it is entirely covered by the ruins, the thickness of its wall and position and details of the entrance are not ascertainable (fig. 6). About 170 yards up the glen is a group of a score or so of mounds, well defined, measuring from 10' to 26' in diameter. O.S.M., Suth., xcvii. (unnoted). Visited, 19th August 1909. 38. Allt Acli nam Bathaich .—On the E. bank of the Allt Ach nam Bathaich, from about 14 m. above its junction with the River Brora downwards, are a number of hut circles and small mounds. Most of the former are overgrown with deep heather, but they appear to be of the simple oval or pear-shaped type, with banks of earth and stone about 5' wide, and entrance from the SE. One, situated a short distance above the influx of the Back Burn, which flows in from the W., measures interiorly some 25' x 29', and is entered from the ESE. through a passage 8' long and probably about 3' across, but the width is doubtful. At 17' in from the entrance a semicircular wall 3' wide stretches from side to side, thus cutting off the back portion of the circle and forming another enclosure facing the entrance. About half a dozen small mounds lie in rear of this construction. Between it and the burn are the remains of other indistinct enclosures and mounds. Directly opposite the confluence of the burns is a well-preserved circular enclosure, with an entrance from the SE., presenting no particular features of interest. 39. Loch Brora .—On the top of an eminence NE. of the island, at the lower end of Loch Brora, and about m. back from the E. bank of the loch, is a small mound, outlined with large and almost contiguous boulders. It is about 16' in diameter and not more than 2' in height. It does not seem to contain a great quantity of stone, and there is a very considerable growth of peat on it. To the N. and NE. are a number of small mounds. Eight or ten lie some 30 yards to the NE. and several on the slope of the hill to the N. 40. Do.—On either side of the old road which leads from Oldtown to Wester Clynekirkton, from about \ m. SE. of the former place, for a considerable distance are numerous mounds of the usual small type, and another group is situated about lj) m. NW. of the latter place. O.S.M., Suth., xcvii. and xcviii. (unnoted). Visited, 24th August 1909. Sepulchral Constructions. 41. Cairns, Sciberscross .—Some 350 yards ESE. of the farm-house, on a slight eminence in the middle of a meadow, are the remains of a cairn. The upper part of it has been removed, and a cist exposed, of which the covering slab, ends, and one side remain. It lies WSW. and ENE. 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 33', and INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 17 Parish of Clyne. its present height about 4'. The outline of the cairn has been marked with large contiguous boulders of from 1^' to 2' in length. Some 30' E. is another cairn which has been excavated and tbe cist displaced. It is 30' 9" in diameter, and is about 4' high. Around the base is a setting of large, but not contiguous, boulders. Some 20' N. of the first cairn 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 yards W. of the same cairn is a 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. O.S.M., Suth., xcvii. (unnoted). Visited, 19th August 1909. 42. Cairn, etc., Balnacoil .—Near the top of the hill at Balnacoil, and somewhat less than £ m. NE. of the lodge, is a cairn of from 48' to 50' diameter and about 4' high. Slight excavations have been made in several places, but no cist is exposed. Between the cairn and the lodge, and also along the S. slope and level summit of the hill for a considerable distance to the eastward, are numerous small mounds of the usual type. O.S.M., Suth., lxxxviii. Visited, 25th August 1909. 43. Cairn, Allt a' Mhuilinn .—To the E. of the A lit a’ Mhuilinn, about £ m. NNE. of Ascoile, is a cairn of about 66' diameter. It has been excavated. Two large displaced stones, which may have formed part of a chamber, are lying in the interior about 26' from the S. side. The height of the cairn is about 6' where undisturbed. O.S.M., Suth., lxxxviii. (“ Brough ”). Visited, 25th August 1909. 44. Chambered Cairn, Allt nam Ban .—On the left bank of the Allt nam Ban, which Hows into the middle one of the three divisions of Loch Brora, near the centre of the E. 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. 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, and 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. side has fallen, but the width has been about 7'. The sides have been curved, and are entirely built instead of having large upright slabs forming a portion of the walls. Two partition stones 3' long by 1' thick and 3' in height, as far as exposed, and about 2' apart, separate the first and second compartments. The second compartment, which is also built, is 4' 9" in length by 8' 3' in breadth. At the back are two other division stones I' 9" apart: that on the N. 3' 6" long, that on the S. 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 18 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Clyne. from E. to W. has been about 54' and across the chamber about 46'. The remains of the cairn are covered with moss and fern. O.S.M., Sutil, xcvii. (unnoted). Visited, 25th August 1909. Miscellaneous. 45. Constructions (remains of) and Old Graveyard, Sciberscross. —In the haugh beside the Eiver Brora, to the SSE. of Sciberscross House, are the remains of several constructions and an ancient burying- ground called “ Cladh Maireannach.” No stones with symbols are visible in the latter. The haugh has all been under cultivation. 46. Circular Enclosure, Sciberscross.-— On the haugh to the E. of the old graveyard at Sciberscross, about 50' from the river, is a circular enclosure—presumably a sheep or cattle-fold, with an interior diameter of about 30', which has been noted, as it shows an arm projected past the entrance, for protection from storms—a characteristic observed in the case of some hut circles. O.S.M., Sutil, xcvii. (unnoted). Visited, 19th August 1909. Sites. 47. Island , Loch Brora. —Situated on Loch Brora, towards the S. end, is a small island formed of boulders, said to be artificial, named on the O.S. map “ Eilean nam Eaoileag.” No signs of building remain visible on the level top, but along the E. face for 30' or 40' are the remains of a retaining wall some 4' to 5' high. On the E. and W. faces, near the N. end, two built recesses probably indicate the position of the stairs mentioned in the New Statistical Account. At the S. end a circular depression may mark the site of the well. The island appears to have been occupied by the Earl of Sutherland as a hunting seat in the 17th century. Sir Eobert Gordon thus mentions it: “ In Loch Broray there is ane ileand where the Erie of Southerland has a delectable habitation and pleasant for hunting of reed deir and roes in the woods on both syds of the laik. ” See Gordon, p. 5; Stat. Acd., x. p. 303; New Stat. Acd. Suth., etc., xv. p. 155. O.S.M., Suth., xcvii. Visited, 25th September 1909. PAEISH OF CEEICH. Castellated and Domestic Structures. 48. Caisteal na coire. —Some § m. SW. of Eosehall, in a low-lying meadow, almost formed into an island by the Eiver Oykell and a creek which runs W. from the river for about \ m., are the frag¬ mentary ruins of a small rectangular building. The NW. wall has entirely disappeared, the other walls are much ruined, and no details of the structure remain. The exterior measurements appear to have been about 29' x 23', and the thickness of the walls 7'. There is no sign of vaulting. The castle seems to have been encircled by a ditch. O.S.M., Suth., ci. Visited, 30th June 1909. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 19 Parish of Creich. Defensive Constructions. 49. Brock, Dciil Langwell .—On the W. side of Glencassley, about 7£ m. above the junction of the River Cassley with the River Oykel, on the slope of the hill some 80' above the river, are the ruins of a broch. The ground falls sharply away from its position on the N. and 1STE. sides and towards the river. It is much dilapidated on the S., on which side large sheep-folds have been erected from its material. The interior is very full of debris, the wall being nowhere visible for more than 5' above it. The highest portion of wall exposed is towards the NW., where on the exterior it is 11' high, and on the inside opposite rises some 5' to 6' higher. The thickness of the wall at its highest level is about 11' 6", and on the SSW., at about 5' from the ground, it is 14' 8", but on this side the easier slope of the ground has made the position more assailable. The interior diameter is some 31'. The entrance has been from the E. through a passage about 18' 6" in length. Measuring from the exterior, the first 5' 6" are blocked with ruins, for the next 3' the side walls are exposed, and for the last 10' the passage is complete, roofed with flags throughout. At 8' 6" from the exterior, on the right side, is the entrance to the guard-chamber, only 1' 6" wide and now 1' 8" high. It is entered through a passage, gradually widening, 4' in length, beyond which the chamber curves round to the left, and is roofed with overlapping stones. The roof appears to be intact. At 4' inwards from the entrance to the guard- chamber two door jambs project across the passage, leaving a space between them of 1' 8". They are slabs 4" thick, and do not act as supports—there beng no lintel above them. In the walls behind them, 2' 2" from the roof, are the holes for the bar, measuring about 6"x 7". That on the left goes 1' 2" into the wall, that on the right 2' 6", and appears to have passed into the guard-chamber beyond, as light is visible at the back of it. Outwards from the jambs the passage is 3' wide, and the walls diverge till at 5' 6" from the exterior, where last measurable, it is 4' 8" wide. Inwards from the jambs it is 5' wide, and now about 4' high.* On the S. side of the broch a portion of a gallery or chamber is exposed, still crossed by one huge stone 7'long, 2'broad, and 10" thick. The chamber has been 3' 6" wide. To the N. is an opening from it into the interior 3' across. A portion of the same gallery is visible on the W. About 7' S. of the entrance the opposing ends of an oval chamber are visible on the ground level about 10' in length, with an entrance from the interior 3' across. Some of the stones used in the structure are very large. One on the S., whose upper surface is 5' above the ground level, is 5' long, 3' across, and 1' thick. O.S.M., Suth., xciii. Visited, 16th June 1909. 50. Brock, Achaneas .—On the haugh to the W. of Achaneas Farm, between the road and the River Cassley, on a knoll about 50 yards back from the latter, are indications of the existence of a broch. Only a stone or two of the outer wall is visible. The site is over¬ grown with grass and the dimensions are unobtainable. * It is probable that there have been two portals in the passage, any existing trace, however, of that towards the exterior is obscured by the ruins. 20 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Creich. 51. Do., do .—About 300 yards N., at the upper end of the haugh, is the site of another broch, of which a very little more is apparent. It has been of great size, and has had a diameter over all 'of from 78' to 80'. The wall appears to have been 18' thick. Its lower course on the exterior is quite visible on the N. and SE., and a slight elevation marks the foundation. O.S.M., Suth., ci. Visited, 16th June 1909. 52. Broch, Doir’ a C'hatha .—Close beside the farm-house of Durcha, | m. NE. of Achurigill, are the remains of a broch. It is now a structureless heap of ruins, from which most of the large stones have been removed. It has apparently been of great size, and the ruin measures 106' across, but, as no wall faces are visible, the actual dimensions of the structure are not obtainable. See Pococke, p. 115. O.S.M., Suth., cii. Visited, 30th June 1909. 53. Broch, “ Cam Mor,” Swordale .—In a field at Swordale, to the S. of the Combination Poorhouse, is the site of a broch known as “ Carn Mor.” Only a low mound of small stones remains. O.S.M., Suth., cxi. Visited, 2nd October 1909. 54. Vitrified Fort, Dun Creich .—On the summit of a wooded hill which projects into the Dornoch Firth from its N. bank, about 3^- m. SE. of Bonarbridge, is situated the Dun of Creich. To seaward it presents an almost precipitous front, and hardly less accessible are the slopes on its N. and S. blanks. The hill attains an altitude of 370', and, from the westward, is easily ascended along a narrow ridge, which culminates in a rocky summit. Here a single rampart of stone encloses a circular area measuring about 260' from NE. to SW. by 220' from NW. to SE. (O.S. measurement). The highest portion of this area, which is towards the N., has again been further fortified by an inner rampart, now insignificant, along the top of a rocky scarp, and measures about 167' from E. to W. by 96' from N. to S. In the centre of this inner area, and enclosed within a low bank about 10' from its walls, are the fragmentary ruins of a rect¬ angular mortar-built structure measuring 18' by 25', said to be the castle built by Paul Mac tire in the 13 th century. The main outer rampart of the original construction is highest towards the S., where it measures some 4' high and 12' wide on base. The principal approach appears to have led up a steep slope from the NE. to an entrance at the seaward end of the fort. Within the interior on the N. of this entrance is a depression which appears to be round and lined with stone, measuring about 12' by 8', while on the opposite side are indications of similar remains. The width of the entrance is indefinite, and there is much vegetation, which obscures the details. Towards the S. there appears to have been another entrance of less importance. At the W. or landward end of the inner enclosure is a natural bastion, and at the base of this lies a large mass of wall, vitrified throughout. At the highest point on the S. side of the outer rampart there is a partially vitrified stone projecting. The natural INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 21 Parish of Creich. rock is a reddish micaceous schist. The ramparts are much overgrown with turf. See Gordon, pp. 8, 37; New Stat. Acct. Suth., etc., xv. p. 18; Sutherland and the Reay Country, p. 108. O.S.M., Suth., cxi. Visited, 27th July 1909. 55. Fortified Enclosure, Auchinduich. —Some f m. S. of Auchin- duich Lodge, at the edge of a birch wood between the road and the railway, and some 150 yards W. of the former, is a circular enclosure It is surrounded by the base of a stony bank or wall, well defined on the outer and inner circumference with large contiguous boulders. The interior appears to have been subdivided into numerous chambers, but as it is entirely overgrown with turf and bracken, the details are unobtainable. The interior diameter from 1ST. to S. is 51' and from E. to W. 48'. The thickness of the wall is 10', except at the entrance, where on either side it is 14'. The entrance passage is 3' wide, and leads inwards from the W. O.S.M., Suth., ciii. (unnoted). Visited, 2nd July 1909 Hut Circles and Associated Constructions. 56. S. of Lairg Station. —About 200 yards short of the first milestone beyond Lairg Station, on the E. side of the road to Bonar- bridge, immediately above it, and in the birch wood, are a group of a dozen small round mounds and the remains of a hut circle of simple oval form. Fig. 7. —Hut Circle, S. of Lairg Station (No. 56). 22 Historical monuments (Scotland) commission. Parish of Creich. About 300 yards further S., and just past the milestone, on the same side of the road, is another group of about fourteen mounds and a well-preserved hut circle about 30 yards from the road. The circle measures 38' across, but as the bank at the entrance has been thickened in the interior so as to make the passage 13' in length, the diameter from the NW. to SE. is only 32'. The entrance faces the SE. The bank is thicker, and seems more peaty than usual. Abutting on the exterior of the bank at the S. is a smaller enclosure of about 16'x 13' interior measurement, with an entrance apparently from the SE., but it has been much broken down (fig. 7). About 100 yards E. of the last is another circle of usual form. On either side of the entrance, which is in the customary direction, the outer edge of the bank has been outlined for 10' or 12' with large stones. Three mounds lie adjacent—one within 12' of the entrance. Some 500 yards E. of the road, on the hillside, is another con¬ siderable group of mounds, and near them a large pear-shaped enclosure, measuring some 46'x70', with a wide entrance from the S. about 20' across. The E. wall is continued round past the front of the entrance and follows the S. side of a hollow down hill to the W. for about 100 yards. Some 60' N. of this wall another wall runs from the W. side of the enclosure roughly parallel along the other side of the hollow, and at about 100 yards turns sharply to the S. and passes the end of the first wall so as to leave aq entrance way between them about 10' in width. To the 1ST. of the large enclosure is a small circle, with interior diameter of about 10' enclosed within a bank of stone and turf. To the S. of the enclosure and along the hillside to the S. for half a mile are numerous mounds and hut circles. About ^ m. N. of the Allt na Fearna Mor, and some 400 yards E. of the road, is a double hut circle. The circle on the W. is of the usual form, measuring 24'x30', with entrance from the SE. apparently about 3' wide. It is at a slightly higher elevation than its neighbour. The second circle has been built against the first, the E. side of the former being the left side of the latter. Interiorly it measures 30'x 39', and has its entrance from the SE. Some 40 yards S. is a double mounded construction which may possibly be a kiln. In the centre is a circular depression of about 6' diameter, Hanked on either side by mounds of earth and stone about 20' in length and 13' broad across the base where widest. They are at highest about 3' 6" high above the centre of the depression, and lie N. and S. To the S. is a narrow passage about 2' wide, defined on one side by a single square-edged stone 2' 4" long and by two similar stones on the opposite side. Though the mounds are not continued across the back of the construction there seems to be the base of a wall in that position. O.S.M., Sutil, ciii. (unnoted). Visited, 22nd June 1909. 57. Altassmore .—About \ m. E. of the Post-Office at Altassmore, on a piece of moorland about 150 yards S. of the road, is a group of four or five small circular mounds. On the moor to the N. of Altassmore, and directly to the W. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 23 Parish of Creich. of the cultivated fields, are a considerable number of small mounds and the remains of a hut circle. •58. Doir' a’ Chatha .—About 1^ in. N. of Altassmore, on the SW. slope of the Doir’ a’ Chatha, near the 700' level, and just above the enclosed land, is a large group of mounds and hut circles. Im¬ mediately above the most easterly of the crofts is a circle of the usual oval form, with the entrance from the SE. overgrown with heather. Near the upper side of the enclosed tract of moorland directly behind the eastmost croft is a hut circle measuring interiorly 23' x (about) 27'. The bank at the entrance has disappeared. Some eight mounds lie around. About 40' SE. of the entrance to the circle, and with its convex side towards it, is a crescentic mound measuring 12' in thickness at the centre. It has a chord of 30' and a radius of 10'. Some 30' N. of the NW. end of the enclosed field behind the eastmost croft is a mounded construction overgrown with heather. It is oval in form, with its longest axis NW. and SE. measuring 19' X 35'. Externally it is from 1' 6" to 2' high. From the E. a narrow passage leads with a curve to the interior, gradually expanding to a width of 3' 7" at its termination—9' from the outside, and sloping downwards till the floor level at the back is 2' deep. Two large stones with flat faces to the chamber form the back wall, the largest stone being 2' high and 2' across. The centre of this back wall is 19' from the SE. edge and 12' from the NW. The breadth of the mound behind it is 10'. O.S.M., Sutil, cii. Visited, 30th June 1909. 59. Coille Poll na h-Airde .—In the Coille Poll na h-Airde, the wood which lies to the N. of Newton Point on the Dornoch Firth, are many hut circles and mounds. Some 200 yards NE. of the pier is a hut circle of ordinary oval or pear-shaped form, with its entrance from the SE. measuring interiorly 39' x 45'. The entrance is some 7' across, but there is a tree stump in the middle of it rendering its original dimensions uncertain. Some 30 yards NNW. of the last is a long low mound, overgrown with blaeberries, lying NNW. and SSE., measuring 49' x 15', and about 2' high. Its character is uncertain without excavation. Some 50 yards E. of the hut circle is a mound lying E. and W., measuring 22' x 15'. Another mound about 100 yards E. of the circle is circular, with a diameter of about 22'. The hut circle noted on the O.S. map about \ m. NE. of the end of Newton Point is of the ordinary form, with its entrance from the SE. about 2'across. The interior measurement is 27'X 31' and the bank is from 5' to 6' wide. A number of small round mounds lie in its vicinity. On the N. side of the clearing, near the centre of the wood, is a mound lying N. and S., measuring 22'xl2', and some 3' in height. About 50 yards N. are the remains of a hut circle. 60. Gabion .—On the first ridge of Achany Moor, to the N. of the woods at Gabion, on the Ospisdale estate, is a group of about a dozen 24 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Ciieich. small mounds of the usual character. To the W. of the group, on the crest of a ridge between two ravines, are the remains of a hut circle of the usual oval form, with an entrance from the SE. The banks are so effaced as to make accurate measurement impossible. O.S.M., Suth., cxii Visited, 23rd July 1909. 61. Allt nan Eun .—On the W. side of the Allt nan Eun, to the N. of the road from Spinningdale to Migdale, are two circular en¬ closures, that nearest the burn measuring about 46' in interior diameter, the other, some 30 yards westward, 35' x 34k Their entrances are uncertain. These constructions have probably been folds. O.S.M., Suth., cxi. (unnoted). Visited, 23rd July 1909. 62. Swordale, Bonarbridge .—Some 300 yards S. of Ordan Farm, within the Swordale wood, and opposite the SE. corner of the arable land, is a hut circle, much effaced, with an entrance apparently from the SE. It seems to have been of the usual oval form. Some 30' E. are the dilapidated remains of another, probably circular, but now indefinite in outline. A small group of mounds lies adjacent, and there are more in the wood towards the N. On the W. side of the old crofter enclosure, near the deer fence, about ^ m. SE. of Ordan, and S. of the old road to Little Swordale, is a small group of mounds and a much effaced hut circle of simple oval form. Within the Clabran Salach, near its N. end, there appear to be other mounds, and there is a group of some half a dozen in the wood to the E. of the opening N. of it, about ^ m. WNW. of Little Swordale. Within the birch wood, W. of the tongue of arable land to the W. of Little Swordale, is a small group of mounds. O.S.M., Suth., cxi. (unnoted). Visited, 27th July 1909. 63. Do .—Some 400 yards W. of Little Swordale, within the wood near the SW. point of a portion of the cultivated land which projects to the SW., is a hut circle of unusual character. It is formed of two circles, one within the other, but not concentric, the inner circle resting on the outer towards the ESE., and being some 19' distant from it at the WNW. Within this inner circle, and somewhat to the SE. of the centre, is a small circular foundation with ruined walls and a diameter over all of from 6' to 7) having an entrance from the SW. The wall of the inner circle has been composed entirely of stone, and is now a structureless mass 8' across. The entrance to the interior has been from the ESE., but the details are obscured by the ruins of the walls. The wall or bank of the outer circle is also entirely of stone, and in its present condition shows no sign of building; it is 13' to 14' across, and about 2' high. There is an entrance through it from the WNW. about 8' in width. For some 40' along the circum¬ ference on either side of the entrance to the inner circle the solid character of the outer wall or bank changes to a single line of con¬ tiguous stones set on end and from 1' to 2' high. There appear to be flanking walls running for some 45' outwards NE. and SSW. on both INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 25 Parish of Creich. sides of the entrance to the inner circle, that on the SSW. being at its extremity some 12' distant from the outer circumference, and that on the NE. 22' distant. They appear to have been about 6' wide. Owing to the ruined state of the structure and the under¬ growth of brackens and birch trees, the plan cannot be regarded as absolutely accurate, though drawn to scale as far as possible (fig. 8). s p 10 xo so 4 o so Feet HM-1-1-1-1- \ Fig. 8.—Hut Circle, Swordale (No. 63). There are a few small mounds lying near. One to the S., about 40' distant, measures 22' across, and is composed of large stones un¬ covered with soil. O.S.M., Sutii., cxi. (unnoted). Visited, 27th July 1909. 64. Greicli .—Within the wood to the N. of the NW. corner of the westmost of the upper cultivated fields above the Manse of Creich is a small group of seven or eight mounds of the usual character. One, situated about 80 yards NW. of the corner of the field, measures some 23' in diameter, and is about 3' 6" in height 26 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Creicii. 65. Swordale Wood , Bonarbridge .—In the portion of Swordale Wood which lies between the Market Park and the old road to Little Swordale lie a great number of heaps of earth and stone. They differ from the ordinary small mounds in not being circular or composed to the same extent of stones. In each case there is a depression on one side from which they seem to have been dug. In direction the greater number of them lie N. and S., though some lie E. and W. In length they vary generally from 4' or 5' to 15' or 16', though a very few are even longer. One is 23' in length by 8' to 9' broad ; another 20'x IP. A great number of them are about 11' long. The average breadth is from 4' to 7' and height from 1' to 2'. 66. Market Park, Bonarbridge .—At the SE. end of the SE. portion of the Market Park is a hut circle entered from the SE. through a bank about 6' wide. Its interior measurement is some 13' by 15'. A number of mounds of the usual class lie to the N. and NE. There is also a crescentic mound, which faces the N., with its back to the higher slope of the hill. The chord of the crescent measures 25', and the depth of its curve is 5'. The mound is 11' thick at centre, tapering to 6' at each end, and is 2' to 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 mounds lying near. Towards tl e centre of the SE. park is a circle measuring 26'x 29' 6", with its entrance from the SE., and showing indications of subdivision in the interior. About half a dozen small mounds lie near it. 67. Migdale .—Near the W. end of Loch Migdale is a hut circle. It is circular, with an interior diameter of about 28', and the entrance from the SE. about 3' across. The bank is some 6' wide, increas¬ ing to 8' 6" on either side of the entrance. An excavated small mound lies in rear of it. To the S. of Culnara croft, between it and Loch Migdale, is a hut circle, much worn down. It appears to have been of the ordinary type. To the W. of the miller's house, on the N. bank of Loch Migdale, are a number of small mounds. O.S.M., Suth., cxi. Visited, 2nd August 1909. 68. Do .—To the N. of the Migdale crofts, close by the small reservoir on the Allt na h-Atha, and to the W. of it, is a group of about eight small mounds, the largest of which is some 18' in diameter and about 3' in height. On a slight elevation at the N. end of the reservoir are two con¬ joined hut circles of simple oval form. The banks have been of turf, now much worn away, and the entrances from the SSE. The west- most enclosure measures interiorly 24' x 28'. Its entrance seems to have been about 2' 6" wide, and the bank some 5' across. The adjoining enclosure is larger, measuring 34'x41'. The bank appears to have been about 7' thick. The width of the entrance is not now obtainable. O.S.M., Suth., cviii. Visited, 4th October 1909. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 27 Parish of Creich. 69. The Tidloch, Bonarbridge .—The Tulloch, and Druim Liath, which is a portion of it, are covered with stony mounds and hut circles. Of the former by far the greater number present features suggesting 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 here and there are conical mounds overgrown with vegetation, but these are much less numerous. About £ m. E. of the school-house and a short distance to the E. of “ Carn an fhitich ” (No. 85) are a number of the supposed hut ruins. One heap of stones lying E. and W. measures 30' x 17'. Adjacent to it, in the form of a crescent, is a long mound facing S., some 60' long by 20' wide at the centre. Near the top of the hill, towards the SW., are a few small overgrown mounds measuring from 12' to 16' in diameter. On the same part of the hill is an oval heap of stones measuring 20' x 14'. The remains of old walls are visible among the ruins. In one instance a portion of wall is succeeded by two mounds about 15' apart, and 15' to 16' in diameter. Some £ m. NW. of the W. end of Loch Migdale are the ruins of a hut circle measuring interiorly 24' x 20', with foundations of walls running from it. To the N. of it, some 40', is a heap of stones lying N. and S., measuring 40' x 18', and showing marked depressions near the centre. Near by are a number of conical mounds overgrown with vegetation, some 12' in diameter, and about 1 h' in height. About ^ m. NNW. 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' in diameter. The entrance appears to have been from the SE. Some 80 yards NNW. of it are two small mounds some 18' in diameter, and 2' to 3' in height. On the W. side of the road which crosses Druim Liath from N. to S., and towards the N. side of the hill, is a small circular enclosure measuring 12' in interior diameter. The entrance appears to have been from the W. Some 30 yards to the N. of it is a semicircular enclosure facing NW., measuring some 30' in diameter, with a bank about 9' thick. Opposite the end of the bank at the SE. is a low heap of stones about 14' in diameter. On the N. side of Druim Liath, some f m. NNE. of the Poorhouse, is a circular enclosure with an interior diameter of about 30'. The wall, which has been entirely broken down, has measured about 8' in thickness, and has been formed of boulders. On the E. side a bank projects 25' in length and 15' in breadth, probably Hanking the entrance. What appear to be the ruins of one or two small circular huts lie near to the S. On the SE. flank of the hill are the remains, almost obliterated, of several hut circles of simple oval form. Some 300 yards SW. of the last described circle is another of simple form, measuring interiorly 26' x 32'. The entrance appears to have been from the E., but the circle is overgrown with whins, and the details are indefinite. On the top of the hill, near its NW. end, are some large heaps of stone, probably ruins of contiguous huts. Two of these heaps measure 28' in length by 16' in width. 28 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Creich. On the top of Druim Liatli, about 1 m. NE. of Bonarbridge, is a small hut circle measuring interiorly 20' x 23', with its entrance from the SE. 2' wide through banks 5' thick. Some 100 yards W. is a circular enclosure with 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' broad. The entrance has probably been from the ESE., and been 3' wide. Against the wall in the interior, and slightly to the N. of a point opposite the entrance, are the ruins of a hut, similar in appearance to those all over the hill, measuring some 12'x 14' (fig. 9). A Fig. 9.—Hut Circle, Tulloch (No. 69). Some 15' to the N. are the remains of another circular enclosure with an interior diameter of 38'. The bank has been of stone and turf, the entrance from the ESE. about 9' wide. At the extreme NW. end of Druim Liath is a group of small mounds, about six in number, conical in form, of some 17' in diameter, and from 2' 6" to 3' in height. Some 100 yards 1ST., on the N. slope of the hill, is a hut circle with an interior diameter of 21'x26'; the entrance is from the E., and the surrounding bank of turf and stone is about 4' thick. Several small mounds lie adjacent; none, however, having the hut features. At the W. end of the hill, some 120 yards IST. 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 is from the E., and is 3' wide. Around it are small mounds of from 15' to 18' in diameter, mostly covered with vegetation. O.S.M., Suth., cviii. Visited, 2nd October 1909. 70. Airdens, Bonarbridge .—At Airdens, on a ridge some 80 yards SE of the targets, are the remains of a hut circle having an interior diameter of 30', a bank 4' thick, and the entrance from the E. About 150 yards N. of the targets is a group of about eighteen small mounds. One measures 24' in diameter, and from 4' to 5' in height. Several of them measure some 18' in diameter. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 29 Parish of Creicil 71. Garbh Leathad, Bonarbridge .—To the E. of Garbh Leathad is a small group of mounds of from 18' to 20' in diameter, presenting the presumed hut features. 72. Creagan Beamhar, Bonarbridge .—At the S. end of Creagan Reamhar, about 400 yards N. of the croft of Druimban at Airdens, near the Peat Road, are two hut circles and a number of small mounds. The most westerly of the circles is of the simple oval form, being entered from the SE. through what appears to have been a wide entrance. Its interior dimensions are 20'x 31', and the enclosing bank is of stone and turf. The other enclosure, which lies to the E. of the Peat Road, is circular, with an interior diameter of some 30'. Its entrance is from the SE., and the bank is from 5' to 6' wide, formed of earth and stone. The level of the interior is slightly higher than that of the surrounding ground. About 140 yards to the E. of the circle last described is a small group of about half a dozen mounds. The most westerly of the group measures about 15' in diameter, is about 1^' high, and has its outline defined by large stones. One of the mounds lying with its longest axis NNW. and SSE. measures 23' x 13', and is from 2' to 3' in height; the others are from 16' to 18' in diameter and some 3' in height. O.S.M., Suth., cviii. Visited, 2nd October 1909. 73. Badbeit/ie .—Some 80 yards SSE. of the house occupied by Mr F. Campbell at Badbeithe, among the whins, is an enclosure with an interior diameter of some 30'. Its entrance, which is about 2' 6" in width, is from the SSE., through a bank some 5' to 6' in thickness. Among the whins, about 100 yards to the NW., the remains of another circle are visible. On the shoulder of the hill, behind the houses of Messrs Thomas and Alexander Murray at Badbeithe, are a few small mounds and a hut circle. O.S.M., Sutii., cxi. (unnoted). Visited, 4th October 1909. 74. Achaidh .—To the E. of the house of Mr John Murray, Cnoc Dubh, Achaidh, is a small group of four or five mounds, only two of which are clearly defined. These lie NW. and SE., and measure some 16'x IP. O.S.M., Sutii., cxii. (unnoted). 75. Balblair Wood .—On the slope of the hill, about £ m. E. of Invershin Station, is a small group of mounds of about 18' in diameter. O.S.M., Sutii., cviii. (unnoted). Visited, 5th October 1909. 76. Maikle Wood .—-In the Maikle Wood, to the N. of the W. end of the cultivated land, are some half a dozen mounds, overgrown with vegetation, measuring from 18' to 20' in diameter; also the indefinite remains of a hut circle, through which a road passes running E. and W. Small mounds extend for some distance through the wood towards the W. and N. 30 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Ckeich. In the SE. corner of the wood, about 150 yards above the road, is a small group of ill-defined mounds. O.S.M., Sutil, cviii. (unnoted). Visited, 6th October 1909. Sepulchral Constructions. 77. Cairns, Coille Poll na h-Airde .—Some 300 yards S. of Bed- house, and almost entirely overgrown with whins, are the remains of a cairn which appears to have been circular, with a diameter of about 57'. The interior and E. side at some remote period have been entirely removed. The cairn at the Newton Point has been excavated and almost completely carted away for road metal. 78. Cairn, etc., Black Wood. —The cairn in the Black Wood, near the shore, has been almost entirely removed. There are two small mounds to the W. of it. O.S.M., Suth., cxii. Visited, 14th July 1909. 79. Cairn, Allt nan Ban. —About \ m. NW. of Spinningdale Post- Office, on the E. of the Allt nan Eun, and some 30 yards back from the road, inside a wood, are the remains of a large circular cairn, much dilapidated and overgrown with grass. Its diameter has been about 60'. There is no indication of its character. 80. Do., do. —Some 40 yards to the NE. are the remains of another cairn, the interior of which has been almost entirely carted away. The diameter has been about 90', and the height on the SE. side is still about 12'. Near the centre a single large upright slab is exposed for a height of about 3', and suggests a chambered character, the direction of the chamber being apparently NNE. and SSW. See Antiquaries, xliv., p. 104. O.S.M., Suth., cxii. (unnoted). Visited, 23rd July 1909. 81. Cairn, Achaidh. —Near the edge of the wood, to the SE. of Achaidh, about | m. N. of Bhivra, and some 30 yards from the road, is a cairn, elliptical in outline, and measuring 35'x24', with its longest axis WNW. and ESE. It is only a foot or two in height, and is almost level on the top. Neither cist nor chamber is apparent, nor is it certain that the character of the remains is sepulchral. 82. Chambered Cairn. — Do.- —Some 30 yards NE. of the last, and nearer the road, is another cairn, which has been excavated. Its general appearance suggests that it is of horned character, but this can only be definitely ascertained after the stones obscuring its out¬ line have been cleared away. The diameter across the centre between the supposed horns from N. to S. is 53' and from E. to W. 50'. The horns appear to project for some 16' and to be some 20' broad at the base. In the centre of the E. or ESE. side the top of a large lintel stone in situ, 6' 4" long, is visible, apparently covering the entrance to the passage. At 12' inwards from this stone is another lintel stone, at the entrance to the chamber. It is triangular in section, 6' in length, 2' across the base, and 2' deep. It has originally rested on two jambs, 3' 1" and 2' 6" in length respectively, about 2' apart, and 4' high, but the jamb on the S. side being lower than that INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 31 Parish of Creich. opposite, the height of the latter has been supplemented with stones. From this insecure bed the lintel has shifted somewhat. The main axis of the chamber is ESE. and WNAV. It is almost rectangular in form, except at the back, where building fills the angles between the sides and the back slab. The extreme length is 8' 9", the extreme breadth 7'. The walls are formed of seven large slabs, two on either side of the chamber, one forming the back wall, and one on either side of the entrance to support the lintel. The spaces between the edges of the slabs are filled with well-laid horizontal building. The height of the chamber to the remaining portion of the overlapping roof is 6' 9" and to the point from which the roof begins to converge 4' 6". The height of the cairn, previous to excavation, was some 8'. The floor of the chamber is paved with flags over its greater extent, laid on the old natural surface. There were found, on excavation, the remains of a single unburnt interment, a short-tanged flint scraper, and a fragment, some 2" square, of darkish pottery, of fine texture, part of a round vessel with a slightly everted lip, ornamented with impressions of a finger nail. The flint and fragment of pottery are preserved in the National Museum of Antiquities, Edinburgh. See Antiquaries, xliv. p. 104 (illus.). O.S.M., Suth., cxi. Visited, 23rd July 1909. 83. Chambered Cairn, Kyleoag .—About 200 yards NE. of Kyleoag, at the upper end of an open area in the wood, is a large cairn. Its exact outline is difficult to determine, but its diameter at right angles to a large triangular block, apparently a lintel, is 57', and across the supposed chamber in rear of it 507 On the NW. and S. there are indications of projecting horns, but the growth of bracken and other vegetation obscures details. The horn towards the S. appears to project for about 10', and to be about 15' wide at base. On the E. a stone dyke has been built close to the cairn. At 10' in from the edge, on the S. side, lies a large block, triangular in section, 10' 6" in length, about 2' deep, and 1\' across. It lies ENE. and WSW., so that the chamber in rear of it probably lies MW. and SSE. The cairn is about 12' high on the W. side. Between 150 and 200 yards SE. of Kyleoag House, on the top of a slight ridge some 30' S. of the road from Spinningdale to Migdale, is a cairn entirely overgrown with long heather. It measures some 40' from N. to S. and 45' from E. to W., and in height it is from 8' to 10' high. Its character is not revealed. O.S.M., Suth., cxi. Visited, 23rd July 1909. 84. Chambered Cairn, Ledmore Wood .—Just past the W. end of Ledmore Wood, and about 1 m. N. of the Dun of Creich, is a large cairn. Its diameter from N. to S. is some 47' and from E. to W. 52'. This appears to be a horned cairn. The horn projecting towards the NW. is quite distinct, the outline of stones being clearly visible. It appears to project about 10', and is about 17' broad at base. The horn to the SE. is indicated, but excavation is necessary to establish its existence. The diameter from the end of the NW. horn, across the cairn to the SE., is 05'. At 30' in from the W. side is a broad 32 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Pakisii of Creich. Hat slab, standing erect, measuring 4' 4" across, and to the SW. of it the top of another protrudes at right angles. These are evidently parts of a chamber. Against the cairn, towards the NE., are the foundations of a small rectangular construction. Some 40 yards W. of the cairn is a low mound, with a depression in the centre of about 4' 6" diameter and 1' 3" in depth. The enclos¬ ing bank of stones, overgrown with turf, is 3' to 4' in thickness. Along the open area above Ledmore Wood, at about the 500' elevation, towards the W. end of the wood, are a number of small mounds. O.S.M., Sutil, cxi. Visited, 27th July 1909. 85. “ Carn an fhitich’’ The Tulloch, Bonarbridge. —On The Tulloch, £ m. N. of the schoolhouse, are the remains of “ Carn an fhitich.” The diameter is some 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. 6" map indicates that two stone cists existed in it. 86. Chambered Cairn, “ Carn Liath.” — Do. — Do. —At the W. end of Druim Liath, and about 1 m. N. of Bonarbridge, is “ Carn Liath.” It has been excavated, and much of the stone removed, especially from the E. 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. edge probably indicates the commencement of the chamber, and the pointed head of a large boulder, set with its broad face to the E. at 42' inwards, seems to have formed the back. O.S.M., Suth., cviii. Visited, 2nd October 1909. 87. “ Carn an Duin,” Creagan Beamliar. —On the top of a slight eminence at the SW. end of Creagan Beamliar are the remains of what has probably been a cairn. The construction has to a great extent been removed, but appears to have measured 64' from N. to S. by 77' from E. to W. Two lines of large stones, set point upwards, are visible, one line marking the exterior limit of the cairn, the other some 12' within it on the N., 13' on the E., 5' on the S., and 16' on the W. The position in which the stones are placed weighs against the probability that this has been a broch, which the name suggests. It has been so pillaged that its true character is difficult to determine. 88. “ Carn Mor’’ Tulloch. —On the croft of Mr Wm. MacKenzie at Tulloch, to the N. of Bonarbridge, and about 150 yards SSW. of his house, is a cairn, measuring some 60' in diameter and 6' in height, bearing the name of “ Carn Mor ” (unnoted). O.S.M., Suth., cxi. Visited, 4th October 1909. 89. Cairn, Mailcle. —On the farm of Maikle, about 200 yards NNW. of the farm buildings, are the remains of a large cairn. It appears to have measured some 70' in diameter ; but about one-third of it, on the E. side, has been removed. The remainder is from 10' to 12' high. There are no signs of a chamber or cist exposed. A short cist, con- INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. - 33 Parish of Creich. tabling a cinerary urn and a bronze blade, was found in the cairn in 1853. See Antiquaries, x. p. 432 (relic illus.). O.S.M., Suth, cviii. Visited, 6th October 1909. 90. Chambered Cairn (remains of), Invershin. —On the top of a low oak-clad knoll, about ^ m. N. of Invershin Station, and some 30 yards E. of the road, are a number of large slabs which have formed part of the walls of the megalithic chamber of a cairn. The chamber seems to have been undivided, measuring 13' in length by 7'in breadth, and to have been entered from the S. Seven slabs remain, two on each side, one at the back, and two low portal stones at the entrance. The most southerly of the two stones on the W. side has fallen, the others are in situ. All trace of the outline of the cairn has dis¬ appeared, but the chamber is still partially filled with stones. O.S.M., Suth., cviii. (unnoted). Visited, 5th October 1909. 91. Stone Circle, Auchinduich .—About m. due E. of the road from Lairg to Bonarbridge, and nearly the same distance NE. of the i JL Fig. 10.—Stone Circle, Auchinduich (No. 91). shepherd’s cottage at Auchinduich, are the remains of a stone circle. It has consisted of an outer and an inner circle. Of the outer circle five consecutive stones remain from NE. to SSW., while those towards the E. and S. have been removed. The stones have been set with their broad faces at right angles to the line of circumference. The largest stone—that at the NE.—is 4' high above ground, 3' wide at base, and about 1' thick; it has a sharp edge to the interior of the circle, and slightly tapers to the top. Counting from NE. to S. by W., No. 2 is a similar stone to No. 1, 3' across, 4' high, and nearly 2' thick. It is 8' distant from No. 1. No. 3 is 11' distant from No. 2, is slightly tilted to the NE., measures 3' wide, is exposed for a height of 3' 8", and is about 1' thick. No. 4 is 10' distant from No. 3, is 3' broad, 3' 4" high, and some 1' 2" thick at centre. No. 5, 6' distant, is a rectangular block some 3' 1" in height, and 1' 3" by 1 in thickness. The diameter of the circle has been about 28'. Of the inner circle only three stones remain, about 5' distant from the outer circumference, approximately concentric with it, and within the existing arc. The most southerly stone is situated N. by W. of 3 34. HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Ckeich. the most southerly stone of the outer circle (No. 5), and is a stone of similar character. It is a tall block, rectangular in section, measur¬ ing 1' 4" x 8", with its broad face at right angles to the line of the circumference, and is 3' high. It has evidently been interfered with and recently propped up. No. 2 northwards has been similarly set, but is tilted over. It is exposed for a length of 2' 4", measures Y 3" across and 6" in thickness. It is about 4' distant from No. 1. No. 3 is a broad Hat-pointed slab, set with its face in line of the circum¬ ference. It measures 2' 6" across the base, 7" in thickness, and is exposed for 1' 10"., It stands about 4' distant from No. 2. There is a depression in the centre, as if the interior had been excavated, and a slight mound on the E. side tends to confirm this (tig. 10). There are no mounds or hut circles immediately near, though they occur on the slope of tire hill nearer the road. O.S.M., Sutil, ciii. (unnoted). Visited, 2nd July 1909. 92. Stone Circle (supposed), Linsidemore. —At Linsidemore, on a croft near the middle of the township, and some 40 yards N. 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 continuous circle, the stones of which appear to have been set contiguously. Two or three pointed stones remain set with their broad faces in line of the circumference, but the majority 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 of the circle, does not appear to be in situ. From the NE., running round by E. to SW., are the remains of an outer circle of boulders which seem to converge with the inner circle towards the NE. The elevation of the centre of the inner circle suggests that a small cairn may have existed there, while a depression seems to indicate that this has been excavated. The diameter of the inner circle is from 40' to 43', and the outer circle seems to have been some 6' distant from it. The exact character of the construc¬ tion is not quite evident, owing to interference due to the cultivation of the land in which it stands. O.S.M., Suth., cii. (unnoted). Visited, 5th October 1909. Miscellaneous. 93. Sculptured Cross , Tutim. — In the NW. corner of the old grave¬ yard which stands on the top of a bank some 300 to 400 yards E. of the shepherd’s house at Tutim, in Strath Oykell, is a slab covering a modern grave. It is of the native schist, 4' long by Y 7" broad, and has incised on its surface a plain long-shafted Celtic cross, with the arms expanded to the extremities and the angles at the intersections hollowed. The ends of the arms are straight, and the base of the stem is rounded. The full length of the cross is 3', the breadth across the arms Y 6", and the width of the shaft 5"; the arms are 8" in length, and expand from 4" to 5" in breadth. O.S.M., Suth., ci. Visited, 30th June 1909. 94. Du., Creich. —In the churchyard at Creich, about 50' SSE. of the SE. corner of the Parish Church, is a recumbent slab, 6' long. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 35 Parish of Creich. 2' 10" broad at its W. end, and P 8" at the E. Incised on the surface is a Latin cross set on a graduated base measuring 5' in length over all and 1' 6" across the arms. The breadth of the shaft is 4". The upper arm is pointed symmetrically at its termination and the side arms obliquely. An inscription, now undecipherable, runs round the upper edge of the slab. O.S.M., Suth., cxi. Visited, 4th October 1909. 95. Do., Greicli .—Some 40 yards SE. of Creich Church is a rough unhewn block, with a long-shafted Celtic cross incised on the NE. face of it. The slab stands 6' 10" above ground, and is 2' wide. The cross is 4' 3" long; the upper arm 10" across, the side arms 9", the stem 9". At L 7" from base it contracts to 7", and again swells out at the foot so as to form a base 4" deep. The angles are hollowed and rounded. The stone is known locally as “ St Demhan’s Cross” (fig. 11). See Stat. Acd., viii. p. 372. O.S.M., Suth., cxi. Visited, 8th July 1909. 96. Standing-Stone, Inver shin Mains. —In a cultivated field at Invershin Mains, about ^ m. S. of Inveran Inn, and 100 yards W. of the high road, is a standing-stone. It faces N. and S., is quadrangular in section, measuring 5' 5" in height above ground, 2' 6" in breadth at base, and P 5" near the upper end, and 1' 4" in thickness. Some 4' to the S. of it a stone, 5' in length and 7" to 8" in thickness, hog-backed in form, protrudes to a height of about 1' from the ground. O.S.M., Suth., cvii. (unnoted). Visited, 5th October 1909. 97. Standing-Stone ,“ ClachdCharra,” Ospisdale .—On the roadside near Ospis- dale House is a tall pointed monolith standing IP 2" above ground. It is quadrangular in section, the sides measuring 20". 22", 17", and 11" respectively. The S. face is flat and smooth, and 5' above the ground a hole, If" across and If" deep, has been drilled into it about 1" E. of the centre. It is called “ Clach a Charra.” O.S.M., Suth., cxii. Visited, 8th July 1909. 6 o H-h+H— 2* Feet Fig. 11.—Sculptured Cross, Creich (No. 95). 98. Construction (remains of), Swordale, Bonarlridge .—Within Swordale Wood, at the edge of the cultivated land and on the E. of the tongue that projects towards the SSW., about 270 yards W. of Little Swordale, is a great triangular mass of stones, with a slight 36 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Creich. concave outline to the NE. It is 50' in length and 46' across the front facing NE. It is fiat on the top, and about 4' high. In front of it are irregular indefinite foundations of walls. This mass of boulders seems too huge to have been formed of stones merely gathered from the adjacent fields, unless these were thickly strewn with cairns, and it does not resemble any known construction. O.S.M., Suth., cxi. (unnoted). Visited, 27th July 1909. 99. Iron Smelting (remains of), Auchinduich. —On the right bank of the Allt an Raidhe Dhorcha, a short distance E. of the railway, about f m. S. of Auchinduich Lodge, is a heap of iron slag, measuring 30' across and 4' in height. O.S.M., Suth., ci. (unnoted). Visited, 2nd July 1909. Sites. 100. Invershin Castle or Duffus Castle. —The Castle of Invershin or Duffus, situated on the E. side of the Kyle of Sutherland, some | m. to the S. of Inveran Inn, has almost entirely disappeared. The mound on which it was placed stands on the bank above the Kyle, and is some 14' in height on the landward side. It has been surrounded by a ditch. O.S.M., Suth., cvii. Visited, 5th October 1909. 101. Islet , Loch Migdale. —At the W. end of Loch Migdale, some 60 yards from the shore, is an islet, which appears to be artificial. It is formed of boulders laid on a sub-aqueous ridge of clay, and is some 63' in diameter. The loch is shallow towards the landward side at the W., but deep on the other sides. The islet is said to have been a place of occupation in 1630. See Gordon, p. 5 ; Macfarlane’s Geog. Coll., ii. p. 545. O.S.M., Suth., cxi. Visited, 2nd August 1909. PARISH OF DORNOCH. Ecclesiastical Structures. 102. Dornoch Cathedral. — The Cathedral, said to have been erected by Bishop Gilbert in the first half of the 13th century, was burned by the Master of Caithness and Mackay of Strathnaver in 1570, and the ruin was further destroyed by a gale in 1605. A certain amount of restoration was undertaken about the year 1616; otherwise the structure remained in a ruinous condition until 1835- 37, when it was rebuilt from the foundation, with the exception of the central tower, resting on lancet arches springing from shafted pillars, the old windows being more or less preserved. A large pointed five-light window,with unfoliated intersecting tracery, occupies the W. wall of the nave. There is a piscina on the S. side of the chancel, with continuous mouldings. Cordiner gives a plate showing a part of the ruins as they existed towards the end of the 18th century. See Trans. Aberdeen Eccles. Soc., 1891, p. 31 (illus.); Cast, and Dom. Arch., ii. p. 336 ; Neale’s Eccles. Notes, p. 66 ; Gordon, pp. 31, INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 37 Parish of Dornoch. 156, 255, and 309; Cordiner’s Ruins , ii. (illus.); Pennant (1769), pp. 187, 359; Pococke k p. 168; Agriculture of Sutherland, p. 167 (illus.). 103. Recumbent Bjfigy. —At the W. end of the nave lie the mutilated remains of a recumbent effigy on the top of a sarcophagus, said by Sir Robert Gordon to be that of Richard Murray, a brother of Bishop Gilbert, slain at the battle of Embo. The figure is shown as clad in chain mail, covered with a surcoat having a bordered edge at the neck and arm holes. The head of the figure, resting on a small square cushion, is detached. The upper part of it is broken off and the features effaced. The arms are gone, also the lower half of one of the legs and part of the remaining foot. There has apparently been a shield resting on the left breast, and the knight has been girt with his sword. The legs have been crossed, and have rested on the back of a lion. The full length of the figure is 6' 11". The sarcophagus is 7' long, 1' 4" high, Y 11" wide at the head and 1' 6" at the foot. The cushion projects 7" beyond the top of the sarcophagus. See Origines, ii. pt. ii. p. 624; Gordon, p. 33; Pennant (1769), p. 359. O.S.M., Sutil, cxiii. Visited, 6th July 1909. Castellated and Domestic Structures. 104. Bishop's Palace, Dornoch. —Opposite the Cathedral at Dornoch stand the remains of the Bishop’s Palace. Like the Cathedral, it was destroyed in 1570, and after lying in ruins was partially restored in the beginning of the 19th century for use as a County Court House and Jail. At the NW. corner is a lofty tower having angle bartizaus and crow-stepped gables, with a round stair turret contain¬ ing the entrance filling the angle between it and a modernised wing. See Cast, and Dom. Arch , ii. p. 336 (illus.); Origines , ii. pt. ii. p. 647. O.S.M., Suth., cxiii. Visited, 6th July 1909. 105. Skelbo Castle. —Skelbo Castle occupies an imposing site over¬ looking Loch Fleet, at the edge of a high bank. The castle is a com¬ plete ruin, and of the N. wall only does any considerable portion remain. It has occupied the NW. corner of a walled enclosure, and has been a rectangular structure measuring interiorly 43' from E. to W. and 29' 6" from N. to S., with walls 4' 9" in thickness. The wall of the enclosure, which is 4' 6" in thickness, in great measure remains standing. Abutting on the SW. end of the castle has been a range of buildings, now completely ruined. The castle formerly belonged to the family of Sutherland of Duffus. See Origines, ii. pt. ii. p. 646. O.S.M., Suth., cx. Visited, 12th July 1909. Defensive Constructions. 106. Broch, Skelbo Wood. —Near the centre of Skelbo Wood, on a low knoll to the E. of the path which crosses the wood from N. to S., on a situation commanding an extensive view of Loch Fleet and the adjacent shore, are the remains of a broch. It is now a structureless mass of ruins, in great measure covered with grass and planted over with trees. Neither face of the wall is visible. The diameter over 38 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Dornoch. all appears to be about 60'. At about 17' distant from its base the broch has been surrounded by a rampart or wall, now entirely over¬ grown. Towards the NE. the wall has receded further from the broch, and an enclosure has been formed, 37' long by 20' wide, by walls crossing the interspace. To the E. of this enclosure a break in the rampart, and the levelling up of the hollow in rear of it, suggest the position of the entrance to the broch. O.S.M., Suth., cx. Visited, 12th July 19U9. 107. Brocli , Brae .—On the left bank of the Allt Lochan Ianan Bhuidhe, J m. above its junction with the Carnaig Eiver, are the ruins of a broch. The situation is near the base of the hill, on the top of a bank whence the ground slopes sharply to the flat land by the river. The broch now occupies the upper end of a large walled enclosure. It is a complete ruin, and has been greatly pillaged. The interior diameter is 27'. The greatest height of walling visible in the interior is about 5', and externally the wall is reduced to the foundation. The position of the entrance is uncertain, but it appears to have been from the WSW. The thickness of the wall at that point is 19', while on the ENE. it is 14'. A large circular enclosure abuts on the broch towards the ENE. O.S.M., Suth., civ. Visited, 12th August 1909. 108. Fortified Enclosure, Dalnamain .—On an isolated hillock at the E. end of the birch wood, on the S. side of the road up Strath Carnaig, opposite Dalnamain, are the remains of a fortified enclosure. The hillock rises to a height of some 40' from its base. On the summit is an oval enclosure measuring some 78' from E. to W. by 42' from N. to S. A portion of the wall remains to a height of about 2' at the E. end, and is about 8' broad. This wall has been encircled by an¬ other from 12' to 15' distant at the edge of the summit towards the E. and along the slope on the flanks. At the W. 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. end and 98' at the E., supplemented on the N. by a trench some 6' deep below the top of the rampart and some 8' to 12' wide. The only break in this bank or rampart is one of 3' in width at the W, from which to the central enclosure there is an approach up an easy slope. The entrance to the main enclosure is not apparent, but has probably been from the E. end. The foundations of the walls are stony, and appear to be built, but there is hardly sufficient debris to indicate that the walls were entirely of stone. O.S M., Suth., civ. (unnoted). Visited, 3rd September 1909. Hut Circles, and Associated Constructions. 109. Gnoc Odhar .—Some 20' to the N. of the cairn on the E. end of Cnoc Odhar (No. 132) are the remains of a hut circle, partially demolished, and the site of another about 50' W. of it. Both appear to have been of the simple oval form. There are a few small mounds in their neighbourhood, but the hill at this part is overgrown with whins, and they are difficult to find. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 39 Parish of Dornoch. 110. Creag an Amalaidh .—About ) s m. WSW. of Cambusmore Lodge, on the upper side of the road to Achinael, is a group of about a dozen mounds of the usual small circular type. One, however, is sub-oval, measuring 22' x 12', with its longest axis NE. and SW. 111. Do .—Some 150 yards NW. of the cairn on Creag an Amalaidh (No. 133) is a hut circle of unusual form. The main enclosure is sub-oval in form, and is 37' in length. A slight con¬ striction near the middle divides it into two compartments, that at the N. measuring 19' across and that at the S. 12'. The entrance is by a passage 10' long and 2' wide leading into the larger compart¬ ment at its SW. end. The wall of the smaller compartment where it bounds the passage takes the form of a mound of earth and stone 7' in width. On the opposite or W. side the passage is flanked by a small circular compartment, of about 4' interior diameter, entering 7' from the exterior through a passage about 3' long. Abutting on ‘fw+W-f--1-1 Fig. 12.—Hut Circle, Creag an Amalaidh (No. 111). the outer main wall towards the NW. is a small circular compartment with an interior diameter of about 6' 6". The walls of the structure have been formed entirely of undressed stone, built without mortar, about 4' 6'' in thickness except, as above mentioned, on the side of the entrance. They are almost completely ruined (fig. 12). 112. Do .—Some 200 yards WNW. of the cairn on Creag an Amalaidh (No. 133) is a circular dry-built enclosure, with a wall of 13' in thickness, of large undressed stones. The entrance is from the NW. through a passage 18' in length and 1' 6” in width, to contain which the wall has been thickened to that extent along the circum¬ ference for 10' towards the E. and 9' towards the W. On the SW. of the interior is a round recess in the thickness of the wall, 4 across and 4' deep, and to the right of the entrance another, 4 deep and 3 across, with signs of another, similar in situation and dimension, on the opposite side. To the N. side of the centre of the interior is a built hearth of stone, of about 3' interior diameter, partially enclosed by a wall still at the back about 1' 6'' high. The wall enclosing the 40 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Dornoch. whole structure is at most 2' high. The interior is overgrown with bracken (fig. 13). Fig. 13.—Hut Circle, Creag an Amalaidh (No. 112). 113. Do .—Some 100 yards W. of the last is another similar con¬ struction, with two well-defined circular recesses in the thickness of the wall. The interior diameter is about 25'. The thickness of the wall is about 13', expanding gradually to 21' on either side of the entrance. The details of the interior of the structure are difficult to determine. From the end of the entrance a bed of stones extends into the interior towards the SE., expanding from about 5' to 9' across, with a length of about 18'. The E. side of this bed is 2' distant from the interior wall opposite, and it appears to divide the structure into two main compartments. In the thickness of the wall, at the S. of the INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 41 Parish of Dornoch. interior, are the two semicircular recesses: that at the E. side some 4' to 5' in diameter, and that towards the W. some 3' to 4'. The entrance is from the NW. (fig. 14). 114. Do .—Some 50 yards E. of the last is a ruined structure, the wall of which, about 8' in thickness, is formed of boulders. Its total length is 46', and its main features are a circular enclosure at either end, joined by connecting walls. It lies N. and S. The enclosure at the N. end measures 15' 6" across by 13' in length interiorly: that at the S. 10' xir 6", the remaining portion being about 8'wide and apparently divided into compartments. There is an outer enclosure abutting on it at the NW., some 18' in length, and expanding from 4' at the N. end to 8' at the W., with an entrance from the S. The entrance to the main structure appears to have been from the SE., but its details are obscure. 115. Do .—Some 40 yards W. of the last is a hut circle of about 26' interior diameter, with an entrance about 3' wide from the W. The wall, which is of stone, is about 6' thick, expanding to 10' on either side of the entrance. 116. Do .—About \ m. NW. of the large cairn on Creag an Amalaidh is a hut circle, with a wall 7' across formed of boulders. Fig. 15.—Hut Circle, Creag an Amalaidh (No. 116). The interior, which is circular, is about 18' in diameter. The entrance is from the SE. through a passage 20' in length and 1' 4" wide. It is flanked on the W. side by a chamber entering off the passage near its outer end about 18' in length. The wall on the E. side is pro¬ longed beyond the termination of the passage for an indefinite distance winding down the hillside (fig. 15). 117. Do. — About 300 yards SE. of Achinael Cottage, on the upper side of the road, is a hut circle of stone, with a wall about 7' thick, increasing to 10' at either side of the entrance. The interior diameter is 25', and the entrance is from the NE. Several small rounded recesses are apparent in the interior face of the wall. 118. Do .—To the N. of Achinael Cottage some 300 yards is a 42 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Dornoch. hut circle, a circular enclosure with an entrance 5' wide, and a large group of mounds of the ordinary low circular type. O.S.M., Suth., cix. Visited, 7th July 1909. 119. Achvaich, Strath Ach a’ Bliathaich .—On the E. side of Strath Ach a’ Bhathaich, nearly | m. N. of the confluence of the Ach Vaich Burn and the River Evelix, on the SW. slope of the hill, is a small scattered group of mounds. On a slight eminence is a hut circle of the simple oval form, with entrance from the S., but its outline is too indefinite for accurate measurement. Some 60 yards to the NNW. of it is a low artificial mound, oval or kidney shaped. On the top is an enclosure 13' long by 9' wide, with an entrance from the SE. about V 10" wide. The thickness of the enclosing bank is about 5'. O.S.M., Suth., cix. Visited, 10th July 1909. 120. Dalchiel .-—At Dalchiel near Fleuchary, 3 m. ENE. of Dornoch, on a piece of waste land between the road and the River Evelix, is a small mound with traces of circular enclosures in its vicinity. O.S.M,, Suth, cxii. Visited, 10th July 1909. 121. Camore Wood .—Some 300 yards SE. of the cairn (No. 141), near the centre of Camore Wood, at the edge of a clearing, is a hut circle. It measures interiorly 30' x 34', with its entrance from the SE. The enclosing bank has been from 5' 6" to 6' in thickness, except at the entrance, where it projects outward on either side so as to form a passage 10' or 11' in length. The present width of this passage is 9', but a tree has been planted in the centre of it, and it appears to have been in part dug out. On the top of a knoll some 300 yards S. is a circular enclosure of 28' interior diameter, surrounded by a bank some 6' thick. The entrance is from the NE., and is 6' wide. The interior has been hollowed out to some extent, and its level in the centre is about 3' below that of the top of the bank. There are several small mounds and remains of a few simple oval hut circles about the wood at this part, but the undergrowth of heather and the planting have obscured the details. Four of the enclosures in the E. half of the wood, noted on the O.S. map as hut circles, have more the appearance of cattle enclosures. Interiorly they measure some 40' in diameter. The banks are some 5' in thickness, and the entrances from various directions are from 7' to 8' wide. O.S.M., Sutil, cxiii. Visited, 13th July 1909. 122. Clashmore Wood .—About 1 m. NW. of the factor’s office at Clashmore, on the N. side of the track through Clashmore Wood and some 100 yards NW. of the cairn (No. 144), is a hut circle, with its entrance from the SSE., measuring interiorly 33' 6"x35' 6". The encircling bank is some 6' wide, broadening gradually for a distance of about 17' as it approaches the entrance on either side to a width of 13' 6". There are indications of the existence of a chamber on the W. side of the passage. A tree planted on the E. side prevents the width of the passage being ascertained. A number of well-preserved small mounds lie around, one actually INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 43 Parish of Dornoch. abutting on the bank towards the E. Some 50 yards NW. is a con¬ spicuous mound measuring 20' in diameter and some 3' in height. Through the wood to the NW. are a number of other mounds. The O.S. map indicates a hut circle in the wood about 1-| m. WNW. of the factor’s office at Clashmore. O.S.M., Suth., cxii. (unnoted). Visited, 20th July 1909. 123. Asile .— Up the Crask and along the ridge which runs towards the SE., at an elevation of from 400' to 500' above the sea, are numerous mounds, hut circles, etc., and indistinct remains of ancient walls. Some 400 yards NW. of the westmost cottage in Astle are two circular enclosures almost contiguous. That to the W. is of the usual oval form of hut circle, with entrance from the SSE. It measures interiorly 36'x38'. The hank is 7'6" thick, and gradually widens towards the entrance, where it measures 14' 6" along the line of the passage. The entrance appears to be about 1' 4" wide. The slope of the hill is towards the entrance, and the back of the en¬ closure has been excavated so as to render the floor level. There is little sign of the bank on the upper side. The enclosure adjacent is 9' 6" distant. It is circular, with an interior diameter of about 43', and has the entrance from the SSE. about 5' wide. The hank, which is much broken, appears to have been about 7' thick. Some half a dozen mounds lie in the immediate neighbourhood of these enclosures. Some 400 yards NNE. of the westmost house at Astle are the ruins of a circular enclosure. It is slightly pear-shaped in form, measuring about 31' 6"x35', with the main entrance probably from the NE. The wall has been composed largely of stone, and has evidently been higher than that of the ordinary hut circle. The interior appears to have been divided into three main compartments by stone walls. At about 14' 6" from the E. end the base of a wall, some 8' thick, crosses it from N. to S., and is joined by a wall, about 5' 6" wide, running inward from the N. side of the entrance. The compartment formed on the S. appears to have measured some 9' x 10', and that on the N. is somewhat less. The wall appears to have been from 7' to 8' thick. Owing to the amount of stone in the interior from the ruined wall the details are obscured. There are indications of separate entrances through the wall into each chamber. There are no mounds in the immediate vicinity. O.S.M., Suth., cix (unnoted). Visited, 20th July 1909. 124. Harriet Plantation .—On the W. side of the westmost of the two tracks which enter the Harriet Plantation from the S., and some 200 yards N. of the road past Birichin, is a small circular enclosure, surrounded by the base of a wall, outlined on both faces with boulders. The walls are 3' 6" thick, the interior about 3' diameter; and the entrance from the S. is through a passage 3' long and 1' 1" to 1' 4" wide. O.S.M., Suth., cix. (unnoted). Visited, 12th July 1909. 125. Torboll. —On the S. face of the hill, about 1 m. W. of Torboll, and £ m. N. of the River Carnaig, are a number of mounds rather larger 44 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Dornoch. than usual. One measures 30'x 16', is irregular in outline, and is formed of very small as well as very large stones. Near by is a hut circle of simple oval form, with its entrance from the SE., and its longest axis in the same direction, measuring interiorly 26' x 32'. It is overgrown with heather. The enclosing bank is about 8' thick. Some 40' N. is another, also entering from the SE., measuring interiorly ll'xl7'. Some 300 yards to the N., higher up the hill, about the 500' elevation, is another large group of small mounds, with a small hut circle to the S. of the group. The inner face of the bank of this circle appears to have been faced with stone. The entrance has been from the SE., but its dimensions are indefinite. The interior diameter is 5'x 8'. The bank is 6' across. Numerous small mounds lie to the NNW., mostly circular, measuring about 18' in diameter, and 3' 6" to 4' in height. Immediately to the N. of “ Carn Liath ” (No. 134) is another group of small mounds and a hut circle. The latter measures 8'x 12', and is enclosed by a bank 6' thick. The entrance appears to have been from the NW., and to have been narrow. On the S. the bank projects for 7', so as to flank it. Some 200 yards NW. of “ Carn Liath ” is a mound,with a diameter of 37', and height from 3' to 3' 6". Some 40' W. of it is a circular enclosure, with interior diameter of about 25', and an entrance from the NW. about 7' across. There are also indications of a narrow entrance from the SE. and of other details flanking it. In front, to the NW. of this enclosure, is a low oblong mound lying SE. and NW., 38' long, 13' broad at the SE. end, and 16' at the NW. 126. Do .—Some 200 yards S. of the large cairn below Craig a’ Bhlair, and about ^ m. NW. of “ Carn Liath,” is a well-defined circular enclosure, with walls of stone about 6' thick, faced towards the interior with flat-sided boulders set contiguously. The interior diameter is 37'. The entrance is from the SE., through a passage 10' 6'' long on the W. side and 7' on the E. Entering from the passage on the W. side, at about 4' from the exterior, through an opening 1' to 1' 3" wide, is a triangular chamber 10' long and 4' to 4' 6" wide. In the interior, to the E. of the entrance, is a small enclosure set off with boulders abut¬ ting on the wall, measuring interiorly 4' long by 3' wide. From the S. side of the circle an old ruined wall runs S. for a few yards, and then curves away eastwards round the flank of the hill (fig. 16). O.S.M., Suth., civ. Visited, 9th July 1909. 127. Do.—-About \ m. above Torboll waterfall, and some 150 yards WNW. of the large cairn (No. 136), are the remains of a circular con¬ struction, of some 30' interior diameter, which appears to have had secondary rectangular erections in the interior. Some 60 yards W. of the large cairn is a small oval mound, measuring some 17' x 8', with its longest axis NW. and SE.; and a few feet to the NW. of it is a natural hillock, with a small circular mound of some 16' diameter, probably artificial, on the top of it. O.S.M., Suth., civ. (unnoted). Visited, 12th August 1909. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 45 Pa kish of Dornoch. 128. Brae .—Some 300 yards E. of the keeper’s house at Brae, close by the road on the right bank of the Carnaig River, is a hut circle enclosed by a bank of earth and stone some 7' in thickness. The entrance is from the ESE.,and is 3' wide. The interior measure¬ ment is 30' x 32'. From a point some 10' distant from the entrance, along the outer circumference of the circle, a bank runs out in an easterly direction, and from the opposite side of the entrance, and flanking it, an arm projects for a distance of 10'. 129. Bo .—Situated about 100 yards NW. of the last hut circle is another of more complex form, measuring interiorly 39' x 33'. Its surrounding bank is of turf and stone, and the entrance is from the ESE. The interior has been sub-divided into two main compart¬ ments by a bank or wall, varying from 6' to 9' in thickness. The compartment on the SW. side, which is oblong, with a curve towards the E. at the S. end, measures about 21' x 9', while the other on the NE. is approximately circular, and has a diameter of about 20'. Opening out of the latter compartment towards the SE. is another, measuring interiorly some 7' X 4', and containing on its NE. side a small enclosure, 3' 6" in length by 1' 6" in breadth. The entrance to the large circular enclosure has been from the ESE. 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 ascertainable. Beyond it, in the interior, is an open circular space of from 10' to 12' in diameter. The bank on the E. side of the entrance is carried outward for a total length of 22', 46 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Dornoch. and at its termination there is an indication of a wall base passing at right angles to it, in front of the entrance (fig. 17). Nowhere in the vicinity of these enclosures are there any mounds. O.S.M., Sutil, civ. (unnoted). Visited, 12th August 1909. 130. Dalnamain .—About \ m. NE. of the shepherd’s house at Dalnamain, at an elevation of some 400' over sea level, is a group of about a dozen mounds, of the usual small type, and a hut circle. The circle lias an interior diameter of some 26'. Its entrance is from the SE. through a passage 9' long. The width of the entrance is indefinite, but it has been narrow—probably about 3'. The thickness of the bank is 6'. Near by are the remains of old enclosing banks. 131. Allt Tigh Neill .—On the W. side of the Allt Tigh Neill, about 100' above the road up Strath Carnaig and immediately above the birch wood, is a group of from fifteen to twenty small mounds and two hut circles. Of the hut circles, the most easterly measures 26' x 31', with its entrance from the E. The bank is of turf and stone 7' thick in the circumference and 9' at the entrance. The second circle is some 30 yards to the W. It enters from the SE. through an entrance 3' wide. The bank is about 4' 6" thick. The interior dimensions are 20' x 25'. Abutting on it to the SW. is a small rectangular enclosure, which measures interiorly 12'x 5', and is probably a secondary construction. O.S.M., Suth., cix. Visited, 3rd September 1909. Sepulchral Constructions. 132. Chambered Cairn, Cnoc Odhar .—At the E. end of Cnoc Odhar which rises to the W. of Cambusavie Station, and some 120 yards N. of the W. end of the cultivated land, are the remains of a large round cairn. From the centre the greater part of the stones have been removed, almost completely denuding the slabs that form the W. side of the chamber. The chamber is not cleared out, and INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 47 Parish of Dornoch. the ends of several large stones protruding through the turf show its extent. It has probably been bipartite. The main chamber is reached at some 25' from the SE. edge of the cairn. It has been polygonal in form, about 7' long by 6' 6" broad. Of the slabs exposed, that towards the SW. is about 5' across, 3' 8" high above ground on the outside, and 1' 4" in the interior. An outer chamber or com¬ partment stood in the same line towards the NW., where several large displaced stones are lying, two of them, opposite each other, being 2' 6" and 3' long respectively. The dimensions of the cairn have been 62' from NE. to SW. and 69' from SE. to NW. The main axis of the chamber has been along the former direction. The O.S. map indicates the discovery of human bones here in 1868. 133. Cairn , Creag an Amalaidh . — Some h m. SE. of Achinael, just to the W. of the wire fence and above the road, is a large cairn, sub- oval in form, with its longest axis E. and W. It measures 70' in length, 43' across at the E. end and 26' at the W. About 19' from the E. it expands to 53', forming lugs on either side about 11' across. This peculiarity seems quite distinct on the N. side, but the partial demolition of the cairn renders it less obvious on the S. At the W. end it is only a foot or two in height, and it has risen towards the E, but as it has been considerably dilapidated in that direction it is impossible to say where it attained its greatest elevation. At highest it is about 6' high. No chamber or cist has been exposed. There are a few small mounds in its immediate neighbourhood. O.S.M., Suth., cix. Visited, 7th July 1909. 134. Chambered Cairn, Torholl . — On the summit of the hill, about | m. NW. of Torboll, is a large cairn known as “ Carn Liath,” which Fig. 18.—Chambered Cairn, Torboll (No. 134). has been excavated and the chamber and passage cleared out. It is circular, with a diameter of about 60'. The chamber is entered by a passage from the SE., 14' 6" in length and about 2' 4" in width. Access is between two slabs, 1' 6" apart, covered by a lintel 3' long 48 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Dornoch. and 7" deep and 2' 6” above the floor level. The chamber is bipartite, divided by two slabs some 3" to 5" thick and some 2' 6" high and 2' 4" apart. The outer compartment is roughly rectangular, 4' 7" in length by 4' 3" in width. The inner one is polygonal, but not very markedly so, measuring 6' 2" in length by 5' 4" in width. The largest slab, which is on the NE., is 4' 5" long, and the greatest height in the interior to the top of the highest slab is 3' 6". The spaces between the slabs are filled with horizontal building. From the similarity of the curved surface at the upper extremities of the end slab and of that on the NE., they appear to be portions of the same boulder which has been split. The slabs are thinner than usual. At 7' in from the outer end of the passage are two upright stones opposite each other, 2' 2" high and 2' 5" apart (fig. 18). 135. Cairn, do .—On the lowest slope of An Droighneach, at its extreme E. end, lies an oval cairn, with its longest axis SE. and NW., measuring 60' x 49'. Though much excavation has been done on it, neither cist nor chamber is exposed. A group of small mounds lie to the SE. O.S.M., Suth., civ. Visited, 9th July 1909. 136. Cairn, etc., do .—On an open piece of moorland, just beyond the termination of the birch wood, between the road up Strath Carnaig and the right bank of the Carnaig Eiver, about J m. above Torboll Fall, and some 100 yards back from the road, is a well-preserved circular cairn, overgrown with grass and studded with birch trees. Its diameter is about 50', and its height 6' or thereby. Around its base is a kerb of large contiguous boulders, averaging about 1' in height above ground and from l\’ to 2' across. On the top of the cairn is a slight circular depression of some 7' diameter. In the vicinity are a number of small mounds. About 150 yards W. of the cairn there seems to be another, its longest axis E. and W. measuring 23' x 19'. Towards the NE. some large stones are visible, marking its outline. O.S.M., Suth., civ. (unnoted). Visited, 12th August 1909. 137. Cairn (and Cup-marked Stone), Dornoch .—Some 14 m. NNE. of Dornoch, on a stretch of waste land overgrown with whins, to the W. of the railway, are the remains of a circular cairn, with a diameter of some 44'. It has been excavated. Near the centre a cist has been exposed, formed of four flat slabs, 4" to 5" in thickness, set on edge, measuring interiorly 3' 5" in length, 2' 4" in width, and 1' 10" in depth. The slab, which still partially covers the cist, is some 6' in length by 2' 4" in breadth across the centre and 6" in thickness. It is of sandstone, and presents a concave outline on its S. edge, which may have been caused by a fracture when the cist was opened. On the under side of this stone, at its W. end, is a well-defined cup mark about 2\" across and f" deep. Some 2|" to the S. of the cup a shallow groove runs along the centre of the stone from its W. end for about Y 11", curving at its E. extremity towards the S. There are a number of small hollows on both surfaces, which seem to be natural. See Antiquaries, vii. p. 270. O.S.M., Suth., cxiii. Visited, 10th July 1909. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 49 Parish of Dornoch. 138. “ Cam an Fheidh” Harriet Plantation. —Some 400 yards into the Harriet Plantation from the S., on the W. side of the westmost of the two tracks, is a circular cairn, with a diameter of about 56', and a height of from 5' to 6'. It has been broken into in several places, but neither cist nor chamber is exposed. 139. Cairn, do. —About 16' to the N. lies another circular cairn, with a diameter of about 36' and a height of about 3' 6". It has been opened up in places, but neither cist nor chamber is exposed. O.S.M., Suth., cix. Visited, 12th July 1909. 140. Cairn , Skelbo Wood. —The O.S. map indicates the remains of a cairn in Skelbo Wood, some f m. S. of Skelbo Castle, but the thick undergrowth and the young plantation have obscured them. There are a number of mounds in the neighbourhood, which are of the ordinary small class. O.S.M., Suth., cx. Visited, 12th July 1909. 141. Cairn, Camore Wood. —Some 650 yards WSW. of the W. end of Loch an treel, in Camore Wood, and about \ m. SE. of Evelix, on a slight elevation some 100 yards within the wood, is a cairn. Excavation has been made about its centre, and several cart-loads of stone, at a comparatively recent date, have been removed from its W. side, but neither chamber nor cist has actually been exposed, though there has been uncovered the head of a large slab, 3' 9" long and about 9" thick, lying E. and W. about 19' in from the circumference on the E. The cairn has been circular, with a diameter of about 47', and its greatest height is about 5'. 142. Chambered Cairn (remains of), Clashmore. —In a field im¬ mediately to the W. of the school at Clashmore, and some 120 yards N. of the high road, are three large slabs, which appear to have formed the end and part of one side of a megalithic chamber in the interior of a cairn, a small portion of which still remains. The main axis of the chamber has been SE. and NW. The slab which has apparently formed the back wall is 5' 9" across the base, 1' 6" thick, and 6' 3" high from ground level. The two slabs remaining on the SE. side measure respectively 4' 3" and 5' 8" in breadth at base. On the NW. side the head of a large stone protrudes a few inches from the ground. The cairn has been removed to such an extent that its out¬ line is not obtainable, but the portion remaining in rear of the slabs on the SE. is still 3' to 4' high. O.S.M., Suth., cxiii. (“Standing Stones”). Visited, 14th July 1909. 143. Chambered Cairn ( remains of), Evelix. —On the S. side of the road from Dornoch to Bonarbridge, about half-way between it and the River Evelix, at the edge of the wood, about ^ m. W. of Evelix, are the remains of a chambered cairn. The cairn, which has been almost entirely removed, has been circular, with a diameter of about 68'. Several of the slabs used in the formation of a large bipartite chamber remain. The chamber has had its main axis WNW. and ESE. The back slab at the WNW. end has been removed. Of the inner compartment two opposite slabs remain,about 8' 5" apart; that on the W., slightly tilted backwards, measures 4' across its base, while 4 50 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Dornoch. that on the E. measures 5' across its base, is 3' 6" high, and 2' 7" thick. Only one of the partition stones remains, viz., that on the W. side. The front half of it is flat along the top at P 9" above ground; the other end rises to 3'. Of the outer compartment two side slabs remain, about 4' 4" apart. They measure 2' 10" and 3' across the base respectively, and are each some 2' 6" above ground. That on the W. is 2' distant from the divisional stone and about 17' in from the outer edge of the cairn. In rear of the chamber several io s o VO 2offe£T fi m 1 i i l i | Fig. 19.—Chambered Cairn, Evelix (No. 143). large stones protrude, such as may have formed the back and two sides of another chamber facing the S., the side slabs in this case standing anglewise to the back slab (fig. 19). 144. Cairn, Clashmore .—About 1 m. NW. of the Factor’s Office at Clashmore, on the E. side of the track through Clashmore Wood, is a cairn. It is circular, with a diameter of about 60'. a height of about 7', and though considerably demolished, neither chamber nor cist is exposed. O.S.M., Suth., cxii. (unnoted). Visited, 20th July 1909. Miscellaneous. 145. Town Cross, Dornoch .—Situated to the W. of the Cathedral at Dornoch are the remains of the Town Cross. The shaft, chamfered at the corners, and square at the top and bottom, alone remains. It is set in a square base, chamfered in its upper edges. See Small’s Crosses, pi. 107 (illus.). 146. Earl's Cross, Dornoch .—Rather more than | m. NE. of Dornoch, and about 350 yards from the shore, is situated the Thane’s INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 51 Parish of Dornoch. or Earl’s Cross, stated to have been erected there as a memorial of the battle of Embo, fought about the year 1245, in which William first Earl of Sutherland defeated the Scandinavian invaders. It belongs, however, to a much later date than the traditional event which it is said to commemorate. It is a tall shaft, which has been broken, expanded at the head, whereon rests a triangle of stone, perforated in the centre, a fragment of the original crosshead, which was circular, and had arms expanding to the margin, with perfora¬ tions between them. Cordiner describes it as he found it in the year 1776, and supplies an illustration of it at the side of his plate showing the ruins of Dornoch Cathedral. The extreme height of the cross is 7' 3£". The edges of the shaft are chamfered, and at 4' 1" above the ground is a projecting band, 10" deep, relieved on the E. and W. faces with a shield, that on the E. charged with three stars of five points (two and one) for the Earl of Sutherland, that on the W. indecipherable, but stated by Cordiner to have borne “ the armorial ensigns of Caithness.” The breadth of the shaft is 1' 6"; its thickness 8^". The cross faces E. and W. It is now enclosed within an iron railing. See Cordiner’s Antiquities, p. 70; Cordiner’s Ruins, ii. (illus.); Pococke, p. 167; Origines, ii. pt. ii., p. 647. O.S.M., Suth., cxiii. Visited, 10th July 1909. 147. Cup-marked Stone, Dornoch .—At the Manse of Dornoch is a triangular slab of micaceous schist, measuring 12" long by 9£" across the base, showing five well-defined cup marks and portions of other three at the broken edge of the stone. Towards the apex of the triangle is a single cup mark, 1^" diameter, with another below it 2\" diameter by J" deep, and near the centre of the triangle a row of three, and another row parallel to the last at the base. O.S.M., Suth., cxiii. Visited, 9th July 1909. 148. Standing-Stone, Camore Wood .—Among the trees in the Camore Wood, about 170 yards SE. of the E. end of Loch an treel, is a standing-stone. It is a large monolith of sandstone, roughly quadrangular at base, tapering to a point at its upper extremity. It is 8' 9" in height above the ground, 2' 5" across the W. face at base, and 1' 10" across the N. O.S.M., Suth., cxiii. Visited, 13th July 1909. 149. Standing-Stone, Dalnamain .—At the N. side of the enclosed park to the E. of Dalnamain, in Strath Carnaig, protruding from a long low cairn of stones about 2' high (possibly collected from the surface of the field), is a quadrangular standing-stone, measuring 4' 4" above ground, 1' 11" across the base, and P 1" thick. The stone faces NNW. and SSE. Locally this is known as “ The Swedish Man’s Grave.” 150. S-shaqied Cairn, do .—At the lower end of the enclosed park to the E. of Dalnamain, in Strath Carnaig, is a long low heap of stones, more or less S-shaped in form. The elevation of the field is but little above that of the river; the general direction of the con¬ struction is the same as that of the river. It seems to be a natural deposit of boulders and gravel, supplemented with stones from the field. The only other regular S-shaped constructions noticed are in 52 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Doknoch. Strathnaver, on a haugh beside the Carnachaidh Burn (No. 211). The situation is almost similar, as also the relative general directions of the constructions parallel with that of the stream. O.S.M., Suth., civ. Visited, 3rd September 1909. 151. Rock Shelter, Creag an Amalaidh. — On the N. side of Creag an Amalaidh, on the E. face of its most northerly shoulder facing “ the Mound,” and some 60' above the high road, is a rock shelter. It is absolutely hidden by a large mass of rock, which occupies the front of the platform, but is easily located from below by the growth of, ivy which, issuing from the recess, clambers over the rocks above.' This shelter is known as “ Macpherson Cham’s Cave.” There are signs of human occupancy in the soil at the N. end. O.S.M., Sutil, civ. Visited, 7th July 1909. Sites. 152. Proncy Castle. —On the summit of a mound 12' to 15' high, of a somewhat artificial appearance, occupying the N. extremity of a ridge which runs northwards from Proncy farm buildings, are the fragmentary remains of Proncy Castle. Near the centre of a circular enclosure of about 100' diameter, surrounded by a rampart or wall, with traces of buildings on its inner side, there has been a rectangular keep, measuring interiorly some 20' from NE. to SW. and 12' wide, with walls from 5' to 6' thick. The ruin is overgrown with grass, save a detached mass of masonry lying to the S. of it. The entrance to the enceinte appears to have been from the S. O.S.M., Suth., cx. Visited, 12th July 1909. PARISH OF DURNESS. Ecclesiastical Structures. 153. Church , Durness. —The old church of Durness lies about 100 yards W. of the house of Bailenacille, a picturesque 18th century structure. The plan consists of a main building running E. and W., measuring interiorly some 4:0'x 16', with a wing projecting 25' to the northward. In the gable of the wing is a two-light window under a pointed arch, with the central mullion dividing into two small arches at the head, and a transom. The gables are crow stepped. See JEccles. Arch., iii. p. 557 (plan and illus.). Font. —In the middle of the church lies the font. It is circular, with four half-round equidistant projections 31/' across and 1" deep, carried from top to base. The width over all is 1' 10"; that of the interior V 5/', and the depth 9". A sketch of it in the MS., by Mr James Horsburgh, of his paper entitled “ Notes of Cromlechs, etc., in the County of Sutherland” ( Antiquaries, vii. p. 271), is preserved in the library of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.* 154. Sepulchral Monument. —In an arched recess to the left of the * The flat stone over the grave of a Mackay, said to have been brought from the Lewis, having carved on it an old Highland claymore, with reversed guards, etc., referred to in Mr Horsburgh’s paper, and similarly illustrated in his MS., above referred to, is no longer visible. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 53 Parish of Durness. doorway of the church lies a slab 6' 6" in length by 2' 8" in breadth. A compartment at the E. end contains a representation of a hunter drawing a bow at a stag (which the artist, through the exigencies of space, has placed in a vertical position), and, beneath, the letters d.m.m.c. The slab also bears a representation of the skull and cross-bones, and the inscription— DONALD MAKMURCHOV HIER LYIS LO VAS IL TO HIS FREIND, VAR TO HIS FO TRVE TO HIS MAISTER IN VEIRD AND VO. 1623. Above is a tablet within a moulded border, bearing the following arms:—Quarterly: 1st, a sinister handappaume; 2nd, a ship with two masts, sails furled, Hag at stern; 3rd, a stag’s head cabossed; 4th, a salmon naiant. Initials at top, DMC . Date at foot, 1619. 1 KNRM See Sutherland and the Reay Country, p. 43; Morrison’s Guide, p. 105; The Book of Mackay, p. 281 (illus.); New Stat. Acct. Suth., etc., xv., p. 94 (footnote). O.S.M., Suth., v. Visited, 4th June 1909. Defensive Constructions. 155. Broch, Dun Dornaigil, or Dornadilla. —This broch stands on the E. side of Strathmore, about £ m. S. of Alltnacaillich and some 3| m. S. of the southern extremity of Loch Hope. Here the Strath¬ more Kiver, at right angles to its general direction, has crossed the strath to the E. side, and for a distance of about | m. flows along the base of the steep hillside. This important position is commanded at its S. end by the broch which stands about 12' above the ordinary level of the stream. The broch is much ruined, but on the E. side a portion of the outer wall above the entrance stands to a height of 22’. The inner portion of this part, with the galleries, having fallen, a buttress has been built for support of the remainder. The rest of the structure is reduced to the level of the floor of the first gallery, and varies from 6' to 11’ in height externally. The interior is 27' in diameter, and the top of the walls at their present level 8' in thickness. The entrance faces the NK, and is now only 3' in height. It is 3' 4" wide at the outside, and is covered by a large triangular block of stone 4' 8" along its base and 3' in height. The passage is for the greater part blocked with stones, and only the two outer covering stones remain in position. At 3' 9" inward, on the left side, one of the checks of the doorway remains in situ, but beyond this the passage is entirely ruined. On the opposite side there is still evidence of the existence of the guard-chamber. The interior is filled up with debris almost to the level of the top of the surrounding wall. At a distance of about 24' round the circumference to the left of the entrance in the interior, is a large lintel, indicating the entrance to a chamber, or possibly the stairway, and directly opposite the doorway a small opening reveals the top of a chamber, roofed with overlapping flags. There is the usual batter of the wall on the exterior. See Stat. Acct., iii. p. 584 ; Origines, ii. pt. ii. p. 706; Archce. Scot., 54 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Durness. v. pt. i. p. 191; Antiquaries, vii. p. 298; Cordiner’s Ruins, ii. (illus.); Cordiner’s Antiquities, p. 105 (illus.); Pennant (1772), iii. p. 340 (footnote); Pococke, p. 121 (illus.); The Scottish Gael, ii. p. 16 (illus.). O.S.M., Suth., xxxiii. Visited, 19th May 1909. 156. Brock, Ach an Ruin. —About 1 m. W. of Hope Ferry, on the end of a rocky ridge that terminates near the N. end of Loch Creagach, are the remains of a broch. A ruined cottage stands partially on the foundations and explains its dilapidation. It is much ruined, and very little walling remains. The interior diameter has been 26' and the thickness of the wall 11'. The entrance is from the N. along the ridge. The guard chamber, visible through the roofing slabs, in part displaced, still exists, entered at 5' in from the outside on the right of the passage. It is 8' long, and rounded at the end, 2' 6" to 3' wide, and from present floor level to covering flags 4' 3" high. About 24' along the wall to the SE. the top of another chamber, filled with debris, is visible. There are no details of the passage obtainable. O.S.M., Suth., xv. Visited, 3rd June 1909. 157. Broch or Dun, Camus an Ruin. —On a low projecting rock on the E. bank of Loch Eireboll. at the S. end of the Camus an Duin, about 1 m. S. of Heilem Ferry, and to the W. of a fisherman’s cottage, are the remains of a broch or dun. It appears to have been a structure, elliptical in outline, with an entrance 5' wide to seaward on to the point of the rock. The length of the structure over all seems to have been about 55', and similarly its breadth 42' about the centre, but the indefinite outline of the N. wall does not allow this measurement to be accurately obtained. The thickness of the wall at the entrance is 14', and on the S. side, near the centre, 10'. On the S. side of the entrance the outer face of the wall is 8' high, and for 43' round the circumference in that direction it still remains several feet in height, but beyond that it is overgrown with turf. It is built of large stones without mortar. At 4' from the outside, on the right of the passage, a square-edged intake shows that there has been an entrance to a chamber or stair at this point. The interior on the S. side is full of debris, and there are suggestions of chambers in the thickness of the wall. A circular depression, about 3' 6" across, near the E. end, may be the site of a well. The edge of the rocks on the loch side is 22' distant from the entrance, and the approach appears to have been flanked with rubble mounds or walls on either side. The remains of steps leading to the shore are still visible. O.S.M., Suth., xv. Visited, 3rd June 1909. 158. “ Seanachaisteal.” —On the point of the Aodan Mhor, about 1 m. due N. of Durness church, are the remains of a defensive con¬ struction, known as the “Seanachaisteal.” Its site is a rocky promontory, whose precipitous sides rise for 100' or more above the sea. The actual summit measures about 54' x 37', and is grass grown. Towards the landward end it presents a comparatively even grassy surface, while seaward it slopes away to the edge of the cliff, rugged with confused masses of rock and crags, sheltering about them small level areas where grass and nettles luxuriate. The neck of the promontory has been traversed by a high stony rampart, with a INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 55 Parish of Durness. trench on either side about 40' across. To the outside the rampart is about 8' above the bottom of the ditch where highest on the W. side, and 6' on the inner side, and is 25' wide at base. The remains to the eastward down where the groutfd slopes away are less distinct. The entrance has been through the middle of the rampart. There is a circular depression on the inner side of the top of the rampart, to the W. of the entrance, and there are similar depressions, with signs of low enclosing walls about the summit. O.S.M., Suth., v. Visited, 4th June 1909. Hut Circles, Earth-Houses, and Associated Constructions. 159. Earth-house , Eireboll. — About 200 yards SE. of the farm¬ steading of Eireboll, in the middle of an arable field, is a flagstone covering the entrance to an earth-house. It is not now accessible. The following details are abstracted from a description of it, written in 1865 ( Antiquaries , infra): —The whole length of the passage is 33', but is known to have been 10' or 12' longer. The passage at its entrance is less than 2' wide and under 4' high. The average height of the passage is only 4', the average width 2'. At the entrance it curves for a few feet round to the right, thereafter is straight. It terminates in a pear-shaped chamber, at its widest only 3^', which width it retains for only 3' of its length. A spherical object of bronze showing numerous small hammer-marks on its surface, measuring 1|" in diameter, preserved in Dunrobin Museum, is said to have been found along with a spiral finger ring of the same metal. See Antiquaries, v i. p. 249 (plan and secs.); Anderson, The Iron Age, p. 289 (plan and sec.). O.S.M., Suth., xxiv. Visited, 3rd June 1909 160. Earth-house, Portnancon. — On the W. side of Loch Eireboll, on the top of a mound to the S. of the burn which passes under the road about £ m. N. of Portnancon Pier, is an earth-house. The entrance is blocked by a large heavy stone, which prevents ingress. It was discovered when the road to Durness was being made, previous to 1845, and is described as being about 40' long, 6' high, and about 6' wide, built of dry stone, and covered over by Hags. The descent was by regular steps. It is indicated on the O.S. map by the name “ An Leabaidh fholaich.” See New Stat. Acct. Suth., etc., xv. p. 94. 161. Loch Creagach. —Between the N. end of Loch Creagach and the road on the W. side, and about 100' back from the loch, is a hut cii’cle of the usual oval character. The length of the entrance passage into the interior is about 7'. O.S.M., Suth., xv. Visited, 3rd June 1909. 162. Eireboll. —About 1 m. SW. of Eireboll Farm, and 150 yards W. of the road, is a hut circle of the ordinary type. O.S M., Suth., xxiv. Visited, 3rd June 1909. Sepulchral Constructions. 163. Cairn, Allt a’ Chaoruinn, — Situated on a ridge between the Allt a’ Chaoruinn and the Kyle of Durness, about ] m. E. of the road 50 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS {SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Durness. and 170' above it, and about } m. due S. of where the road crosses the burn, is a cairn. It has a diameter of about 44' and height of 7'. Though it has been dilapidated to some extent in the past to form a sheep-fold which adjoins it, no chamber or cist has been exposed. 164. Do., do. —About 300 yards NNE. of the bridge over the Allt a’ Chaoruinn, and about 250' back from the road, are the remains of another cairn with an external diameter of about 50'. The whole of the centre, to the extent of 14' diameter, has at some time been cleared out, so as to leave walls all round 3' to 4' high, forming a shelter. The bottom is covered with large boulders, and the sides show no signs of building, the outside appearance being that of a cairn. There is no sign of a cist or chamber in the interior. All round the N. half there is a trench about 10' wide and 2' deep, but this is not continued round the S. half, where the ground slopes rapidly away. O.S.M., Suth., xiv. Visited, 3rd June 1909. 165. Cairn, Sarsgrum. — At the S. end of the shepherd’s cottage, on the W. side of the road at Sarsgrum, about 2f m. SW. of Durness, in a small enclosure, are the remains of a large cairn, with a diameter of about 50'. The removal of the greater part has exposed a cist, formed of a covering slab 4' 10" long by S' 4" wide and 8" thick, supported on three upright slabs, the fourth at the S. end having fallen. The longest axis lies N. and S. O.S.M., Suth., v. (unnoted). Visited, 3rd June 1909. 166. Cairn, “ Cnoc nan Ceannan.” —About If m. SW. of the inn at Durness, near where the road from Keoldale joins the main road on the W. side, are the remains of another cairn, known as the “ Cnoc nan Ceannan,” now almost entirely overgrown with turf. Its diameter is about 457 It has been excavated, and a small brass elliptical object and a polished bone are said to have been found in it about 1832. See New Stat. Acct. Suth., etc., xv. p. 94. O.S.M., Suth., v. Visited, 3rd June 1909. Sites. 167. Sites of graveyards are indicated on the O.S. map on the following islands:— Eilcan Hoan ; An Corr-eilean, Loch Eireboll ; but there are no noteworthy remains at either place. O.S.M., Suth., vi. and xv. PAEISH OF EDDRACH1LLIS. Defensive Constructions. 168. Broch, An Dun, Loch a' Chaim Bhain, Kyleslcu. —This ruin stands towards the end of a rocky promontory or islet, connected with the shore by a causeway about 70' long, 10' wide, and 2' high, formed of boulders. It is only separated from the mainland at high tides. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 57 Parish of Eddrachillis. The rock projects into Loch a’ Chaim Bhain, near its S. end, for a distance of about 100 yards. The structure on the end of it is circular, with an interior diameter of 28' 6" or thereabout. The thickness of the wall is some 12', except on the NE., where, in order to cover an approach between two rocks, it widens to 14' or 15'. The height of the wall to the outside is obscured by debris, but inside, where highest on the S., it is 7' high, and, except towards the N., several feet in height all around. The entrance has been from the SE., and is 3' wide at the only point observable, which is between the two lowest stones on either side at the outer end. There are no signs visible of chambers in the thickness of the wall, nor any traces of a gallery. The edge of the rock, about 20' from the broch, appears to have been strengthened on the landward side with a wall. See Anderson’s Guide to the Highlands, p. 618. O.S.M., Suth., 1. Visited, 7th June 1909. Sepulchral Constructions. 169. Chambered Cairn , Cnoc an Daimh. —About f m. due N. of the Manse of Eddrachillis, on the Cnoc an Daimh, at an elevation of about 300' above the sea, and some 300 to 400 yards N. of the public road, on an out-cropping rock, is a cairn. The roof of the chamber has evidently fallen in, and the interior has been somewhat disturbed. The exact measurements of the chamber are not obtainable. Four large upright stones, the highest of which is about 3' high, remain in situ, and have formed part of the walls of the chamber. The length of the chamber from the centre of the space between the two stones at the N. to that between the other two stones at the S. is 7'. The width between the most southerly of the opposing slabs is 6' 6". A hollow to the S. suggests a greater length, but there are no slabs observable. The diameter of the cairn is about 40', and the two upright stones at the N. are 20' distant from the outside. Towards the N. the cairn is still about 6' high, and at the S. it is set against a rock. It is called “ Dun Carn Fhamhair. ” O.S.M., Suth., xxxix. (unnoted). Visited, 6th June 1909. 170. Cairn , Loch a’ Chaim Bhain. —Half way between the broch on Loch a’ Chairn Bhain and Kylestrome Lodge, on a slight rocky eminence, stands a cairn, apparently undisturbed. It measures in diameter from E. to W. 35', from N. to S. 25', in height about 5', and is built against a rock to the S. It has been covered with heather, now burned off. O.S.M., Suth., 1. (unnoted). Visited, 7th June 1909. 171. Do., do. —About 4 m. by road from Kylesku, on the S. side of Loch a’ Chairn Bhain, just beyond the W. end of the wood that stretches along the shore for about f m. from Torgawn, and about 20' above high-water mark, is a small cairn, with one large stone, about 2' long, 1' 6" thick, and 1' 5" above the ground, set in the middle of it. The whole diameter is about 7'. This is traditionally known as “ Oscar's Grave,” and locally is believed to mark the 58 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Eddrachillis. burial-place of a son of the King of Sweden. It is said to have been excavated. O.S.M., Suth., xlix. (unnoted). Visited, 7th June 1909. 172. Chambered Cairn (remains of), Badnabay. —At Badnabay, about 300 yards N. by W. of the cottage, and within 50' of the road to Scourie, on low-lying marshy ground, are a number of standing- stones, the remains of a megalithic chamber of a circular cairn. The cairn has been entirely removed, but its outline is distinctly visible, and it has measured in diameter about 40' from N. to S. by 37' from E. to W. The chamber has been bipartite, the inner portion being 10'4" long from N. to S. by 8' 9" wide, and polygonal in shape. Seven stones remain in situ, of which the highest above gmund level is 3' 8" high, 2' 9" across at greatest breadth, and 1' 1" thick. It is divided from the outer compartment by two slabs, set on edge, 1' 6" thick, 3' and 2' 4" long, and about 2' 7" apart. The stone on the E. is not exactly opposite the other. Of the outer compartment, only three stones remain, two at the entrance and one on the W. side. This compartment has been about 4' long, and about 5' 10" wide. The entrance has been from the S., where the two portal stones of the passage apparently remain in situ 2' apart and 9' distant from the interior end of the entrance to the chamber. O.S.M., Suth., xxxi. (unnoted). Visited, 5th June 1909. Site. 173. Old Graveyard, Handa Island. —The graveyard lies above a sandy bay on the S. side of the island, and though a number of stones are protruding from the turf, none have any visible marks of interest on them. Towards the upper part of the graveyard a space about 24' x 12', slightly depressed, and on which are no tombstones, may be the site of a chapel. O.S.M., Suth., xxx. Visited, 5th June 1909. PARISH OF FARR. Defensive Constructions. 174. Brock, Grum-more, Lock Naver. —This broch is situated on the N. side of Loch Naver, about 4 m. from Altnaharra, and is much dilapidated. The entrance faces the W., and is almost closed to the outside. One of the door checks is still in situ on the right of the passage, 3' 6" inwards; and 3' further inwards, on the same side, the entrance to the guard chamber is also observable, but it is almost closed with debris. In rear of the door check, for a distance of 9' towards the interior, the covering stones remain on the roof of the passage. The breadth of the passage towards the interior is 2' 6". Its height is not ascertainable. The interior diameter of the broch is 29' to 30', and the thickness of the wall through the passage 12' 6", and across the top of the existing'wall about 10'. The highest portion of the wall visible in the interior is about 10'. About 21' to the right of the entrance in the interior is the entrance to a chamber which is almost filled with stones, and from opposite the doorway INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 59 Parish of Farr. round by the N. to the W. there are the remains of a long chamber which probably contained the stair. At about the level of the top of the doorway there is a ledge or scarcement, about 10" broad on average, running around the interior, and formed by the thinning of the wall upwards. The masonry below is large, and appears to be bonded into the wall. 175. Brock, Bun Creagack, Loch Haver .—This brocli is situated on a small island on the S. side of Loch Haver, about 1^ m. E. of Klibreck farm-house, and is connected with the shore by a causeway, about 10' broad and about 100' long, formed of rough boulders. The interior is filled with debris to a height above the level of the top of the doorway and almost to that of the first gallery, obscuring any entrances to chambers which may exist. The height of the wall exposed on the best preserved portion of the exterior is 11', and not much less at any point. In the interior the wall rises only about 4' above the debris. At the highest part the wall is 13' 6" thick. The entrance is from the E. through a passage, now almost filled up with stones, 2' 6" wide towards the outside, and 3' wide at 10' in¬ wards. There has been a guard chamber on the right, the entrance to which is blocked with fallen stones. The door checks are not visible. The covering stones remain in situ over the greater part of the entrance passage. The interior diameter is 31'. A stone wall thanks the broch at 15' distant on the shore side, and swings round towards the entrance, where the mass of fallen stones conceals its connection. This wall has been pierced at the end of the causeway with a doorway 3' wide, the jambs of which remain in position. O.S.M., Suth., liv. Visited, 17th May 1909. 176. Brocli, Goill' Ach a’ Chuil, Lock Haver .—About | m. W. of tbe lower end of Loch Naver, on the S. side of the loch, and on a short spit of land which projects into it at the E. end of the wood, are the remains of a broch. The broch has been built of very large stones, but is now completely ruined. On the E. side only is any walling visible, and that for a short distance to the N. of the entrance which faces the SE. The N. side of the entrance passage remains entire to a height of 2' 9" at the outside. The passage has been 12' in length. At 3' 9" from the outside, on the right, has been the entrance to a guard chamber, which shows signs of recent ex¬ cavation. The diameter of the broch over all has been about 52'. The landward end of the spit has been marshy, or probably partially under water, and is crossed by a causeway which runs in the direc¬ tion of the entrance. At 38' distant from the entrance are the ruins of a wall which covered the broch on the landward side, and apparently curved inward towards it on either flank. O.S.M., Suth., xliv. (“Hut Circle”). Visited, 20th May 1909. 177. Brock, Langdale Burn, Syrc .—This broch occupies a com¬ manding position on a ridge above the Langdale Burn, about f m. N. of Syre. It has been built of large stones, but is much ruined. The interior diameter is about 31'; the thickness of the walls on the S. side, where there is a steep bank to the burn, is about 16' to 17', and on the N. side about 15'. The wall in the interior, where most exposed, is about 3' high. The entrance is from the W. by a passage 60 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Farr. 15' long and 3' wide at the outer end. The wall on the S. side of the passage remains to a height of 3' 6", and 3' from the interior on the same side is a built check'for a door. O.S.M., Suth., xxxv. Visited, 22nd May 1909. 178. Broch, Inshlampie, Skail .—This broch stands on a projecting bank 70' to 80' above the lliver Naver, on the opposite side of the river from Skail, and is protected on either Hank by a deep ravine. It is a complete ruin. Neither the entrance nor any of the chambers is discernible. The diameter of the interior is 29', and the thickness of the wall 13'. On the E. side the wall is visible in the interior to a height of 4'. O.S.M., Suth., xxxvi. Visited, 22nd May 1909. 179. Brocli, Dun Ohealamy, —This broch occupies a splendid situation on the end of a spur of Cnoc Chealamy. From the broch the ground slopes abruptly to the Carnachaidh Burn, which flows past the base of the hill 100' below. The building has been greatly pillaged for stone, and so ruined is it that the outline of the wall can only be found with difficulty. Neither the entrance nor any other feature is visible. The wall appears to have been about 14' thick, and the interior diameter about 30'. See Antiquaries, xl. p. 132. 180. Broch, Dun Carnachaidh. —This broch. is perched on a cliff on the E. slope of Cnoc Carnachaidh, above the road down the strath, about f m. N. of Carnachaidh croft. It is a complete ruin. The interior diameter is 30', and the thickness of the wall 15'. The entrance passage is not recognisable. O.S.M., Sum, xxvii. Visited, 22nd May 1909. 181. Broch, Dun Viclen .—Dun Viden, situated some 2f m. to the S. of Skelpick Lodge, on the E. bank of the Fiver Naver, occupies an extremely strong position on the summit of a knoll that rises for a height of 70' or 80' above the haugh which stretches from its base to the river. The slopes of the knoll are very steep, except on the E., where the approach from the high ground behind is more accessible. The broch is an absolute ruin, and the face of the wall is not easily found. The interior diameter has been about 30', the thickness of the wall about 16', and the breadth of the entrance passage, at the only point measurable which is near the interior, 3' 5". Almost the only walling visible is a small portion, two courses in height, on the N. side. None is apparent in the interior. From either side of the entrance a rampart runs S. for a distance of about 45', and swings round on either side to meet the broch where the banks are steepest. Towards the E., where the.position is most assailable, the rampart, comparatively low on the inside, has a steep scarp about 12' high, and at about 16' distant from its base is covered by an outer rampart, now only two or three feet high and stony. See Antiquaries, v p. 360 ; Ibid., vii. p. 272. O.S.M., Suth., xxvii. Visited, 25th May 1909. 182. Broch, Allt an Duin, Skelpick. —About \ m. E. of Fhinovie, occupying the summit of a rocky knoll, strengthened on the S. by INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 61 Parish of Farr. the rugged channel of the Allt an Duin or Allt a’ Chaisteil, and towering 100' or so above the plain which reaches from its base to the River Naver, are the ruins of a broch. The situation is most commanding. The building, though much ruined, if cleared of the debris which almost chokes it up, would be found to be still of con¬ siderable height. The wall is 16' thick. The interior diameter is 28'. A scarcement, projecting about 1' 6", is built against the wall all around the interior. The entrance is from the NW. The passage, which for the first few feet from the exterior is ruined, is thereafter only 2' wide, and curves slightly towards the S. as it proceeds inwards. About 3' from the exterior, on the right side of the passage, there is an upright stone, probably one of the door jambs, but in rear of it there is no sign of a guard chamber. In the interior the wall is still in parts 6' to 8' high above the accumu¬ lated rubbish, and in places 2' or 3' higher than the top of the scarcement. Externally, the facing stones have been to a great extent removed or have fallen; and towards the N., where highest, the wall is still 6' above the debris, while the rubble in the centre is several feet higher. The ruination of the interior obscures any details of chambers or galleries. 183. Broch, Achcoillenaborgie .—About £ m. S. of the road bridge across the River Naver near Betty hill, situated on a slight knoll between the base of the hill and the river, and on the E. side of the road, are the remains of a broch. The structure is much ruined, and the elevation of the wall is everywhere trilling. Its interior diameter is about 28', and the thickness of its wall 14'. The entrance is from the N. To the W. of the passage, and about 8' distant from it, the walls of a chamber have been exposed. There are remains of various out-buildings around. O.S.M., Suth., xviii. Visited, 27th May 1909. 184. Broch, “ The Sandy Dun," Baile Mhargait, Beltyhill .—On the summit of the cliff which rises to the W. of the gravelly plateau opposite Betty hill, and on the N. side of the track which leads from Strathnaver to Torrisdail, is situated a broch. It is called “ The Sandy Dun.” The wall is probably erect for a considerable height, but the interior is largely filled up with blown sand. The entrance is from the SW. The interior diameter is 29', and the thickness of the wall 12'. Near the top of the wall in the interior is a projecting ledge, about 10" wide, running all round. The slabs which form it are an integral part of the structure, and the wall is thicker below than above. The outer face of the wall is much ruined, and no fuller details are obtainable. A number of small mounds lie on the top of the cliff immediately to the W. of the broch. See Antiquaries, xl. p. 132. O.S.M., Suth., xvii. Visited, 24th May 1909. 185. Broch, Borgie Bridge .—Situated on the S. side of the road from Tongue, about 300 yards E. of Borgie Bridge, is the site of a construction probably a broch. A gravel mound about 40' high on the side towards the river, situated on the edge of the bank in which the high ground terminates, has been further strengthened in 62 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Farr. flank and rear by a deep ditch 24' across, with a scarp 12' high and a counterscarp about hall' that height. The ditch is divided into two by a roadway across it from the SE. 14' wide, but is not carried out to the edge of the bank to the N. at either side where the natural surface is 5' or 6' below the top of the mound. The slight remains on the summit indicate a circular building, with a diameter over all of about 52', the outline of which is not very definite. The diameter of the top of the knoll is about 62'. O.S.M., Sutil, xvii. Visited, 28th May 1909. 186. Brock, “ The Borg’’ Forsinain .—Situated on a slight elevation on the E. of the Halladale River, some 230 yards distant from the road and about 1 m N. of Forsinain Bridge, are the remains of a broch, known as “ The Borg.” From its base the ground falls sharply away on all sides, except the S. It has been built of very large stones. The interior has been partially cleared out. The entrance is from the E. through a passage 22' long. At the exterior it is 2' 6" wide, expand¬ ing at 15' 6" inwards to 3' 9". At 8' 6" inwards, on the E. 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 of the broch from N. to S. is 34', and from E. to W., opposite the entrance, 26' 6", the wall on the E. side having been strengthened at some period by some 9' of extra building. The thickness of the wall on the S. at base is about 13' 6", on the W. at base from 16' to 17', and at 8' elevation, 14' 6". The greatest height of wall visible in the interior is 6'; and the average height, if cleared of debris, 8' or 9'. The greatest height on the exterior is 9'. A gap has been made through the wall towards the N. At 18' S. of the inner end of the entrance a passage 2' wide is 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. side for about 40 yards, and, passing northward, returns to the structure, forming a large enclosure against it. This is probably of later date. 187. Brock, “ Cam Liatk,” Bunalioun .—On the W. side of the Halladale River at Bunahoun, on a slight elevation between the road to Trantlemore 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. through a passage 14' in length and some 2' 3" in width at its inner end. The diameter of the structure over all has been 58', and of the interior about 30'. Only here and there the foundation stones remain visible. 188. Brock, Trantlemore .—On a croft at Trantlemore, on a slight elevation, about 250 yards to the W. of the Halladale River, are the remains of a broch, now overgrown with turf. Some of the founda¬ tion 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. O.S.M., Suth., xxix. Visited, 27th September 1909. 189. Brock, Loch Mor .—About l\ m. SSE. of Melvich Inn, towards the N. end of Loch Mor, and on the E. side where it narrows, are the INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 63 Parish of Farr. 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. end, possibly marks the end of the entrance passage. 0. S.M., Suth., x. Visited, 27th September 1909. 190. Broch, Armadale Burn.—On the W. bank of the Armadale Burn, about l\ m from the sea, are the ruins of a broch which stand 100' above the burn, on the top of a hillock crowning a cliff and rising steeply from the moorland behind. On the exterior, little beyond the foundations is visible, except beside the entrance, where the wall is some 3' high. In the interior, towards the NW., about 4' of wall is exposed, where the debris has been cleared from the face of it. The entrance has been from the top of the steep bank on the SE. 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 is 23'. Some 12' S. of the entrance are apparent the ruins of a chamber which passes round towards the W., and of which the E. or interior wall is visible for some 19' in length. The ends of the hillock projecting N. and S. beyond the broch have been fortified with walls. The situation has been an exceedingly strong one. O. S.M., Suth., x. (unnoted). Visited, 28th September 1909. 191. Dun Mhairtein, Balligil. —On a promontory whose precipitous cliffs tower 100' or so above the ocean, situated to the NE. of the village of Balligil, and on the W. 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 greatly altered its aspect. 192. An Dun, Balligil. —On the E. 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 about 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 are not obvious. 193. “ An Tornaidh Bhuidhe’’ Rudha na cloiche. —At the E. side of the Rudha na cloiche, and about | m. W. of Port Skerry, two deep goes run inland. Separating them is a long promontory, whose sides rise sheer from the water’s edge for some 70' or 80'. Occupying its 64 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Farr. seaward end are the remains of a fort, very difficult of access, along a hog-backed ridge some 50' in length. For about one-half of that distance the edge along which the path runs is only some 2' to 3' in width. Beyond that it circles round the side of a grassy hillock on the top of the cliffs, and terminates on a fresh green plateau, measuring approximately some 250' in length by 100' in breadth. Round the edge of this runs an earthen rampart or parapet, but in the hollows in the interior there are no indications of buildings ever having existed. Some 20' down the cliff, at its N. end, is a ledge on which there is a depression; but if any passage was connected with it, as at Dun Mhairten, it is not now apparent. The position in early times must have been quite unassailable. It is called “ An Tornaidh Bhuidhe.” O.S.M., Suth., x. Visited, 28th September 1909. 194. Fortified Enclosure , Syre. —At Syre, on the E. side of the road, and quite close to it, is a small fortified enclosure, locally known as “ General Leslie’s Fort.” It is circular in form, and is defended on the W. by a ditch 36' across from the top of the rampart to the top of the counterscarp, and 3' deep below the natural level. The bank of the enclosure is 9' to 10' high on the W., and has been surmounted by a dry-built stone wall some 15' thick. The height of the bank towards the interior is about 5'. The interior is some 52' in diameter. There has been an entrance by a mound across the ditch on the S., and apparently another on the NE., flanked by a wall The rampart is gone from the E. side, where a stone wall is being built out of its material; and as the interior of the fort is in cultivation, what remains of the construction is in danger of demolition. The ditch has not been continued around the NE. side.* O.S.M., Sum, xxxvi. (unnoted). Visited, 22nd May 1909. Hut Circles, Earth-Houses, and Associated Constructions. 195. Klibreck, Locli Naver. —Situated at the E. end of a ridge, about £ m. S. of Klibreck farm-house, is a hut circle. It is oval in form, measuring interiorly 28' x 36', enclosed by a bank of turf and stone about 8' across and 1' 6" to 2' high, with the entrance from the SE. Placed around the hut circle in its immediate vicinity are some ten or twelve small round mounds of earth and stone, covered with vegetation, each about 15' in diameter and 2' in height. 196. Do. —On the top of a knoll, SSE. of the farm-buildings at Klibreck, and about 300 yards E. of the hut circle, are the remains of a circular enclosure. The interior diameter is about 28'. The surrounding bank, which shows much stone in its composition, is some 12' wide, and the height on the S., where the natural surface of the ground declines, is about 3' externally, and about lj' in the interior. O.S.M., Suth., liii. (unnoted). Visited, 15th May 1909. * Pennant (1769, p. 345) mentions that at Langdale “there were noble remains of a druidical temple, being a circle of 100 feet diameter, and surrounded with a trench, so that the earth formed a bank ; in the midst of it a stone was erected like a pillar. . . . The country people have now trenched or delved that ground, and sown it with corn.” INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 65 Parish of Farr. 197. Loch Naver .—On the N. side of Loch Naver, about £ in. E. of the cross roads on the lower side of the road along the loch, are three hut circles, and a number of small mounds on the lower side of them. The entrances, as usual, are from the SE. Between these and the top of the hill to the N. (Meall a’ Gob Mor), there must be nearly a hundred more mounds and a number of hut circles which are mostly on the upper part of the hill. One of the circles, about 200' above the road, is of very distinct outline. Its interior diameter is 35'; the thickness of the enclosing bank o'; and the entrance, which is from the S., is about 5' wide. About 100' to the NE. is another circle, overgrown with heather. On the top of the hill, at the W. end, is another, presenting no peculiar features, having the entrance from the S. About 120 yards E. of the last, and between it and the highest point of the hill, lies a mounded construction, which is possibly a kiln. Its interior diameter is 6' from' E. to W. and 7' from N. to S. There is a narrow opening into the interior from the S. The enclosing bank, covered with heather, is about 10' broad on either side, and on the N. less prominent. There is a slight depression of about 5' diameter in front of the entrance. About 70 yards SE. of the summit is a very well-defined hut circle, with a surrounding bank about 1£' high. On the E. side of the entrance, which is 3' wide and from the SE., is a large upright slab, standing 1' 9" above the present ground-level. The interior diameter across the direction of the entrance is about 24'. In front are several small mounds. O.S.M., Sum., liii. and liv. (unnoted). Visited, 19th May 1909. 198. Dim Creagach, Loch Naver .—On the top of a knoll, about 200 yards S. of the broch on the S. side of Loch Naver, is a mound, with a diameter of about 18'. About 40 yards to the S. of it is a hut circle, the interior diameter of which, measured across the direction of the entrance, is about 35'. It is surrounded by a stony bank, and the entrance is from the SE. O.S.M., Suth., liv. (unnoted). Visited, 17th May 1909. 199. Loch Naver .—By the side of the old drove road from Strathnaver to Lairg, about f m. SSE. of the broch on the S. side of the loch, is a hut circle. The interior diameter is about 34', and the thickness of the wall about 5', widening at either side of the entrance so as to form a passage about 9' in length, but of indefinite breadth. The entrance is from the SE. The wall is composed of boulders of moderate size, with larger stones on the exterior. No appearance of building is visible. A short distance to the E. lies another circle, overgrown with turf, with about a dozen small round mounds, of some 15' diameter, lying around it. O.S.M., Sum, liv. (unnoted). Visited, 18th May 1909. 200. Loch Coire nam Feuran .—On the N. side of the loch, at the top of the bank which rises from its shore near the remains of crofters’ dwellings, are several small round mounds presenting no particular features of interest. One of these, near the W. end of the 5 66 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Farr. group, is circular, about 2' high, covered with heather, and measures 16' or 17' in diameter. Some 60 yards N. of it is a similar mound, and about 350 yards N. of that again are the remains of a hut circle, with a small round mound about 40' to the NE. of it and another about 80' to the W. Some 100 yards NE. of the first-mentioned circle of this group is another of similar oval form. Situated on the easternmost of two hillocks which rise some 300 yards apart to the N. of the ridge on which lie the mounds and circles last described, are a number of other small mounds. These are on the summit and along the western face; no signs of hut circles are visible. Situated on the hill to the W., along its E. face, is an enclosure of an irregular oval form, having its lower or E. end open, like a horse¬ shoe. Its longest diameter is about 70', and the breadth across the open end 33'. It is surrounded by a rough line of boulders, which may have formed the base of a turf wall. At the W. end there appears to have been a narrow entrance, and on the left of it are the founda¬ tions of a small circular hut, with an interior diameter of about 6'. Immediately outside, to the W., are the remains of an enclosure, of trefoil form, having apparently had three chambers radiating off a common centre. These chambers measure interiorly about 6' x 4'. The interior diameter of the structure, bisecting the N. and S. chambers (which are nearly in line), is 28'. The measurement through the chamber on the SE. to the centre of the-opposite wall is 17'. The position of the entrance is doubtful, but it appears to have been through the main wall to the SE. Situated about 30' N. of the last enclosure is the outline of a small irregular oval, measuring interiorly 11' x 8', with the entrance from the SE. Around the same hill, chiefly on the N. and W., are fourteen or fifteen small round mounds. There are one or two long banks of stone, the purpose of which is indeterminate, and there seem to have been other large enclosures, now in part obliterated. 201. Do .—Just outside the wood, about \ m. S. of the loch, and nearly opposite the bay that indents it on the S. side, is a long low heap of stones. The greatest elevation is only about 1J' above the present ground-level. It lies N. and S., is 38' long, and about 7' broad at the N. end, but its general breadth for 26' southwards is about 5'; thence expanding, it measures 10' across at its S. extremity. The character of this is indeterminate. 202. Coriefeumn Hill .—About 1 m. S. of the W. end of Loch Coire nam Feuran, on the W. slope of the hill, and by the side of the pass which leads from Strathnaver to Loch Coir an Fhearna, scattered over a distance of several hundred yards, is a group of about a hundred small round mounds overgrown with peat. There are no signs of hut circles among them, nor is there any indication of a settlement. About £ m. NNW. is a small group of about half a dozen mounds, presenting no features of interest. O.S.M., Sum, liv Visited, 18th May 1909. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 67 Parish of Farr. 203. Grumbeg, Loch Haver .—Situated about 300 yards E. of the shepherd’s cottage at Grumbeg, on the N. side of Loch Naver, and on the upper side of the road, is a small circle surrounded by a stony bank measuring about 3' 6" across, with an opening towards the S. It is slightly oval, with an interior diameter of 7' x 9', the longest axis being towards the entrance. To the N. of the small knoll immediately in rear of this circle are ten or twelve small mounds of the usual type, one or two of which appear to have been opened. O.S.M., Suth., xliv. (unnoted). Visited, 20th May 1909. 204. Gnoc na Gamhna .—On the right bank of the Mallart River, about m. above the bridge at the waterfall near Aclmess, and rather more than \ m. to the E., on the shoulder of Cnoc na Gamhna, near the 500' contour line, is a large group of mounds. They are very numerous, with a few hut circles interspersed among them, especially towards the S. end. The mounds are of the usual 'small class, and the circles are of the simple oval form, and one or two of them are remarkably well preserved, with the walls about a couple of feet high, and with upright stones of about the same height on either side of the entrance. At the extreme S. end of the group, and at the edge of the swampy ground, is a construction which is probably an ancient kiln. Two mounds, apparently composed of earth and small stones, about 30' long, 12' thick, and 4' to 5' high, lie parallel about 6' apart, in a N. and S. direction. Between them are two well-defined depressions, the one at the N. end measuring about 8' long by 6' broad, while that to the S. measures about 7' x 6'. They are divided from each other by a ridge joining the mounds about 4' long and 2' broad, from which large stones protrude, suggesting walling. At the S. end of the S. depression lies a flat slab 3' long and 1' 8" broad, supported on stones at either side. It is at present a few inches above the soil. This is probably the outer end of a covered passage to supply a draught. 205. Allt a ’ Bhealaich .-—About \ m. to the S., just above the 500' contour line, and some 200 yards N., on the right bank of the Allt a’ Bhealaich, are two hut circles within about 20' of each other. That nearest to the river is very well preserved. It is oval, measuring interiorly 33'x36', enclosed by a bank 6' thick and from 2' to 3' high. The entrance passage, which is from the S., is 3' wide, the exterior angles being carefully rounded with an outline of large stones. There are signs of an ancient bank of stone and turf, enclosing apparently about half an acre, within which the circles are situated. Across the stream to the S., and higher up the slope of the hill to the E., are many mounds. Proceeding S. about the same level, viz., 500' to 600' above the sea, round the W. side of the Cnoc na h-Iolaire, are many hundreds of mounds stretching round the shoulder of the hill for fully a mile, and over an area of nearly half a mile in breadth. The mounds are all of the usual sort, round, from 10' to 20' in diameter and about 2' in height. One of the constructions, with a hollow between two mounds, believed to be a kiln, is situated about the centre of the 68 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Farr. group. Hut circles are among the mounds, but proportionally they are few, half a dozen only being observable, and those of simple oval form. 206. Cnoc Bad an Leathaid, Truderscaig, etc .—On a spur of the Cnoc Bad an Leathaid, between the Allt na Creadha on the E. and Allt Truderscaig on the W., about 600' above sea-level, are numerous mounds and one or two hut circles of simple oval form ; while a little less than a mile beyond to the E., on Leathad an Daraich, about the same level, is another large group. Mounds and hut circles extend almost continuously along the slopes facing the Mallart River, westward over the watershed to the N. of Loch Truderscaig and the S. end of Loch Rimsdale. O.S.M., Sum, liv. and Iv. Visited, 20th May 1909. 207. Between Dailharraild and Byre .—On the right bank of the River Naver, from Dailharraild to within about f m. of the bridge at Syre, dotted hei'e and there for a distance of nearly 3 m., are numerous Fig. 20.—Hut Circle, Dailharraild (No. 207). mounds. They lie mostly on terraces which intervene between the flat land near the river and the higher ground behind. In appearance they are for the most part of the usual character, viz., round, over¬ grown with vegetation, about 2' high in the centre, and 12' to 14' in diameter. One of the mounds in the group, situated about 2 m. S. of the bridge, is of peculiar appearance. It lies N. and S., and seems to be formed of two, or probably three, ordinary stony mounds, each con¬ nected by a narrow neck. The third mound is entirely overgrown with heather, and is not very distinct. The other two measure over all 45' in length. The N. mound is 17' long by 12' broad at the widest part, and is connected by a neck which gradually contracts until it is about 4' wide; thereafter it expands again to join the S. cairn, which is 15' long and 12' broad. The length of the connecting portion, which is very distinct, is in each case 3'. The third mound appears to be about 12' or 13'long. No part of the construction is more than 1' 6" high. The three mounds are not in alignment. They do not seem to be mounds that have been connected in consequence of dilapi- INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 69 Parish of Farr. dation, their outline being too regular and continuous. A dozen or more mounds of the usual type lie around, none of them ruined. About b m. further on, on the top of a bank about 100' above the river, is a somewhat similar construction, continued for a consider¬ able distance. A short distance further on, on the N. side of the burn that hows into the river opposite Ceann na Coille, are a hut circle of simple form and several mounds. About £ m. to the S. of the last-mentioned hut circle, and about the same distance E. of the river, within an ancient enclosure, the ruined wall of which is partially visible at the SW. corner, are some fifteen mounds of the usual type and a hut circle. The latter is of the simple oval form, measuring interiorly 20' x 25', and having the entrance from the S. It is peculiar in having attached to it, on the right side of the entrance, another small circle, measuring 7' x 8', with an enclosing bank about 2\' broad. The latter appears to have had two entrances—one facing the W. towards the entrance to the main circle, and the other towards the SE. (fig. 20). About 50' SE. of these is a small circular depression of about 7' interior diameter, with a low bank about 6' across on the E. and W., and a very slight bank on the N. A hill called Blar na Fola, about ^ m. E. of the “ Clach an Righ ” at Dailharraild, is covered with mounds. On the left bank of the River Naver, £ m. below its junction with the Mallart River, the O.S. map indicates two hut circles. 208. Ceann na Coille .—On the left bank of the River Naver, above Ceann na Coille, and about 300 yards W. of the road, on the top of a slight eminence, is a hut circle of simple form. Further down the same side of the river, about 1 in. N. of the suspension bridge at Ceann na Coille, are a number of mounds between the road and the river, and about £ m. further N., on the W. side of the road, are a hut circle and mounds. About f m. NW. of Ceann na Coille, on either side of the Allt Ceann na Coille, is a group of mounds of the usual character. About 11 m. N. of Ceann na Coille, and about | m. W. of the road in the centre of an old park, and immediately behind a sheep-fold, is a construction, formed of two cairns of large stones, converging towards the W., eacli about 4' high and 16' apart ac the E., the diameter of the interior space from back to front being 31'. The cairn on the N. is 34' long and 13' broad, that on the S. 36' long and 15' broad. They both taper towards the W. end. The interior space is slightly hollowed out. At the SW. end of the S. cairn there has been some excavation.* O.S.M., Suth., xliv. Visited, 21st May 1909. 209. Syre .—To the W. of Mr Chisholm’s house at Syre are a number of mounds. In one of these a cist was found many years ago, measuring 5' 9" in length, formed of flattish stones set on edge, * Mr Chisholm, Syre, for long farm manager over this property, states that there existed here a built opening. It was flagged over, and, to the best of his recollection, was about 2p high, and 2V to 3' wide. It was entered from the end of the S. cairn, on the S. side, and ran E. in the direction of its length. 70 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Farr. covered with six small cross slabs. It yielded only a small fragment of bone. See Antiquaries, vi. p. 387. 0. S.M., Suth., xxxvi. Visited, 22nd May 1909. 210. Eartli-house, Eyre .—On the right bank of the River Naver, some 80 yards distant from it, and about 1 m. above Syre, is said to be an earth-house. It was discovered some thirty years ago, when it was fairly complete for 30', and was traceable on the surface for 10' more.* O.S.M., Suth., xliv. (unnoted). 211. Carnachaidh .—Situated on the haugh, to the N. of the remains of the broch on Cnoc Chealamy (No. 179), is a remarkable group of mounds, hut circles, etc. About 50 yards from the Carnachaidh Burn, N. of the broch, is an irregular mound about 44' in length from E. to W. and some 2' to 3' in height. It appears to be formed of three separate parts in different alignment, the first and third portions pointing in the same direction at about an angle of 30° from the central mound which lies E. and W. The first portion at the W. end is 7' long, the middle portion 21' long, and the third 16' long. The third is less well defined than the others, and near its junction with the middle portion are some very large boulders. Some 40 yards W. of this last-mentioned construction is a hut circle of the usual oval form, with a diameter of about 34', measured across the direction of the entrance. Close beside it to the N. is a mound of a very definite S shape, about 3' in height, and measuring along its outline 111'. Some distance to the N. of this are two large contiguous circles, which have been hollowed out to a level lower than that of the adjacent ground. They are bounded on both sides by great banks of stone, and are divided by the remains of a stone wall 6' across, the southmost circle is 42' in diameter from N. to S., and measures 17' across the entrance at the S. The N. circle is 38' in diameter, and 22' across the entrance. The bank on the W. side of the S. circle is 23' across, and about 6' high at the highest point. On the E. side it is of less extent and lower, while the E. bank of the N. circle is higher than the W. bank. About 50 yards N. are two long banks of stone running E. and W. The eastmost of the two has in outline a tendency to an S form, while the westmost has similar features, but less pronounced. The former is about 2' high on the S. side, but considerably higher on the N., where the ground is lower. It is about 54' long and 10' broad at the E. end, where it is broadest. Towards the NE. side of the haugh are four or five more of these constructions, with their general direction E. and W. Some have a less curving tendency than others. The haugh has been under cultivation, but it is to be noted that the ridges pass to either side of these constructions. There are numerous other mounds, as well as hut circles on the * Information supplied by the Rev. J. M. Joass, LL.D., Golspie. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 71 Parish of Farr. haugh and on the other side of the road. Some of the mounds are about 25' long, 10' to 15' broad, and 3' to 4' high. Towards the SE. is a mound about 4' high, circular, with a diameter of 36'. O.S.M., Suth., xxvii. Visited, 22nd May 1909. 212. Baile Mhargait, Bettyliill. —On the W. bank of the Eiver Naver, near its outlet and opposite Betty hill, is a gravelly plateau, devoid of vegetation, which bears the name of Baile Mhargait. It is elevated some 20' above the river, and measures about \ m. in length by m. in breadth. On it are numerous remains of constructions of various kinds. Stony mounds abound, mostly small and circular. Towards the SW. end is a round cairn, 22' in diameter, and about 4' 6" in height. About 100 yards NW. of it is another cairn, measuring about 30' in diameter, but only now about 2' high, the top of it seemingly having been removed. There are numerous hut circles, presenting no unusual features. From some all the turf or soil which went to the formation of the banks has gone, leaving the stones alone visible, and showing two parallel rows of large boulders with an interspace of about 3'. There is a circular enclosure on the E. side, towards the S. end, with interior diameter of about 24', which is apparently formed in similar fashion to a hut circle. There is, however, no entrance to it visible, but a thickening of the stony bank to the S. probably marks where it was. There are one or two flat heaps of stones, circular, evidently the remains of cairns, with a diameter of from 50' to 60', situated near the middle of the S. end. No remains of brochs are observable. The sand on the surface of the plateau is constantly shifting, dis¬ closing various remains. A list of constructions, including the remains of at least two brochs observed after a stormy winter in the spring of 1900, is contained in Antiquaries, xl. p. 132. O.S.M., Suth., xvii. and xviii. Visited, 24th May 1909. 213. Fiscary, Bettyhill. —On a stretch of moorland, lying about 1£ m. E. of Bettyhill Hotel, and reaching towards the hamlet of Swordly, are mounds in great numbers, and also hut circles. Some of the mounds are oblong, with their longest axes in no particular direction. Two of these measured gave dimensions 28' x 14' and 21'x 11'respectively. One of the hut circles near the eastmost of the large cairns has a diameter of 29' and an entrance from the S. O.S.M., Suth., xviii. Visited, 24th May 1909. 214. Farr. —On the N side of the road from Swordly to Farr, near the first house in the latter township, is a hut circle known as the “ An Path Chruineach.” It is of the simple oval form, measures 32' in interior diameter, and has an entrance from the S. A “ tunnel ” is said to have been discovered many years ago in the field adjacent, but no trace of it now remains. O.S.M., Suth., ix. Visited, 24th May 1909. 215. Loch ma Naire .— Near Loch ma Naire, at its S. end, are some small mounds of the usual type (unnoted). 216. Achanellan Burn .— About 1 m. up the Achanellan Burn, which enters the Eiver Naver to the N. of Dunviden, and a short 72 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Farr. distance N. of its right bank between the 300' and 400' contour lines, are several hut circles of the usual type, witli entrances from the S., and around them a large number of small mounds (unnoted). 217. Skelpick Burn .—About 2£ m. up the Skelpick Burn, on a low ridge which lies between the high ground on the W. and the burn, are numerous small mounds of from 12' to 14' in diameter. One, near the burn at the NE. end of the ridge, measures 21' in length by 8' in breadth, and is some 2' in height. Its longest axis lies nearly N. and S. At the N. end of this ridge is a small area of haugh land, on the W. or hill side of which are the ruins of an old enclosing wall of large boulders. About 100 yards back from the burn, and at the very end of the ridge, on the top of a sandy hillock, is a well-defined oval enclosure, measuring interiorly 12'x 6'. It is surrounded by a bank of stones about 2' in thickness, and has apparently a narrow entrance about 1-|' wide to the S., and there is a similar opening in the opposite wall towards the N. The longest axis lies NE. and SW. About 50' to the NE. is a small circular enclosure, with an interior diameter of about 7', surrounded by a rude walling or bank of stones similar to the above. The entrance is from the N. About 100' NE. are the remains of another similar small oval enclosure, surrounded with large boulders, and set against the old enclosing wall mentioned above. Its interior measurements are 9' x 7'. The entrance is to the S. Abutting on its NE. side is a small circular mound about 7' in diameter, with a wall of boulders all round to a height of 2'. The top is covered with turf, and presents a slightly concave surface, beneath which the soil is loose and free from stones. No entrance is observable. Close to the edge of the burn, just beyond the NE. end of the ridge, and occupying what is probably a natural hillock, is another small oval enclosure, measuring interiorly 12'x 6', surrounded by a low bank about 8' thick on base. The level of the interior is about 1' below the surrounding surface. 218. Do .—On the W. side of the Skelpick Burn, about £ m. SE. from Skelpick, is another group of small mounds of the usual type, but no hut circles, or other objects of interest associated with them, are observable. The mounds lie along the flat top of the moorland that slopes down towards Skelpick. Another large group of mounds lies in the vicinity of the cairns (Nos. 241 and 242). O.S.M., Suth., xxvii. Visited, 25th May 1909. 219. Bail na Drocliaide. — About half-way between the point where the Skelpick Burn Hows into the River Naver and the broch (No. 182) on the N. of the Allt a’ Chaisteil, on a terrace at the foot of the hill, is a circular enclosure. Its interior diameter is about 36'. The wall is about 8' thick, built of large stones, showing on the inner face two courses of boulders laid horizontally about 2' high. The entrance is from the SE. The wall is higher and more important than that of the hut circles met with in this district. It stands on a slight hillock. Within 50' to the E. is a hut circle of the ordinary form. O.S.M., Suth., xviii. (“Piets House”). Visited, 27th May 1909. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 73 Parish of Farr. 220. Earth-house, Cracknie .—This earth-house is situated 5 m. due S. of Borgie Bridge, and 2f in. E. of the E. shore, at the N. end of Loch Loyal, near the deserted crofter settlement of Cracknie, whose green hillocks are easily distinguishable a long way off from the northward. The entrance on the top of the second hillock from the NW. passes beneath a slab through an aperture about 2' square. The passage slopes downward, gradually growing wider and higher, and about 20' from the entrance is some 3' wide and from 4' 6" to 4' 10" high. At 32' inwards its width is reduced to 2' by a rebate on the right side: thereafter it gradually widens, and, curving round to the right, terminates in a pear-shaped expansion about 6' wide and 4' 4" high. The extreme length of the earth-house is 42'. A few tlags lying displaced outside the entrance suggest that it was once longer. The sides are carefully built without mortar, and it is roofed with slabs overlapping each other. The walls throughout are in perfect condition. See Antiquaries, vii. p. 276. O.S.M., Suth., xxvi. (unnoted). Visited, 28th May 1909. 221. River Borgie .—Some 2 in. S. of Borgie Bridge, and about \ m. E. of the Kiver Borgie, on the S. end of the ridge, at an elevation of some 300' above sea-level, is a group of about a dozen small round mounds. In the vicinity are the remains of old enclosures—probably connected with crofter-occupation. About 1 m. further S., on the W. slope of the Druim Buidhe, and stretching up from the low ground near the Kiver Borgie to about 150' above it, is another group, comprising from 80 to 100 mounds of the usual type. On the lower part of the slope, about 300 yards distant from the river, and directly E. of an island, is a well- marked hut circle, with the portal stone still standing on the left side of the entrance. It is a pointed stone 3' high and 2' 10" across the base, standing with its broad face towards the passage and 4' distant from the opposite side. The bank or wall of the circle is about 6' thick, and seems to have been more stony than usual. The interior diameter appears to be about 30', and what seems to be the ruins of an inner wall on the W. suggests that at some time the size of the circle has been reduced. O.S.M., Suth., xxvi. (unnoted). Visited, 28th May 1909. 222. Forsmard .—About m.NE. from Forsinard Lodge, and to the N. of a pony-track which leads from the right bank of the Halladale River eastwards, is a group of small mounds, extending along the hill¬ side for about ^ m., at a distance of about £ to f m. from the river. These mounds are somewhat larger and more stony than the usual type. One, near the S. end of the group, lying with its longest axis ENE. and WSW, measures 28' x 18', and is about 3' 6" high. There are remains of old walls running among them from E. to W., and another wall is apparent along the lower side of the group, lying N. and S. About 150 yards to the N. of the pony-path a crescentic hollow in the hill face, with a chord of 28' and a radius of 8', is lined with stones, and faces SW. Towards the N. end of the group are the remains of a hut circle, the bank of which is much 74 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Farr. worn down, measuring interiorly 26' x 29', and entering from the SW. The details of the entrance, etc., are indefinite. Some 60 yards E. of it, at a higher level, there appear to be the foundations of a number of small contiguous circular enclosures, but the remains are very indistinct. To the N. of the group are the ruins of walls forming field-like enclosures. One of these is irregularly quadrangular, and contains probably about \ an acre. At the NW. corner a hut circle opens out of it measuring some 28' x 34', with a bank about 6' thick. From the back of the circle the wall runs northward. 223. Do .—A little further N.. and some § m. N. of the pony-path, are the remains of several stone-built hut circles, formed of three or more conjoined circular or oval enclosures, with interior diameters of from about 8' to 14' and walls of about 5' in thickness. The walls are much ruined. The entrances appear to be from the W. Two of ip 5 o \o 2.0 Feet iH Hfm i f -1-H- Fig. 21.—Hut Circle, Forsinard Fig. 22.—Hut Circle, Forsinard (No. 223). (No. 223). these dwellings lie adjacent, and in their neighbourhood are the ruins of old walls running along the hillside (figs. 21 and 22). O.S.M., Suth., xxxviii. Visited, 27th September 1909. 224. Dalhalvaig. —On the E. side of the strath, about | m. N. of Dalhalvaig School, on the slope of the hill from about 100 yards back from the high road, are a large number of stony mounds, measuring from about 16' to 25' in diameter, and stretching along the hillside for about \ m. They differ in appearance from the ordinary small mounds, so common on the hillsides, by having a depression in the centre in which stones are exposed as if from partial excavation; 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 around the outer edge. They are also in some instances linked together by walls, and in other instances have curving lines of walling projecting from them, as if to flank the entrances. Eemains of old walls run hither and thither among them in sinuous lines. These constructions are believed to be the ruins of small huts. At the extreme NW. end are two conjoined huts, which seem to INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 75 Parish of Farr. have been partially excavated for stones. One is 18' in diameter and the other 14'. Southward there is a group of four such ruins, connected, except \ ' lO S O TO •ZO 'iOpEE.T l»>tl|HM| -1-1-1- Fig. 23. — Hut Ruins, Dalhalvaig (No. 224). towards the W., by walls, the foundations of which alone remain, 28' in length and about 3' in thickness, the whole construction "'/A, ^ •• ■WU?— Fig. 24.—Hut Ruin, Dalhalvaig (No. 224). forming a horse-shoe shaped enclosure, measuring 42' across the open end. Each ruin measures some 18' in diameter (fig. 23). Near this group is a single example, 16' in diameter over all, and having a short wall curving to the SW. for 13' (fig. 24). One large 76 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION Parish of Farr. mound near the SW. end of the group lies with its longest axis N. and S., and clearly discloses the outlines of several small circular chambers among the debris. At the extreme SW. end is a specimen which indicates an interior diameter of from 12' to 15' and entrance from the SW. As far as indications serve, the interior diameters seem to have been from S' to 10', and the entrances from W. or SW. At the SE. end of the group are the remains of a small oblong building, with rounded ends, measuring about 42' over all from NE. to SW., having the ruins of a stone-built structure about 9' across at the NE. end. The interior diameter of the construction, including the ruin, has been about 33'. The entrance has been from the SW., and has been 3' wide. The bank is of turf and stone. There are among these ruins a very few mounds, overgrown with turf, and lack¬ ing the characteristics of the group, in no way differing externally from the ordinary small mounds. O.S.M., Suth., xxix. Visited, 27th September 1909. 225. Meall Mor a Bhealaich .—Some 2 m. further N., on the S. end of Meall Mor a’ Bhealaich, opposite Calgarry Beg, on the W. side of Strath Halladale, and about 150' to 200' above the river, is another group of constructions similar to the last. The same features are present, and in some of the ruins traces of the circular wall on the interior are visible. They are mostly circular, with a diameter over all of about 18'. One oval example measures over all 25'x 16'. At the extreme S. of the group is a ruin which shows remains of the wall about 2' high in the interior. The diameter of the interior seems to have been about 6', and the measurement over all 18'. The entrance lias probably been from the S. From the W. side of one ruin, of about 18' diameter, a wall curves S. and then E. down the hill in an irregular line. The chord of the arc which it forms with the E. end of the construction is 53' in length. O.S.M., Sum, xx. (unnoted). Visited, 27th September 1909. 226. Bighouse .—A little more than 1 m. SSE. of Bighouse Lodge, on the E. side of the Thurso road, is a hut circle. The enclosing bank, which is about 3' in height, has been largely formed of stones. The interior diameter is 32'. The entrance has been from the SE. through a passage 10' in length, the thickness of the bank in the circumference being about 7'. In the centre of the interior is a small stony mound 9' in diameter and 2' in height. From the SW. 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 facing the entrance. Some 10' to the left of the entrance a narrow break in the bank, 1' 6" wide, gives aecess 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 (fig. 25). This circle is almost identical in plan with that above Strathy Church (No. 230). Some 50 yards to the NE. are the remains of another enclosure of simple oval form, the bank of which is much worn away. The entrance is from the SE., and the interior dimensions 23' x 27'. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 77 Parish of Farr. Some 30 yards N. on the other side of the road is another similar construction, entering from the SE., through an entrance 2' wide, and with banks 6' to 7' thick. The interior measurements are about 22' x 30'. Four or five small mounds, overgrown with turf and heather, lie quite near. One of these, some 30' N.,is 18'in diameter, has a depression on the top, and is about 2' 6" in height. On the top of the bank, across the burn, and some 300 yards NNE. of the enclosure with the mound in the centre, is a large Fig. 25.—Hut Circle, Bigliouse (No. 226). circular enclosure, 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 on the exterior to the N. Some 80 yards N. of the last is a hut circle, overgrown with ferns, and showing signs of ruins in the interior, but the details are obscure. About 30 yards further N. are the remains of another hut circle, also indistinct. This construction seems to have been composed of four or five small circular compartments, from 5' to 8' in diameter. Adjoining it on the N. is a small oval enclosure, measuring 40' x 20', the outer wall of which is continued round to the N. of the hut con¬ struction. Some 40' or thereby to the W. is another small enclosure of simple form, the banks of which are much worn down. It has been entered from the S., and has an interior diameter of from 15' to 20'. O.S.M., Suth., xi. (unnoted). Visited, 29th September 1909. 227. Armadale Burn .—Some 1| m. up the Armadale Burn, on its W. bank, and about ^ m. down from the broch, on the top of the bank, are a few circular ruins, similar to those at Dalhalvaig (No. 224). 228. Bowside Lodge .—At Bowside Lodge, some 2f m. S. of Strathy, situated about 100 yards NE. of the keeper’s house, on a terrace beside the Bowside Burn, is a small group of about ten hut ruins, most of which present the same features as those at Dalhalvaig, etc. The stones in the interior are exposed, the centre is lower than the edges, 78 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Farr. and there is no admixture of earth. The diameters are from 14' to 16', and the heaps of stones from 30' to 40' apart. There are no signs of connecting walls, but one is built into a bank, as at Dalhalvaig, A few mounds of similar size, conical, and overgrown with vegetation, exist among the ruins. O.S.M., Suth., xix. (unnoted). Visited, 28th September 1909. 229. Dail Teine .—About 1 m. above Strathy Church, on the W. bank of the Strathy water, and on the haugh to the N. of the influx of the Allt Dail Teine, are a number of circular enclosures and mounds. Some of the latter show a depression in the centre, like those at Dalhalvaig, while others are conical. Near where the Allt Dail Teine flows into the Strathy water 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. of this is a small circular enclosure of about 12' interior diameter; and some 50' W. of it again a larger one, with an entrance from the E., having an interior diameter of about 14', and surrounded by the remains of an encircling wall some 6' thick. Attached to it on the W. there appear to be the ruins of a small chamber. Some 30 yards NW. is a mound, overgrown with heather, about 16' in diameter and 3' high. Proceeding N. along the haugh are from fifteen to twenty more mounds. Two of them, rather larger than the rest, are situated within 20 yards of each other, and measure some 20' in diameter and 3' in height. At the extreme N. end of the haugh is a small enclosure, with an entrance from the E., measuring over all some 29' from N. to S. by 27' from E. to W. 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. Two or three other enclosures near, overgrown with heather and fern, appear to be of similar character. 230. Dail a Bhaite .—About ^ m. S. of Strathy Church, on the slope of the hillside, and some 100' above the level of the river, is a group of hut circles and small mounds. At the extreme S. end of the group, opposite the most southerly of the Strathy crofts across the valley, and about \ m. back from the river, is a hut circle of three compartments, two in line E. and W., and the third alongside that at the E. The most westerly one measures interiorly 16'x 12': that to the E. of it 14'x 10', and that to the S. 14' x 9'. The entrance from the outside has been by a curving passage near the centre of the S. side. The thickness of the enclosing wall seems to have been about 9' around the W. com¬ partment and 5' round the others. There is much stone from the walls lying in the interior, and the inner faces of the walls have been lined with flat-sided boulders set on end (fig. 26). Some 100 yards to the northward, at the same elevation as the last, are the remains of a hut circle, in the construction of which INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 79 Parish of Farr. much large stone has been used. The entrance is from the E. 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 V 6" apart. The wall is from 2' to 3' high, and, except -1-H fO $ O lO 20 Fig. 26.—Hut Circle, Dail a’ Bhaite (No. 230). at the entrance, about 4' thick. The interior diameter from N. to S. is 27' and from E. to W. 25'. In the interior, 4' 8" from the entrance, and 8' from the back wall, is a mound measuring 13' x 10' in diameter, outlined with large stones some 3' in height, and having a depth of a foot or two of humus on the top. On the S. side of the interior a wall curving from the centre mound to the side forms the back of an enclosure 15' long by 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. is another enclosure, measuring interiorly about 13' x 9', and apparently entered from the main circle. The thickness of the wall is not very apparent (fig. 27). SO HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Parr. Some 30 yards NW. are the remains of a small construction, formed of two or three conjoined circles, entirely overgrown with heather, and near by and further to the N, several small mounds of from 18' to 20' in diameter. 231. Do. —About £ m. SW. of Strathy Church, and somewhat less to the W. of the river, on the N. side of a small ravine, and between it and an old feal dyke, is a circle of upright and almost contiguous boulders 9' 6" in diameter. On the N. and NE. are the remains of an outer and nearly parallel row, some 5' to 8' distant, the stones of which are not so closely set. On the S. 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., at 7' distant, is a small mound about 9' in diameter. This construction resembles the circle of stones on the An t-Sron, near Lairg (No. 424), and also that near Knock Arthur in Bogart (No. 497). 232. Earth-house, Strathy. —On the left bank of the Strathy water, some 80 yards S. of the road bridge beside Strathy Church, 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 unnoted). O.S.M., Suth., x. Visited, 28tli September 1909. Sepulchral Constructions. 233. Chambered Cairn, remains of, Skail .—At Skail, about 70' E. of the road, in a clump of birch trees on Adam Mackay’s croft, is the denuded raegalithic chamber of a cairn. The cairn, which has been circular, with a diameter of about 66', has been almost entirely removed. The longest axis of the chamber has been NE. and SW., and its total length appears to have been about 15', but the NE. end is now indefinite. In form it is polygonal. At about 8' from the SW. end the chamber is divided into two compartments by two large slabs, some 2' 6" in height from the ground level, and about 2' apart, projecting from either side 2' 10" into the interior. These slabs are not exactly opposite each other, that on the N. being about 6" W. of the one on the other side. The SW. compartment of the chamber is about 8' broad, and is formed of five large slabs set on end—the highest, 5' 8" above ground and 3' 6" across at broadest, tapering to a point. The other slabs are each about 4' 6" high. The space between the upright stones is neatly filled with horizontal building. In the E. division of the chamber only one large stone on the N., 4' 6" high and 3' 7" broad, remains standing. The slab on the opposite side has fallen. No sign of the passage is visible. This cairn was excavated some years ago by the tenant of one of the shooting lodges, but no record appears to have been kept. A steatite cup with a side handle is said to have been found in it, and to be preserved in the Dunrobin Museum. O.S.M., Suth., xxxvi. (unnoted). Visited, 22nd May 1909. 234-237. Cairns, Fiscary, Bettyhill. — At Fiscary, to the E. of Bettyhill, a ridge runs along the upper part of the moor from E. to INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 81 Parish of Farr. W., and crowning three eminences are four large cairns. The first, which is the most easterly, is circular in form, is about 68' in diameter, and 15' 6" high to the apex, on which a small pile of stones has recently been erected. The cairn does not appear to have been excavated, but the stones in several places have been pulled out, probably in attempts to discover the chambers or in pursuit of rabbits. The second and third cairns lie several hundred yards to the W., some 300' above the sea, overlooking the Bay of Swordly. Of these the southmost does not appear to have been excavated. It is circular, with a diameter of about 52', and is some 10' high to the top of the modern pile of stones on its apex. It presents a peculiar feature. At the N. end is clearly visible a broad platform of stones extending to a distance of 25' from the base of the cairn, and, though largely overgrown with turf, traceable by the outline of stones almost entirely around it. This platform has been described as a neck con¬ necting the two cairns, but in reality it stops 7' distant from the adjacent cairn. The third cairn adjoining has been excavated, and is now com¬ pletely destroyed. The chamber is half filled up with debris, and >f i MI |° f f f° p° f oFegr Fig. 28.—Horned Cairn, Skelpick (No. 238). only two or three large slabs remain, the others having disappeared. Its diameter has been about 46', and its height is 4' to 5'. The fourth cairn, still further to the W., measures 28' to 30' in 6 82 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Farr. diameter, and is about 6' high. There are no signs of chambers visible, and the cairn has been a good deal dilapidated. O.S.M., Suth., xviii. Visited, 24th May 1909. 238. Horned Cairn, Skelpick. —Occupying the crest of a ridge to the E. of the small plantation near the farm buildings at Skelpick is a construction, apparently a horned cairn. It has been much dilapi¬ dated, especially on the SE. side, from which great quantities of stones have at one time been removed. There are various other signs of excavation, but no structural details have been exposed. The main mass of the cairn has a diameter of about 43', and is from 7' to 8' high. From four points, roughly corresponding with the cardinal points of the compass, radiate low horns, about 2' in height, measur¬ ing across the base at the N. and W. 20', and at the S. and E. 18'. They project at the N. and W. 20', and at the S. and E. 26' and 28' respectively. The N. and W. horns are 67' apart at their extremities, the S. and E. horns 55', while the W. and S. are 77' apart and the N. and E. 71' (fig- 28). O.S.M., Suth., xxvii. Visited, 27th May 1909. 239. Chambered Cairn, Skelpick. —About 300 yards SE. of the Farm-house of Skelpick are the remains of a very large circular cairn. The stones of which it was formed have in great measure been removed. The diameter is about 93', and the height is still at highest 6' to 7'. There has been a chamber near the centre of the S. half at about 23' from the circumference, which has been excavated and is now ruined. It has probably been divided into two by par¬ tition slabs, 2' 6" high and 3' across, which occur at 30' from the outside. The chamber appears to have been about 17' in length. One low upright stone remains in the inner division on the E. side. 240. Cairn, do. —About 100 yards SE, of Skelpick Farm-house are the remains of another large round cairn, which does not appear to have been excavated, but is much dilapidated. The diameter from N. to S. is 59' and from E. to W. 54'. The height is about 5'. On the W. and S. sides it has been much pulled about. O.S.M., Suth., xxvii. (unnoted). Visited, 27th May 1909. 241. Horned Long Cairn, Skelpick.—A. horned long cairn is situated on the E. side of the Skelpick Burn, about | m. N. by E. of Skelpick. It lies with its longest axis N. and S. It is some 200' in length, and is 35' broad at the S. end, and at the N. end the pro¬ jecting horns at their extremities are 66' apart. The S. end has been in part removed. The horns, which project considerably eastward and westward, are about 22' in length, and are each some 12' in breadth at the base. A passage, not opened out, enters from the N. end, and at about 15' 6" from the exterior gives access to a small separately roofed chamber about 6' 6" long, 4' broad, and 4' 3" high. It opens into a second chamber through a portal 2' 7" wide, and 3' 6" high above present level, surmounted by a large lintel, triangular in section, nearly 10' long and 2' 6" deep. This compart¬ ment measures some 8' x 10'. One large slab alone remains in situ on the E. side, but none are on the W. This compartment is separated from the third by two upright stones, about 3' 6" high, supporting a INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 83 Parish of Farr. lintel about 9' long, 1' 2" thick, and 3' 6" deep. The division stones are 4' apart. It is polygonal, measures some 10' x 12', and is formed of six large upright slabs, with regular horizontal building filling the spaces between them. On the slope to the W. lie a number of small mounds, and these objects are numerous on the terrace about 100' higher up. See Anderson, The Bronze and Stone Ages, p. 263 ; Antiquaries, vii. p. 273. 242. Cairn, Skelpick. —Towards the S. end of the group of mounds to the W. of the cairn (No. 241), and on a slight eminence, stands a large circular cairn, with a diameter of about 54'. It is about 8' high, and though the stones have been pulled about here and there on the top, it does not appear to have been excavated (unnoted). O.S.M., Suth., xviii. Visited, 27th May 1909. 243. Horned Long Cairns, Coil/e na Borgie .— Situated on the right bank of the Eiver Naver, about 1 m. above the road bridge to the S. of Bettyhill, on a natural terrace beside the road from Skelpick, are the remains of two, or possibly three, chambered cairns. They lie in line, with a general direction N. and S. The most southerly of the cairns is the largest. It is some 230' in length, some 80' wide at the N. end, and 50' wide at the S. end. Its elevation rises towards the N. At the N. end the cairn terminates in a crescent, measuring some 48' from point to point, formed by two projecting horns. These appear to have been outlined, on both the outer and inner faces, with large pointed stones set upright, varying in height from 3' to 7' 10", in breadth from 2' to 3', and in distance from each other from 10' to 16'. Though on the W. side the horn remains distinct, the standing-stones on the outer side have dis¬ appeared. They still, however, exist on both faces of the E. horn. Those on the outer sides of the horns are smaller than those in the line of the crescent, and the highest stones are at the extremities. To the front there are eight stones standing, three to the W. of the centre, and five to the E. Immediately to the W. of the entrance a large stone lies prostrate, with its point outwards. At intervals along the sides of the cairn, and more markedly on the W. side, from which the ground slopes, the heads of standing-stones protrude. The position of the standing-stones at the S. end, relative to the termina¬ tion of the cairn, is difficult to determine. On the E. they appear merely to continue in the direction of the side, but on the W. there are two projecting slabs some 20' in from the present termination, which, facing towards the SE., suggest that they may have formed a portion of a crescentic setting. The chamber is tripartite. It is entered by a passage from the centre of the N. end, described as 17' in length and about 2^' in width and height. This passage, as well as the division of the chamber into which it opens, is now almost entirely filled with debris. The middle compartment is some 5' in length and breadth, and is said to have been some 6' 10" in height. It is still partially covered with slabs. The outer compartment, now ruined, is said to have been slightly less, and the innermost com¬ partment over 7' in diameter and some 8' in height. 84 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Farr. The second cairn to the N. of the other is a mass of stones about 100' in length. It is said to have shown indications of a chambered character, but none are now visible. As in the cairn previously described, upright stones are visible at intervals in the lateral out¬ lines, especially on the W. side. The third cairn, which may possibly be a portion of the second, is circular, with a diameter of some 60', and contains a single poly¬ gonal chamber, now half filled with stones. The chamber measures some 8' in diameter, and was originally about the same in height. Its walls have been formed of great stones, with horizontal building filling the interspaces. This cairn appears also to have had horns at the N. end, but as it has been so much pillaged the indications are not very definite. Some 8' to the E. of the position of the outer entrance to the passage lies a large stone, mostly on its edge, exposed for a length of 5', and measuring 2' across. Some 25' N.E. the head of another protrudes. On the W. there are more indica¬ tions of a horn, but there are no standing-stones. See Anderson, The Bronze and Stone Ages, p. 260 (plan and illus.); Antiquaries, xviii. p. 228 (plan and illus.). O.S.M., Sutil, xviii. Visited, 27th May 1909. 244. Cairns, etc., Aclicheargary .—On the S. side of the Achchear- gary Burn, about 20 yards from the top of the W. bank of the River Naver, and 50 yards from the burn, is a large circular cairn, with a diameter from 1ST. to S. of some 77' and from E. to W. of about 70'. The top of it has been removed, so as to expose, somewhat to the N. of the centre, three slabs, apparently the end and sides of a chamber, which does not appear to have been cleared out. The length of the chamber from E. to W., as far as exposed, is 7', and its width about 5'. One stone protrudes about 1' 2" at the E. end, and the upper portion of one is visible on each side. That on the N. side has been slightly displaced. The present height of the cairn is about 7'. Between it and the road on the W. lie about half a dozen small mounds At about 150 yards and 200 yards to the S. respectively, in the direction of the shepherd’s house, have apparently been two more similar cairns, now almost entirely removed. To the W. of the road, about 150' above it and some 100 yards S. of the burn, are the considerable remains of another cairn, which has been pillaged to build a sheep fold. It appears to have had a diameter of about 54'. Its present height is about 4' on the E.,but on the W. or upper side it is almost level with the ground. Scattered about in its vicinity are a few small mounds of some 12' to 14' diameter. About 100 yards N. of the burn, and 70 yards W. of the road, is a round cairn, with a diameter of about 26', and a height of about 4'. About 70 yards NW, of it are the remains of yet another cairn beside a sheep fold. Near the centre of it has been exposed a cist, intact, except for the stone at the S. end, which has been removed and lies adjacent. The cist is full of soil to within 1' 2" of the covering slab, which is 3' 8" long, 3' wide, and 7" thick. The diameter of the cairn has been about 45'; its height is 5'. About 30' NW. are the remains of a similar cairn, partially removed. A large thin slab, protruding to the S. of the remaining INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 85 Parish of Farr. heap of stones, probably marks the site of a cist. The height of the existing portion, which is probably about one-half of the original, is about 4', and its diameter is 24'. About \ m. N. of the Achcheargary Burn is a group of mounds extending from the roadside to 80 or 100 yards W. of it. O.S.M., Sutii., xxvii. (unnoted). Visited, 1st June 1909. 245. Across the River Naver, about \ m. S. of the bridge over the Allt a’ Chaisteil, on the road to Skelpick, is another group of a score or more mounds. O.S.M., Suth., xviii. (unnoted). Visited, 1st June 1909. 246. Chambered Cairn (remains of), Melvicli.—On the hillside to the W. of the township of Melvich, and about \ m. SSW. of the Hotel, are the dilapidated remains of a cairn. The diameter from E. to W. has been about 63', and from N. to S. about 70'. Some 27' in from the N. side the upper part of a large slab facing N. probably indicates the back of a chamber, and other large stones protruding seem to have formed part of such a structure. O.S.M., Suth., x. (“ Borg, [remains of] ”). Visited 29th September 1909. 247. Stone Circle, Dailharraild .—On a haugh beside tbe River Naver, at Dailharraild, stands the “ Clach an Righ,” the remains of a stone circle, with a low cairn in the centre. Of the stones forming the Fig. 29.—Stone Circle, Dailharraild (No. 247). circle two only are upright, standing almost N. and S. of each other, and 21' 6" apart. They both stand with their broad faces at right angles to the line of the circumference. On the W. half of the circle three stones lie prone, and between the two upright stones the head of another protrudes through the turf. With its end against the E. face of the standing-stone to the S. lies a large stone on its edge, its opposite end lying a foot or so beyond the line of the circumference. The diameter of the circle appears to be about 22', that of the cairn in the middle 11'. The tall standing-stone to the S. is 8' high, 10" broad at the top, and 3' 6" at the base. It is a flat slab 8" to 10" 86 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Farr. thick. The other standing-stone is 6' high, 2' 9" broad at the base, and 1' 2" at the top, and about 8" thick. The three fallen stones on the W., counting from the S. stone northwards, are of the following dimensions, viz.:—1st stone, 9'long, 2' 8" broad, 9" thick; 2nd stone, 6' 6" long, 2' 8" broad, and 8" thick; 3rd stone, lying on edge, 6' 6" long, 9" thick, and 8" in breadth so far as visible. The head of the protruding stone is 2' long. The slab against the S. stone is 5' 4" long, P 9" broad where most exposed, and 3" to 4" thick (fig. 29). See Antiquaries, v. p. 358 (illus.). O.S.M., Suth., xliv. Visited, 21st May 1909. --//Sc: Miscellaneous. 248. Sculptured Cross, Kiibreck, Loch Naver .—About £ m. S.E. of the farm buildings at Kiibreck, on marshy ground S. of the enclosure called Stewart’s Park, are two upright slabs of undressed schistose stone within 6' or 7' of each other. On the FT. face of the most southerly, roughly chiselled out,is a Celtic cross, long-shafted, with the arms expandingtowards the ends, and the angles at the points of intersection rounded. The height of the stone above ground is 3' 10", and its breadth is 1' 2". The total length of the cross exposed is 3' 6", and the breadth along the arms 11". The upper arm measures 8" in length, the side arms 4|", and the stem 2' 8". 249. Foundations, Kiibreck, Loch Naver .—About 40' W. of the standing-stone are the foun¬ dations of a small rectangular building. The outline is now somewhat indefinite Externally the measurement is about 21' over all; internally, the diameter seems to be about 12' from E to W. by 10' from N. to S. At the NE. corner there is a large mass of debris, suggesting some addi¬ tional structure. Numerous large stones protrude from the ground in the vicinity, but none of them, so far as ascertainable, bear any symbols. O.S.M., Suth., liii. (unnoted). Visited, 15th May 1909. 250. Sculptured Cross , Grum- the E. wall which surrounds the -3 . rz At. Fig. 30.—Sculptured Cross, Grumbeg (No. 250). beg, Loch Naver .—On the top of INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 87 Parish of Farr. ancient burial-ground of the Aberach Mackays at Grumbeg, on the N. side of Loch Naver, and some 6' from the SE. corner of the wall, is a stone with a cross incised on it. The stone measures 2' 4" in length, 6" in depth, and 7" in width; and the cross, which is at one end, occupies the breadth of the stone, and is Y 1" long. The upper and lower arms slightly exceed in length the lateral arms. The upper and lateral arms terminate in semicircular expansions, while the other or lower end has a heart-shaped termination. The semi¬ circular expansions enclose two small hollowed triangular compart¬ ments (on one side obliterated), while the remaining expansion bears a double incurving spiral (fig. 30). 251. Bo., do. —A few feet to the N. of the above, also on the top of the wall, is a similar slab, some 3' in length, with a quadrangular figure 8" square incised on the face of it, and subdivided by four intersecting lines, cutting each other at right angles, thus forming four small connected crosses. O.S.M., Suth., xliv. (unnoted). Visited, 17th May 1909. 252. Cup-Marlced Stone, do., do. —Within the graveyard lies a small triangular stone of micaceous schist, having a surface measure¬ ment of 20" x 18" and a thickness of 4". There is shown on its face three well-defined cup-marks of about 3" diameter and 11" depth. Towards the base of the stone is another marking, which is less well defined. See Antiquaries, xl. p. 130 (illus.). O.S.M., Suth., xliv. Visited, 17th May 1909. 253. Sculptured Stone, Langdale. —At Langdale, on the croft of Angus Gunn, lying against the wall at the N. side of the field in front of his house, is a portion of an incised slab 3' 8" in length, 2' in extreme breadth, and 3" thick, bearing, in the left upper corner, part of a crescentic device. See Antiquaries, xl. p. 128 (illus.). Visited, 22nd May 1909. 254. Saddle Quern, do. —At the upper end of the same field, beside an open drain, is lying a large stone 2' 3" long and Y 7" broad, hollowed gradually from either end in the direction of its length to a depth of 3" at the centre, showing signs of attrition. It is possibly the lower stone of a saddle quern, and locally is said to have been used for tanning hides. This seems to be the stone described as a font in Antiquaries, xl. p. 131. O.S.M., Suth., xxxvi. Visited, 22nd May 1909. 255. Cladli Langdale. —Situated between the edge of a cultivated meadow and the Kiver Naver, near Langdale, is an ancient burial- ground, enclosed within a wall. None of the tombstones exposed bear any markings of interest. 256. Sculptured Cross, Skail. —In a cultivated field at the edge of the Kiver Naver, about 280 yards ENE. of the Schoolhouse at Skail, are the remains of an old graveyard, unenclosed, in the centre of which stands a short graliite pillar, about 2' 4" high by 1' 2' in breadth and thickness, bearing a rudely incised cross, nearly equal 88 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Farr. armed, and having the upper arm rounded off at the extremity. This is known as “ the Red Priest’s Grave.” See Antiquaries , v. p. 359 (illus.). 257. Cladh Rivigill.- —This disused graveyard is situated on the top of a knoll, on the right bank of the River Naver, in the meadow in front of the shooting-lodge of Rheafail. The few flat slabs that are exposed bear no inscriptions or symbolical markings. O.S M., Suth. , xxxvi. Visited, 22nd May 1909. 258. Sculptured Cross, Farr. —To the E. of the Parish Church of Farr, within the graveyard, is a rectangular cross slab of blue schistose slate. It measures 7' 6" in height, 2' in width at the bottom, 2' 1" in width at the top, and 9" in thickness. It is divided into two panels, a narrow one at the top containing a key pattern, and a lower one containing in the upper part a cross, with a raised circular boss in the centre of it, oval hollows in the angles between the arms, and a circular ring connecting them, and having a narrow shaft spring¬ ing from a semicircular arched base. The cross is highly ornamented with spirals, key pattern, and interlaced work, while the semicircular base contains a figure, formed of two birds, with their necks inter¬ twined. Below the cross the panel is filled with key pattern. The background is also highly ornamented. See Early Christ. Mon., pt. iii. p. 53 (illus.); Antiquaries, vii. p. 274; Sutherland and the Reay Country, p. Ill (illus.). O.S.M., Suth., xviii. Visited, 24th May 1909. 259. Heraldic Stone, Kirktown. —On a pillar of the cemetery gate at Kirktown, Strath-halladale, is a triangular stone, carved with armorial bearings, which was found in 1894 among the ruins of Kirkton Chapel, and is supposed to have marked the tomb of the first wife of Angus Mackay, second of Bighouse. The shield may be blazoned thus—Per fess, the chief per pale; in the dexter, a stag’s head couped, pierced through the neck by an arrow. Sinister, three bears’ heads erased and muzzled. In base, a dexter hand between two dirks in chevron. The stone bears the initials of Angus Mackay, A.M.K., and the date 1630. See Antiquaries, xxxviii. p. 529 (illus.); The Book of Mackay, p. 279 (illus.). O.S.M., Suth., xix. 260. Sculptured Cross, Strathy. —About 700 yards WSW. of the road bridge over the Strathy Water at Strathy, some 32 yards E. of the upper of the two feal dykes which crosses the moor from N. to S., and about 120 yards JST. of the dyke, running E. and W., is a cross slab. The stone is lying EE. and SW. It is 4' 4" in length, T 8" wide where widest across the arms of the cross, and 1' 2" at base, and about 8'' in thickness. Incised on the surface is a Latin cross 2' 8" in length, and V 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 measuring 7" in diameter. The termination at the base of the cross is somewhat flattened from the round, and measures 6" x 7". INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 89 Parish of Farr. Parallel incised lines are cut down either side of the shaft and arms. See Antiquaries, xxxiv. p. 252 (illus.); Early Christ. Mon., pt. iii. p. 55. O.S.M., Suth., x. Visited, 29th September 1909. 261. Megalithic Structure, Dunviden. —About 120 yards E. of Dunviden broch, on the River Naver, on the top of a slight eminence, are the remains of a megalithic structure. The stones are irregularly placed, and seem to form a portion only of the original number. In the centre of a cup-shaped depression, from the sides of which protrude small round stones, stands a large block of grey granitic rock, 4' 6" high, 3' across, and about 10" thick. One stone stands to the N. and another to the S. of this block, 12' apart, and other five stand irregularly to the W. of a line between them. It is possible that it is the ruins of a chambered cairn.* O.S.M., Suth., xxvii. (unnoted). Visited, 25th May 1909. 262. Iron Smelting (remains of), Skelpick. —On the right bank of the Skelpick Burn, directly to the W. of the N. end of the long cairn (No. 241), and about \ m. N. of Skelpick, there is exposed, 8" below the present surface, a bed of iron slag 9" thick. Some 4" to 5" beneath it lies a seam of charcoal 2^" thick. The slag is intermixed with portions of burnt wood. O.S.M., Suth., xxvii. (unnoted). Visited, 27th May 1909. 263. Circular Building, Mound, etc., Achnabourin. —About 150 yards E. of the road at Achnabourin, and between it and the River Naver, near the centre of the birch wood, are the remains of a small circular building, about 10' in diameter, with rude stone walling. To the S., a few feet distant, is a small round mound, and in front, where beneath the broken surface many large stones are visible, is said to have formerly existed an opening underground, V 6" to 2' square. O.S.M., Suth., xviii. Visited, 28th May 1909. Sites. 264. Borve Castle. —About 1 m. N. of the S. end of Farr township, on a promontory joined to the mainland by a narrow neck very precipitous on either flank, though accessible from the sea or NE. extremity, are the scanty remains of the Castle of Borve. Nothing exists but part of the foundations, which show a range of rectangular building, with walls about 7' thick. The main structure has been on the W. side of the promontory, but its plan is now indefinite. The NW. wall has for the most part gone. The promontory slopes down towards the seaward end, where there are several hollows, circular and rectangular, probably marking the site of the well and founda¬ tions of some kind. Below them a ditch crosses the lower end of * The construction was visited by the Rev. J. M. Joass, LL.D., about the year 1864, and a ground plan of it, as it then appeared, was published in Antiquaries, v. pi. xxiv. This shows two rectangular enclosures set en echelon. The same number of stones as is there shown still remain, but some have probably fallen, and their positions are consequently altered. 90 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Farr. the headland. The neck connecting the promontory with the main¬ land is traversed by a ditch covered by a rampart on the seaward side, and there are the remains of a bank still nearer the land further protecting the approach on the NW. side at the top of the cliff. See Gordon, p. 135; Pennant (1769), p. 346; Antiquaries, vii. p. 275 ; The Book of Mackay, p. 98 ; Sutherland and the Iieay Country, pp. 40 (illus.) and 112; Cordiner’s Ruins, ii. (illus. frontispiece) O.S.M., Suth., ix. Visited, 24th May 1909. 265. Broch, Clerkhill, Farr. —At the extreme W. end of a low rocky ridge on which are situated the buildings of a croft bearing the name of “ The Dun,” formerly stood a broch. Only a few large stones, winch formed part of the foundation, now remain on the top of the rock. See Antiquaries, vii. p. 275. O.S.M., Suth., ix. Visited, 24th May 1909. 266. Earth-houses {supposed), Achnabourin. —About ^ m. WSW. of the farm-house at Achnabourin, and some 80 yards W. of the road, on the summit of a grassy knoll, two boulders probably mark the site of the entrance to the earth-house which formerly existed here. A depression running SE. for about 44' seems to indicate its extent. On a hillock immediately E. of the road and between the wood and the farm-house at Achnabourin, is a similar depression running 1ST. and S., about 54' in length and nearly 9' in width, showing signs of stone building at either side. O.S.M., Suth., xviii. Visited, 28th May 1909. 267. Chapel (supposed Site) and Graveyard, Kirlctown. — The O.S. map indicates the supposed site of a chapel at Kirktown, about 2 m. S. of Melvich. 268. Old Graveyard, Achness. —On the right bank of the River Naver, a short distance above the influx of the Mallart Iiiver, is an old graveyard. Nothing of interest is visible in it. O.S.M., Sutil, liv. and Iv. PARISH OF GOLSPIE. Castellated and Domestic Structures. 269. Dunrobin Castle .—Dunrobin Castle is situated about 1\ m. to the NE. of Golspie. It stands on the summit of a high bank overlooking the Dornoch Firth. Sir Robert Gordon thus describes it: “A house well seated upon a mote hard by the sea, with fair orchards, wher ther be pleasant gardens, planted with all kynds of froots, hearbs, and floors, used in this kingdom, and abundance of good saphron, tobacco, and rosemarie.” It appears to have consisted originally of a keep at the NE. angle, 27' X 23', with walls 6' 6" in thickness, which still stands, but is entirely surrounded and enclosed with numerous additions of different ages. The keep is vaulted on each floor. The angle bartisans and the continuous INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 91 Parish of Golspie. mouldings in place of corbels beneath the parapet are features of late date. In the 17th century a large mansion, on the plan of a central courtyard, was erected to the SW. of the keep, and connected to it with a circular tower containing a wheel staircase. Over the windows of this staircase the original small pediments still exist, containing the initials I. E - s. for John, Earl of Sutherland, and A. c - s. for Anna, his countess. The greater part of the structure erected at that time is still preserved, although somewhat added to and altered. The iron “ yett,” with which the entrance to the old courtyard was provided, is still preserved at the castle. See Cast, and Bom. Arch., iv. p. 300 (plans and illus.); Anti¬ quaries, xxii. p. 310 (“yett” illus.); Gordon, pp. 8, 26, 509, 519; Origines, ii. pt. ii. p. 681; Cordiner’s Ruins, ii. (illus.); Sutherland and the Reay Country, p. 110; Pococke, p. 166; Views in Orkney, etc. (illus.); Old Lore Miscellany, etc., ii. pt. iii. (illus.); Hid., ii. pt. iv. p. 199 (illus.). O.S.M., Sutil, cv. Visited, 17th July 1909. Defensive Constructions. 270. Broch, “Cam Liaih.” —Situated about m. E. of Dunrobin Castle, to the S. of Uppat Wood, and just below the railway, on the top of a bank, is the broch of “ Carn Liath.” It has been thoroughly excavated. The entrance is from the E. by a Jag-covered passage 18' long, some 6' high and 3' wide ; 8' in from the outside occur jambs, beyond which the passage widens somewhat. At 2' 2" below the roof of the passage are holes on either side for the reception of a bar, that on the S. side passing 2' 3" into the wall, that on the N. V 3". In rear of the jamb, on the right of the passage, is the entrance to a chamber which is 10' long, 5' broad, and 8' high. The interior diameter of the broch is 30'. A quarter distance round the inner face of the wall, to the left, an entrance 3' wide gives access through a passage 6' long and 5' high to a flight of twenty-one steps, rising to the right. The average height of the wall in the interior is about 12'. Some 6' from the present floor level there is a scarcement 6'' to 8" in breadth, formed by a restriction of the wall. In the middle of the interior is a sunk chamber, 11' long, 7' wide, and 8' deep, connected at the E. end with a smaller structure 3' deep. The walls of this chamber are formed of large, upright flags, about 5' in height, above which occurs neatly-built masonry. Close to the wall, on the N. side of the interior, is a similar sunk chamber, 8' long, 6' broad at greatest breadth, and 6' deep. On the outside a covered and flagged passage, 12' long, 3' wide, and 4£' high, leads to the entrance passage from the S. The outer lintel of this passage bears two cup- marks on its upper face. It also displays certain linear markings, which appear to be artificial, and which are described and illustrated in Antiquaries, xv. p. 180. Around the broch are the remains of encircling walls and outbuildings. The relics found are preserved in the Museum at Dunrobin. Among them are many shale rings ; two steatite cups, one with a handle; two plates of brass, each a little more than ^-th in thickness, the one oblong, measuring 92 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Golspie. 11 "x7&", the other nearly semicircular, with a radius of about 7|". They are both marked with blows from the pin end of a hammer. See Arch. Scot., v. pt. i. p. 102 (plans, secs., and illus.); Anderson, The Iron Aye, p. 221. 271. Brocli, Dwnrobin Wood .—In the wood, about \ m. NW. of Dunrobin Mains, between the road and the cultivated land, are the remains of a broch, situated on a hillock cut off from the hill to the N. by a wide natural trench, and steeply sloped on the W., S., and E. The broch is much ruined, and the outer wall face has, to some extent, been cleared of debris, exposing the entrance, which is from the W. The interior diameter is not fully ascertainable. Where opposing wall faces are visible on the SW. and NE. it is 23', but from NW. to SE. it appears to have been greater—seemingly about 28'—thus giving the courtyard a slightly oval form. The entrance passage is 4' wide, where measurable at 7' from the exterior, and its length 16'. At 9' from the exterior, on its S. side, is the entrance to a guard chamber, which extends inwards for 8', and is 5' wide at greatest width. The inner half of the wall on the N. side of the passage is gone. At 6' back from the passage, on the N. side, is the end of a chamber, the outer or NW. wall of which is exposed for a distance of 24'. It probably contained the staircase. 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. side, and the growth of bracken makes observation additionally difficult. The broch has been encircled by a wall some 4' distant from it, now much ruined, and of indefinite thickness. See Pococke, p. 166. O.S.M., Sum, cv. Visited, 13th August 1909. 272. Broch, Backies .—Situated on a knoll at the foot of the hill behind Backies, and at an elevation of some 600' above the sea, is a broch. It has been excavated, and an immense pile of stones lies around. The entrance is from the WNW. through a passage 16' 6" in length, 3' 6" wide in the interior at base, 3' wide below the lintel, and 4' 8" high. The lintel stones covering the passage, with the exception of one or perhaps two, are all in situ. The interior diameter is 27', the greatest height of wall visible in the interior is 8' 6", but on the exterior the height is inconsiderable. The width of the wall at the height of 6' is 13' 6". A scarcement runs round the interior at about 5' 8" from the present floor level. Opposite the entrance to the broch is the entrance to a chamber through a passage measuring 5' 6" in length, and 2' 1" in width. Over the lintel at the latter entrance is an opening 1' 9" high by 1' 6" wide, carried inwards to the chamber above the passage roof. The chamber, the roof of which has fallen in, measures 13' to 14' in length by 6' in width. At 9' 6" to the N. of the entrance to the broch access is given to the staircase and a chamber opposite it by a passage 9' 8" long and 2' 8" wide. The stair rises towards the N.; and the walls of the staircase at the base, as well as those of the chamber opposite, have converged. There is no chamber entering off the entrance INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 93 Parish of Golspie. passage. At about 40' out from the entrance is a wall encircling the broch, on the inner side of which are signs of numerous secondary constructions. Among the objects recovered on excavation were a small stone cup, fragments of rude pottery, and an armlet of shale. These are preserved in Dunrobin Museum. See Antiquaries, vii. p. 291; Pococke, p. 167. O.S.M., Suth., cv. Visited, 13th August 1909. Hut Circles, Earth-Houses, and Associated Constructions. 273. The Mound .—About ^ m. E. of the Mound Station, in a young plantation of larch trees, between the road and the railway, is a hut circle. The interior is circular, with a diameter of 35' and entrance from the SE. The enclosing bank is some 6' thick, except on either side of the entrance, where it expands to 10'. The breadth of the entrance is not obtainable. 274. TJarth-house, Kirkton .—About \\ m. ENE. of the Mound Station, to the E. of the row of cottages above the wood at Kirkton quarry, is an earth-house. It is 37' in length, cruciform in plan, with a chamber opening out of the main gallery on either side. In direction it runs NNW. and SSE., following the slope of the hill. Access is obtained to it at the N. end down a flight of six or seven steps, V 7" across, from the top of which, for a distance of 3', the roof has been removed. The main gallery expands to an extreme width of 4' before the side chambers are reached ; and beyond them, after restriction to 3' 4", again expands to 4' 4" at its widest point. The greatest height of the roof is 6'. On the E. side, at 15' from the N. extremity of the side wall, is the entrance to a side chamber, 3' wide and 7' 1" in length, roofed with slabs 4' 11" in 94 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Golspie. height above the present floor level. The end of the chamber is rounded, and the walls slightly converge upwards. The wall on the N. side of the entrance to this chamber projects about V further into the main gallery than that on the opposite side. On the W. side of the main gallery, at about 14' from the N. entrance, is the entrance to another chamber 2' 2" across. This chamber is 7' in length, 3' 5" wide at greatest width, and 4' 11" high, with a roof formed of over¬ lapping slabs. The wall on the S. side of its entrance projects about 1' 9" further into the main gallery than that on the opposite side. At the S.E. extremity, 12' 10" from the S. side of the entrance to the E. chamber, a narrow passage leads through a doorway to the exterior. On either side of the doorway are projecting jambs, 1' 4" apart; that on the W. side projecting 7" from the passage wall, and that on the E. 3". The width of the passage beyond them is 1' 6", and at the exterior 1' 8". The height above present floor level is 1' 6" and the length 6'. Behind the jambs in the interior, 1' 4" from the roof, are square holes for a bar, that on the W. extending 1' 10" into the wall, and that on the E. 1' 5". The walls are neatly built of thin flat stones, and the roof is formed of flags. When the earth-house was cleared out, there were discovered a small ring of shale, 1" in diameter, and a fragment of another of similar dimensions, preserved in the Dunrobin Museum. Much food refuse lay on the floor (fig. 31). 275. Kirkton .—On the moor, about ^ m. NW. of the cottages above the quarry at Kirkton, is a hut circle of ordinary type, covered with vegetation and rather ill-defined. A group of about half a dozen small mounds lie adjacent. 276. Culmaily .—On the W. side of the Culmaily burn, about \ m. MW. of Culmaily, is a well-preserved hut circle, overgrown with brackens. The interior is almost circular, with a diameter of some 30'. The surrounding bank is 4' 6" across, except on either side of the entrance, where it expands to 7'. Its outline on the interior is well-defined with large flat-faced boulders set on end at irregular intervals. The entrance, which is about 1' 10" in width, faces the S. Two or three small mounds lie in the immediate vicinity, and a short distance to the NW. there are about a dozen more. 277. Locli Lundie .—About 1 in. up the Culmaily burn is Loch Lundie. On its NE. side, near its E. extremity, and above the road, is a hut circle. It measures interiorly 27'x31', and has the entrance from the SE. The surrounding bank appears to be about 8' thick, and to be largely formed of turf. The entrance is ill-defined. A few small mounds lie around, and several more are situated on the flank of the hill to the eastward. Some 40 yards E. is another hut circle, with the bank much levelled, having its entrance from the SE. One or two small mounds lie to the S. of it. - Some 300 yards further along the loch side is the site of another hut circle, now ill-defined, and near it, and on the hillside above, are seven or eight mounds. One or two small mounds lie in the whins, just above the culti¬ vated land, about \ m. W. of Culmaily. O.S.M., Sutil, cv. Visited, 16th July 1909. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 95 Parish of Golspie. 278. Loch a’ Vicair .—To the N. of the Mound Rock, on a level stretch of moorland to the W. of Loch a’ Vicair, is a large group of small mounds. At the W. end of the group are the remains of a hut circle. Only a portion of the bank on the W. exists: the rest has entirely disappeared. Around it lie numerous small mounds. One towards the S., more conspicuous than its neighbours, measures 20' in diameter. O.S.M., Suth., cv. (unnoted). Visited, 19th July 1909. 279. Aberscross Hill .—At the S. end of Aberscross Hill, at an elevation of about 450' above the sea, on the slope above the burn, is a hut circle. It measures interiorly 37' 6" x 38' 6". The entrance is from the S. The bank has been about 3' 6" thick in the circumfer¬ ence, expanding to 8' on either side of the entrance. It has been faced on the interior with large flat stones, and there is a marked Fig. 32.—Hut Circle, Aberscross Hill (No. 279). absence of stones on the outer circumference and in the centre of the bank. At 2' 9" from the entrance within the interior, the base of a wall, 2' 10" wide, runs towards the back of the enclosure for a distance of some 21', where it meets a wall curving round from either side, thus dividing the enclosure into three main compartments. Where the back compartment was entered from is not apparent. In the com¬ partment to the E. of the entrance there are indications of further sub division at the S. end, but the details are indefinite (fig. 32). Some 50 yards to the E. is another hut circle, but it is much dilapidated. A group of mounds lies around. All along the face of the hill to the northwards, at about the 500'contour line, are numbers of small mounds of the usual character. To the E. of one mound in the hollow above the hut circles is a setting of stones, oval in outline, measuring interiorly 6' 10" x 3' 8", lying NAV. and SE., with three large stones lying in the centre. It presents more the appearance of a grave than a cairn. The stones are some 8" to 10" across. There are remains of a croft not far distant. On the AA r . flank of Aberscross hill is a large group of small mounds. 96 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Golspie. Among them is one, in appearance two mounds joined by a low neck about 3' long, lying E. and W. The total length of the construction is about 25', the breadth of the mounds is about 12'. To the E. of the Aberscross Burn, and almost due E. of the last group of mounds to the N. of Aberscross, is a small hut circle. Its interior diameter is about 12'. The entrance is from the NE. The features towards the entrance are obscure, but on the E. side of it the bank appears to project for about 6' beyond that on the opposite side, making the passage some 11' 6" long on the E. side, and about 5' 6" on the other. On the top of the cliff, to the S. of Aberscross, is a circular enclosure, the outline of which is indefinite. About 100 yards distant from the top of the birch wood to the E. of Morvich Lodge is a circular enclosure, with an interior diameter of about 35' 6". The bank is 4' across, and the entrance, which is from the NE., is 4' wide. A number of small mounds lie around it, one to the E. being only 8' distant. O.S.M., Suth., civ. Visited, 19th July 1909. 280. Fairlaraich .—On the ridge of a spur that projects from the hillside towards the SE. end of Loch na Fuar-laraiche, about 40'above the road, is a hut circle 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 some 7' thick, and the entrance, which is from the E., is 3' 6" wide. Several small mounds lie between the circle and the loch on its N. side. Two below the road are rather larger than usual. One of them is 24' in diameter, and 2' to 3' high. A short distance to the E., on the flat below the road, is a mounded construction, evidently a kiln. Several old walls are visible along the hill face. O.S.M., Suth., xcvi. (unnoted). Visited, 3rd August 1909. 281. Uppat Wood .—In a cleared portion of Uppat Wood, about 100 yards WNW. of the monument to James Loch, Esq., are the ruins of a structure of dry-stone masonry. In form the building is oblong, curved at one end, measuring some 54' in length by 15' in breadth, with a circular annex of some 19'in diameter adjoining it at the curved end. The main axis of the structure lies ESE. and WNW., and the entrance is from the former direction through a passage 14' in length and 3' 6" in width, the left side of which is formed by the wall of the circular annex. The walls of the building, which have been of massive stones, are from 7' to 8' in thickness, and remain to a height of about 3'. Though the side walls of the main building are curved, the angles at the WNW. are almost right angles. The interior appears to have been lined to some extent with thin smooth slabs set on end. The entrance to the circular enclosure has been from the SE., but its width is indefinite (fig. 33). (O. S. “ Brough.”) 282. Do .—Some 200 yards N. of the last is a hut circle of simple form, with its entrance from the SE. Its interior dimensions are 33' x 36'. The enclosing bank is 8' thick. The width of the entrance INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 97 Parish of Golspie. is indefinite. At the base of an uprooted tree on the S. side are disclosed a number of shells of edible molluscs. The whole is over¬ grown with heather. O.S.M., Suth., cvi. Visited, 16th August 1909. Fig. 33. — Hut Enclosure, Uppat Wood (No. 281). 283. Earth-house, etc., Silver Rock — At the base of the Silver Rock, and at its E. end, in a hollow near a number of small mounds, is a depression lying E. and W. some 4' deep, measuring 25'xl8', the sides of which appear to have been roughly lined with stones. This has been a partially subterraneous structure. O.S.M., Suth., cv. Visited, 16th August 1909. 284. Earth-house, Beinn a’Bhragie .— Situated on Beinn a’ Bhragie, to the SE. of the monument, and about 100' below it, just above an open space inside the wood, is an earth-house. It is narrow at the entrance, and continues so for about 6', and thereafter it expands to about 4' in width and 5' in height. It is almost straight, and is some 40' in length, though only about one half of it remains entire.* O.S.M., Suth., cv. (unnoted). Sepulchral Constructions. 285. Cairn, Kirkton .—Some 30 yards N. of the hut circle (No. 275) situated about ^ m. NW. of the cottages above the quarry at Kirkton is a cairn, elliptical in outline, measuring some 60'x38', with its * Particulars furnished by Rev. J. M. Joass, LL.P., Golspie. 98 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Golspie. longest axis ENE. and WSW. Some 40' from the N. end, and 18' from the E. side, is a stone cist, formed of four large slabs, the covering slab being amissing. It lies in the direction of the main axis of the cairn, and is interiorly 3' 5" long by 3' 1" broad. O.S.M., Suth., cv. Visited, 16th July 1909. 286. Cairn , Abersci'oss. —About 1 m. NW. of the Mound Station, on the top of the bank above the road to the W. of the burn at Aberscross, are the remains of a large cairn. The interior of it has been entirely removed at no distant date, and no trace of the chamber or cist remains. It has been of somewhat unusual form, apparently having had a single projecting horn towards the MW. The outline of the cairn, as well as of the projection, has been marked with large boulders from 2' to 3' in length and 1 to 2' in height, many of which still remain in situ. The diameter from E. to W. has been about 80' and from N. to S. 78', while from NNE. to SSW. along the projection it is 95'. The displacement of the stones on the S. render the details in that direction obscure. 287. Cairns , do. —Towards the upper part of the hill, about £ m. E. of Morvich Lodge, is a ruined cairn, in the centre of which a very small cist, formed of flat-sided stones, is exposed. Its longest axis lies NE. and SW. The SW. end is displaced. The apparent length has been about 2' 6", and the breadth V 5". There are single slabs at the NE. and NW. sides and two on the SE. side. The diameter of the cairn has been about 31'. It is now quite low in elevation. Some 50 yards to the S. is another cairn, the circumference of which has been marked with large boulders. The diameter has been about 25'. An excavation has been made in the centre, and a built polygonal cist, measuring some 2' 10" either way, has been exposed. The cairn is quite low. On the higher ground to the N. of the cairns lie a number of small mounds of the usual character. O.S.M., Suth., civ. Visited, 19th July 1909. 288. Cairn , do. —At the upper side of the plateau to the N. of the Mound Bock, about 100 yards SW. of the hillock that rises at the N. end of it, is a cairn. Its outline has been carefully defined with large contiguous boulders from 2' to 3' in length and as much as 2' in height. On the N. these boulders are awanting, but they appear to have been used in the construction of a small enclosure abutting on the cairn at that point. The cairn is circular, with a diameter of about 35'. It has been excavated for about V of its depth, but neither cist nor chamber has been exposed. It is some 4' in height. O.S.M., Suth. cv. (unnoted). Visited, 19th July 1909. 289. Chambered Cairn (remains of), Benbhraggie Wood. —At the SE. corner of Benbhraggie Wood, about £ m. NE. 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 elevation it was pre¬ sumably circular. The chamber has been tripartite. The inner com¬ partment has measured 6' 6" in length by about 9' 6" in width, and INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 99 Parish of Golspie. the middle one 6' 3" by about 7'. Of the outer compartment only one slab remains, that on the E. side, which is 4' 6" in length. Of the inner compartment the slab at the back, which is 4' 10" high and X Up ^ O loffeET Fig. 34.—Chambered Cairn, Benbhraggie Wood (No. 289). about I' thick, and the two side slabs, 3' 8" and 4' high respectively, remain, as also one of the partition stones on the SE. side, which is 2' high and 4' 9" long. Of the middle compartment the slab on the SW. side, which is only 2' high above ground, and the partition stones between it and the outer chamber, which are about 3' high, 2' 7" and 3' 6" long, and 2' apart, are in situ. The main axis of the chamber is ESE. and WNW. The entrance has been from the ESE. The slabs of the inner compartment are higher than the others. A large tree is growing in the centre of this part of the chamber, which, if allowed to remain, in time is likely to destroy it (fig. 34) O.S.M., Suth., cv. Visited, 13th August 1909. 290. Stone Cist, Dunrobin. —In the grounds of Dunrobin Castle, and some 30 to 40 yards W. of the monument to the Duchess of Sutherland, on the top of a gravelly knoll, about 2' 2" below the surface, is a stone cist, the E. end of which has been removed. It lies with its longest axis E. and W., and is formed of three slabs and a cover. The internal dimensions are 4' long, 2' 4" wide, and 2' 3" high. An urn of the drinking-cup class found in it is preserved in Dunrobin Museum. O.S.M., Suth., cv. Visited, 17th July 1909. 291. Stone Circle, Aberscross. —About £ m. NW. of the Mound Station, and about 30 yards above the road, are the remains of a stone circle. Three stones are standing, two are prostrate, and one is awant- ing. The diameter of the circle has been about 22'. The stones are set with their broad faces in line of the circumference. The highest stone is about 6' high, 6' 6" across base, and Y thick. A trench was cut through the circle in 1807. In the centre there was discovered a cremated interment, and beneath it a cist which contained no remains. See Antiquaries, vii. p. 473 (plan and illus.). O.S.M., Suth., civ. Visited, 19th July 1909. 100 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Golspie. Miscellaneous. 292. Sculptured Stone, Dunrobin. —Standing at the side of the walk which runs along the top of the banks through the wood to the E. of Dunrobin Castle is a stone, sculptured with incised symbols. It is 6' 2" in height above ground, 2' 4" broad at base, tapering slightly to the upper end, and is about V 3" thick. On its S. face is cut a crescent 3' 2" between the points and 1' 2" across, bearing in its centre a figure formed of an oval 4f x 3^" having a small circle of 3^" diameter at either end of it. A V-shaped rod symbol passes beneath the crescent, of which the end of the lower arm terminates in a sceptre, while the head of the upper arm is lanceolate. At the upper end of the stone is a symbol, probably the so-called “ tuning- fork,” and at the base another not easily identified, but which has been interpreted as a variety of the flower symbol. Sculptured Stones, Dunrobin Museum. — In the Museum at Dunrobin are a number of sculptured stones removed from various sites in the county, illustrated and described in detail in The Early Christian Monuments of Scotland, part ii. pp. 38-54, and inventoried below, Nos. 293 to 300 :— 293. From Clynekirkton, 3 Stones. —(1) A slab of red sandstone, of irregular outline, discovered in 1855, measuring 4' 3" in length, 1' 11" in width at the top, and 1' 7" at the bottom, by 4£" in thickness. It has sculptured on one face, at the top, with incised lines, the crescent and V-shaped rod symbol, and below it the rectangular symbol, both ornamented with patterns formed of curved and straight lines. (2) A slab of sandstone, approximately rectangular, found in Clyne churchyard in 1868, but said to have been taken by a crofter from the 300' terrace on Clynemilton Farm. It measures 4' in length, V 5" in width, and 2f in thickness. There is sculptured, with incised lines on one face, at the top, the rectangular symbol; below this the crescent and V-shaped rod symbol, and at the bottom the mirror symbol. (3) The head of a rectangular cross-slab, with rounded top, of purple sandstone. This stone was found in 1877, built into the E. gable of Clyne Church. It measures Y in height, 1' 1" in width, and 3^" in thickness, and has sculptured in relief on one side a cross, with square ends to the arms and square stepped hollows in the angles between the arms, ornamented with spiral work, and showing “a fragment of key pattern in the background. 294. From Clynemilton, 2 Stones. —(1) A slab of sandstone, of irregular six-sided shape, broken across, found prior to 1860 near Dalchalluim, It measures 3' 6" in height, 3' 6" in width, and 4J' in thickness, having sculptured, with incised lines on one face, at the top, in the centre, the horse-shoe symbol, below this the crescent and V-shaped rod symbol, and to the left of it the mirror symbol without the comb. The horse-shoe and crescent are ornamented with curved and spiral lines. (2) A slab of sandstone, of irregular six-sided shape, broken at the top. It measures 3' 2" in height, 2' 11" in width, and 8" in thickness, and has sculptured, with incised lines on one face, at the INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 101 Parish of Golspie. top, on the left, the rectangle and Z-shaped rod symbol, and on the right the mirror and comb symbol. 295. From Craigton. —A rectangular slab of purple sandstone. It was formerly used as a tombstone in the graveyard at Craigton, and was thereafter removed to the churchyard of Golspie, whence it was taken to the Museum at Dunrobin in 1868. The stone measures 6' in height, 2' 8" in width at the bottom, and 2' at the top, and is 6" in thickness. It is sculptured partly in relief and partly with incised lines on four faces, and is inscribed with oghams on two angles. The sculpturing consists of a cross, with circular hollows in the angles between the arms, having interlaced and spiral work on the front face, with an ornamented background divided into panels containing interlaced work. On the back the rectangular, “ elephant,” serpent, rod and disc, and other symbols, a man holding an axe in one hand and a knife in the other, a beast with its tail curled over its back, and the fish, flower, and crescent. The symbols are ornamented with patterns composed of spirals and straight lines. On the right and left sides is a spiral border pattern, composed of one row of double spirals connected with S-shaped curves. On a roll moulding is an ogham inscription, commencing at the bottom, reading along the vertical edge, and continuing along the top edge. 296. From Golspie .—A sculptured stone, which was found in 1854 about \ m. E. of Dunrobin Castle. It was one of three stones (the other two plain) covering a grave containing two skeletons of adult men and a portion of the socket of an iron spearhead. The sculptured stone, which is of sandstone of irregular oval shape, was over the heads of the skeletons. It measures 3' 8" in length, 1' 11” in width, and 5" in thickness, and has the following symbols sculptured on the smooth surface of one face in finely incised lines— a fish, “ tuning-fork,” and mirror and comb. 297. From Kintradwell, 4 Stones. —(1) A slab of sandstone, of irregular shape, found in 1864 some 100 yards W. of the Cinn Trolla broch (No. 467). The stone, which measures 3' 2" in length, 1' 1" in width, and 3J" in thickness, has sculptured, with incised lines across one face near the top, the S-shaped symbol, and below it the mirror case symbol—the former ornamented with curved lines and the latter with concentric circles. (2) A slab of iron-coloured sandstone, of irregular triangular shape, found in 1873 about | m. NE. of the Cinn Trolla broch, close to the railway on the S. side, which measures 2' 9” in length, 1' 3" in width, and 4" in thickness. Sculptured, with incised lines on one face, are the S-shaped symbol, ornamented with straight and curved lines, with semicircular hollow in the end of the S, and below it a disc, supposed to be either the mirror or the triple-disc symbol. (3) A slab of red sandstone, of irregular oval shape, found in 1872 on Kintradwell beach, in the same place as the last. It measures 3' 8” in length, 2' 2" in width, and 3|" in thickness, and has sculptured, with incised lines on one face, and placed side by side, the crescent, ornamented with curved lines and V-shaped rod symbol, towards the left, and the mirror and comb symbol towards the right. 102 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Golspie. (4) A fragment of sandstone, of irregular shape, found, in 1873, in the same place as the two last mentioned stones. It measures 1' 6" in length, Y in width, and 2" in thickness, and has sculptured, with incised lines on one face, four parallel straight lines, two of which are closed at one end; probably forming part of the “ tuning- fork ” symbol. 298. From Little Ferry , 4 Stones. —(1) A fragment of sandstone, of approximately square shape, found, in 1872, 3£ m. W. of Golspie, on the S. side of Ferry Road, on a bare gravelly flat. It measures 7 k" in length, 7£" in width, and 4%" in thickness, and is sculptured, with incised lines on one face, with two straight parallel lines and two others terminating in spiral curves in the centre, probably forming part of the rectangular symbol. (2) A fragment of sandstone, of irregular shape, found in 1874 near the same place as the last. It measures Y 5" in length, 11" in width, and 3" in thickness, and is sculptured on one face at the top, in incised lines, with the crescent symbol, without the V-shaped rod, or perhaps the horse-shoe symbol, and below this the termination of either a V-shaped or Z-shaped rod (the rest of the figure being broken off), and, to the right, part of a second crescent. (3) A fragment of red sandstone, of irregular five-sided shape, found in 1872 near the same place. It measures 6" in length, 6" in width, and 2|" in thickness, and has sculptured on one face, with incised lines, two concentric circles and portions of three curved lines branching from the outer circle; probably forming the middle part of the mirror symbol or the double disc symbol. (4) A fragment of red sandstone, of irregular shape, found in 1880, about 2 m. VV. of Golspie, on the same line of links as the others. It measures 1' in length, 8" in width, and 3j" in thickness, having sculptured on one face, with incised lines, the termination of a V-shaped rod and part of a crescent symbol. The ornamental termination of the V-shaped rod on this stone is remarkable for the beauty of its design. 299. From Collieburn, Kintradwell. —A sculptured stone found in 1869 during the railway excavations near Collieburn erect in situ under 7' of sand. It is the lower part of an upright cross slab of yellow sandstone, measuring 5' 2" in height, 2' 2£" in width at the bottom, and 2' 5^" at the top, by 9£" in thickness at the bottom, and 11" at the top, sculptured in relief on two faces, thus:— Front —The lower part plain, except where a swastica cross (+) is carved near the bottom. Above this a single panel, containing two different kinds of ornament— (a) at the bottom circular double-headed knot- work, ( b ) at the top a key pattern. Back —Bottom part plain, and over it a portion of a panel containing circular double-headed knot- work. On both faces the spaces are filled in with small circular pellets or bosses. The slab appears to have been re-used to form the jamb of a door or for some such secondary purpose. 300. From Lotlibeg. —A sculptured stone, which was found in 1869 during the construction of Lothbeg railway cutting. It is a portion of an upright cross slab of purple sandstone, measuring Y 7" in length, Y in width, and 5|" in thickness, sculptured in relief on three INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 103 Parish of Golspie. faces, thus:— Front —The left arm of a cross, with circular hollows between the arms, ornamented with interlaced work, with traces of interlaced work on the background. Back —The right arm of across, with square stepped hollows in the angles between the arms, and a circular ring connecting them. The arm is ornamented with a key pattern, the circular ring with a sort of cable, and the background with interlaced work. Left side —Triangular interlaced work. 301. Cup-marked Stone, Dunrobin Museum. —Preserved in the museum is an irregularly shaped slab of sandstone, measuring some 1’ 7"xl' 4", on which appear three well-defined cup-markings and one less distinct, with a diameter of about 2", showing numerous distinct tool-marks, and a number of smaller depressions about f in diameter. On the left of the stone as it stands in the museum is a small group formed of one small central marking about in diameter, surrounded by six equidistant and almost contiguous marks, each of a similar diameter. The whole figure measures If" across. The stone was found at Uppat. 302. Caves, Strath Steven Cove. —About 2 m. along the coast S. of Brora, in the face of a sandstone cliff at the northern end of a small bay known as Strath Steven Cove, is a cave. Its entrance is some 25' above the base of the cliff, easily accessible by steps cut in the rock. The cave faces to the S., and measures some 18' across the opening by 15' deep. In the back wall two wide apertures give access to another chamber at a higher level. 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 has been excavated, and half an amber bead was found in it. Some 40 yards S. along the cliff, at the same level, is another cave of smaller dimensions and less accessible. See Antiquaries, vii. p. 292; Pennant (1769), p. 191; Pococke, p. 166. O.S.M., Suth., cvi. Visited, 16th August 1909. 303. Cave, Backies. —Towards the top of the Cagar Feosaig, to the NNE. of the broch at Backies, and at the head of a gully which runs in a northeasterly direction, 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', where a narrow passage turns sharply to the right and passes into the hill for an indefinite distance. O.S.M., Suth., cv. Visited, 13th August 1909. Sites. 304. Chapel ( s .) and Graveyard, Kirkton. —To the W. of Kirkton farm-house, in a wood between the road and the steading, is a neglected graveyard. The farm-house is said to be built on the site of the Chapel dedicated to St Carden. O.S.M., Suth., cv. Visited, 16th July 1909. 305. Golspie Tower. — A few stones in front of a cottage at Golspie Tower Farm mark the site of Golspie Tower. O.S.M., Suth., cv. Visited, 13th August 1909. 104 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. PARISH OF KILDONAN. Castellated and Domestic Structures. 306. Helmsdale Castle .—The ruins of Helmsdale Castle occupy a most commanding position on the end of a steep bank at the S. side of the mouth of the Helmsdale River, opposite the harbour of Helms¬ dale. The structure was evidently of the L form, with a circular staircase in the angle, but is now a mere shell. The ruin stands to a height of some 24'. The castle is said to have been erected in 1488 by the seventh Countess of Sutherland, and to have been rebuilt and repaired by Sir Alexander Gordon of Navidale in 1616. A lintel from the castle, preserved in the Dunrobin Museum, bears the following inscription :— “ Si sapiens fore vis, sex serva quae tibi mando Quid dices, et de quo, ubi, cui, quomodo, quando.” See Cast, and Bom. Arch., v. pp. 294 (plan) ; Gordon, pp. 8, 79 ; Sutherland and the Reay Country, pp. 45 (illus.) and 113. O.S.M., Suth., xc. Visited, 10th August 1909. Defensive Constructions. 307. Broch, Kilpliedir. —About \ m. NW. of Salscraggie Lodge, situated on a hillock which rises on the slope of the hill, and at an elevation of about 450' above sea level, is the broch of Kilpliedir. 3 S O -lo "AO m+h— i—\—r Flu. 35.—Broch, Kilpliedir (No. 307). The top of the hillock measures some 220'x 132' (O.S.), and the broch stands near the centre of it, towards the N. end. The broch has an interior diameter of 32' from NW. to SE. and 33' from SW. to NE. The entrance is from the NW. through a passage 15' 6" long, 3' wide at the exterior, and 4' 10" on the interior. At 10' inwards is a rebate of 6" on either side, forming door checks. Ancient and Historical Monuments — Sutherland. To face p. 105. Plate III.—Broch, Kilphedir (No. 307). INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 105 Parish of Kildonan. 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. From the interior, directly opposite the entrance, a passage 4' long and 2' wide by 4' 2" high leads into a chamber 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. Opposite it, to the right, the staircase rises 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 brocli occupies a most commanding position, which has been strengthened by fortifications. The base of the hillock is encircled by a ditch some 23' wide and 9' deep below the top of the counterscarp, on the crest of which, from the NW. end round to the E., is a rampart, some 14' thick at base. At the N., on the E. of the entrance, a short outer ditch runs parallel with the inner one for a distance of about 20', and is some 22' wide and 6' deep. Some 50' from the extremity of the ditch, on the W. side of the entrance, a small oval enclosure, measuring interiorly about 17'x 12', is contained in the rampart. On the N. the hillock is about 20' in height, and about half way down the scarp there is cut a platform some 6' broad, with a parapet on the outside. Towards the S. and SW. 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. by the approach which passes between its open ends, and is flanked by a mound between the ditch and broch on the W. side (fig. 35 and PI. III.). O.S.M., Suth., lxxix. Visited, 27th August 1909. 308. Broch, Suisgill .—About § m. above where the Suisgill Burn enters the Helmsdale Kiver, on the N. side of the strath, is situated the Suisgill broch. It occupies the summit of a mound some 30' in elevation above the river and sloping steeply towards it. Away from the river bank on the E. and W. sides it has been protected by a ditch, with a wall on the top of the scarp. This wall is about 18' distant from the broch, except towards the river, where it is less. On the S. an approach passes through the defences to the top of the mound. To the E. of the approach an outer mound, some 12' broad on base, runs for a short distance parallel with the main defence at about 28' distant from the top of the counterscarp. The ditch is about 34' in width, and at deepest 8' to 10' in present depth. Of the broch itself little remains. It is greatly dilapidated, and a consider¬ able portion of the N. wall has quite recently been removed. The interior diameter has been 40', the wall on the N. 15' thick, and on the S. or river side only 12'. The remains of a chamber are visible on the S. Very slight remains of the wall faces exist on either exterior or interior, and the entrance is not apparent. The outer defences bear a close resemblance to those of the neighbouring broch of Kilphedir. It is noteworthy that the structure is placed at a narrow part of the strath, in the centre of the pass. O.S.M., Suth., lxvii. Visited, 16th September 1909. 106 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Kildonan. 309. Brock, Eldrable .—On the W. bank of the Eldrable Burn, some 200' up from the Helmsdale Eiver, are the remains of a broch. The ruin stands on the upper end of a ridge running down to the strath, protected by the gorge of the burn on the E. and by a natural hollow separating it from the shelving side of the hill on the W. The interior is a mass of debris, and in no place is the wall visible for a greater height than 3', except at the back of the entrance to the stair, where about 5' of walling remains 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 the ENE., opposite the burn, and has been 4' wide near the exterior. Elsewhere it is not measurable. 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, but now of uncertain width. There has been no chamber adjoining the stair, which rises to the right, directly from the end of the passage. Eour steps are visible, 2' long and 9" broad. O.S.M., Suth., lxxix. Visited, 21st September 1909. 310. Broch, Kilournan. —On a knoll beside the burn at Kilournan has stood a broch, now entirely demolished. Only a few structureless heaps of small stones remain. 311. Brock, Gylable Burn. —On the E. side of the Gylable Burn, about \ m. above its junction with the Helmsdale Eiver, are the remains of a broch, now a complete ruin, with only the base of the wall 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. 312. Brock, Allt a’ Choire Mkoir.—On the W. bank of the Allt a’ Choire Mhoir, rather more than | m. above its junction with the Helmsdale Eiver, and about 40' to 50' above the burn, are the ruins of a broch. 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., and inwards on the left of it are indications of a chamber. O.S.M., Suth., lxxviii. Visited, 20th September 1909. 313. Brock, Allt an Duin. —The broch which was situated between the Allt an Duin and the Eiver Frithe, on the top of the bank over¬ looking the low meadows by the river, has been almost entirely removed for building purposes. The site was protected on the W. by a ditch 24' across, running to the edge of the bank, with a parallel rampart beyond it. 314. Broch, Feranack. —Some 2 m. above the confluence of the Frithe and Helmsdale rivers, and about 100' above the former, are the remains of Feranach 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., through a passage 15' 6" in length. At the exterior it is 2' 6" wide. 5' 6" inwards is a rebate for a door, behind which the passage widens to 3' 11". At INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 107 Parish of Kildonan. 3' 6" from the interior it again slightly contracts to 3' 6", and retains that width to the end. Five of the lintel stones remain in situ. The greatest height of the passage above the debris is 3' 6". The interior diameter of the broch is 36'. The thickness of the wall at base is 15' 6", and at 7' 6" elevation 11' 6". There are remains of no less than six chambers in the wall. On the right of the passage is the ruined entrance to a guard chamber, the access to which was through a passage some 4' in length. The chamber measured some 6'x5'. At 7' 6" from the back of this chamber, measuring along the wall, is the W. end of another chamber, 14' 6" long by 4' wide. The entrance to it is obscured by the ruins. At 6' beyond it is a third chamber, 15' 6" long by 4' 6" wide, the entrance to which also is not visible, Fig. 36.—Broch, Feranach (No. 314). and T of wall divides this chamber from a fourth, which is 13' long and 3' 6" wide. Another 7' of wall divides the fourth from the chamber which has apparently contained the stair. It is 36' long and 4' 6" wide, and is entered through a passage, 2' distant from its W. end, measuring 5' in length and 4' in width. At 4' 6" westward is a sixth chamber, 18' 6" long and 4' wide. The entrance to it is visible at 7' 6" from the E. end, and is 3' 9" long by 2' 8" wide. Over this entrance is an opening on the courtyard, 1' 6" wide and 2' 6" long, to light the chamber. The interior of the broch and of the chambers (which are all rootless) are full of debris. Around the hroch there are no signs of outworks, nor are there any mounds visible in the immediate vicinity (fig. 36). O.S.M., Suth., Ixvi. Visited, 17th September 1909. 315. Broch (supposed), hearable .—About £ m. NW. of Suisgill Lodge, and some 20 yards NE. of the large cup-marked stone 108 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Fakish OF Kildonan. (No. 383), 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 and heather, that its true character is indefinite. The wall seems to have been about 19' thick, and the entrance from the SE. O.S.M., Suth., lxvii. (unnoted). Visited, 17th August 1909. 316. Hill Fort, Ben Griam Beg .—Ben G-riam Beg rises to a height of 1903', and strategically commands the approaches from the N. and E. coasts by Strath Iialladale and Strath Helmsdale, as well as affording a prospect over a great area of country to the W., N., and E. To the southward the view is interrupted by Ben Griam More. The upper part of the hill is rugged, with remains of old red sandstone in out-cropping rock and detached slabs which have formed abundant material for fortification. Two main lines of defence fortify the summit. Approaching from the S., between the 1500' and 1600' elevations, a solid stone wall, some 5' thick, and in places still as much in height, runs down from the summit at the SE., and is carried westward along the edge of the shoulder of the hill for what appears to be a distance of some 500 yards, terminating at the edge of a mossy hollow, beyond which a precipitous rocky face (Creagan Iolaire) forms a natural defence to the W. Through the wall near the centre of its course is a gap, which has probably been an entrance. In rear of it, to the E., in the interior, is a circular depression. The absence of the wall across the short stretch of wet peat that fills the hollow at the W. end is not remarkable, as there would be a difficulty in obtaining a firm foundation on such material. A wooden palisade may have been used as a substitute. To the E. of the centre of the course of this wall there is a space of about 150 yards, over which there is an almost complete absence of stone on the hillside and where only the foundation of the wall is apparent. On the slopes below it, except at the gap mentioned, there is a perfect network of ruined walls or piled stones enclosing irregular spaces and forming an outer defence. At the W. end of the hill, above the mossy hollow, and passing round towards the N., the same system of defence is repeated, but at a higher level than on the S. face. Between the lower edge of this defence at its S. end and the wall along the edge of the shoulder, an open space is left, varying from 20 to 60 yards or thereby in width. Around the more or less level portion of the summit, towards the W., runs another wall, 4' to 5' thick, and at highest some 3' high, forming an enclosure, sub-oval in outline, about 500' in length by 200' in breadth (O.S. measurements). A break in the upper wall, just below the summit on the N. side, 6' wide, seems to have been an entrance. This wall appears to terminate to the W. of the actual summit, which is a rocky peak. Beyond the peak, some 40' distant, are visible the remains of another wall flanking the intervening space on the E. and running for a short distance (about 50') westward. Some 100' below this appears a network of ruined walls, from which starts the wall first described running along the shoulder. The NE. flank of the hill is precipitous, and the N. is also very steep. The actual top of the hill within the upper enclosure is wind-swept and barren, with little vegetation on it. There is no INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND, 109 Parish of Kildonan. spring of water visible in the fort, but there are several on the hillside just below it. Lying among the ruins of the lower wall, roughly 150' below the summit, at the extreme E. end, is 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 in a circle of 1' 7" diameter, reducing the thickness to 2". Neither face of the stone is worn regularly smooth by friction, but there are depressions across the line of its revolution. Two other similar mill-stones are said to have lain on the slopes of the hill below the fortifications. One of them has now been rolled to the bottom. See Vertebrate Fauna of Suth., etc., p. 87. O.S.M., Suth., xlvi. Visited, 18th Sept. 1909. Hut Circles, Earth-Houses, and Associated Constructions. 317. Caen Burn .—About | m. up the glen of the Caen Burn, on its W. side, and some 250 yards above the long cairn (No. 358), on a marshy spot, with no trace of cultivation anywhere in the vicinity, are two parallel mounds, abtiut 18' apart, 22' long by 14' broad, and 4' high, slightly converging to one end. This construction appears to have been a kiln similar to those noted elsewhere. There are numerous small mounds of the usual type scattered along the side of the glen. 318. Do .—Some 1000 yards above the road bridge over the Caen Burn, on the W. side of the glen, and some 200' above the burn, is a hut circle. It enters from the SE. 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 either side at a distance of 24' 6" from the centre of the entrance. 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 oval enclosure, measuring interiorly some 16' x 7', directly opposite the main entrance. The W. 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. At 7' E. of the entrance, in the interior, is the entrance to an underground gallery under the bank, which at this point is 7' thick. The entrance is 2' wide and 4' high, and is reached by two or three steps. It is covered by a lintel 3' 4" long, 1' deep, and 1' 2" wide. The passage at first slopes downwards, and runs inwards in a direction about 70° E. of S. for 6', then turning southwards to the right, at 13' 6" from the exterior, it takes a southerly direction which it maintains to the end. The total length of the passage is 26', measuring along the curve of the S. wall. At 12' from the entrance it is 2' 9" wide; at 17' there is a slight intake on the E. 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, 110 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Kildonan. and is 4' 10" high. The whole of the floor of the passage is covered with boulders to within about 2' 8" of the roof, except for a few feet at the entrance and at the end where a few stones have been picked out so as to expose the original floor level. The walls are as usual built, and the roof covered with flags. Between the entrance to the circle on the interior and the opening into the underground passage a low bank runs for 7' into the enclosure. From the E. side of the entrance passage to the circle a wall has run down the hill in front. It is noteworthy that the external features of the circle give no indication of the existence of the underground gallery (fig. 37). Some 200 yards SSW. of the last circle is another hut circle, with an interior diameter of 24', entering from the SE. through a passage 14' long and 5' wide. The enclosing bank is about 7', Fig. 37.—Hut Circle, Caen Burn (No. 318). except for 16' on each side of the entrance, through which it gradually increases to form the passage. About 100 yards NNE. of the first enclosure is another, which is circular, with a diameter of 31' interiorly. Its enclosing bank is about 8' wide, and the entrance is from the SE., about 5' across. An old wall runs off from the bank on the E. of the entrance. Numerous small mounds lie around these enclosures. 319 j ) 0 _—On the opposite or E. side of the Caen Burn are also a number of hut circles and small mounds. Some 700 yards distant from the road, and about 100' above it, is a circular enclosure which has been surrounded with a stone wall. There has been an entrance from the SE. through a passage about 2' wide and 10' long, the wall in the circumference being about G' thick. The interior dimensions are some 22' x 24'. The upper side of the enclosure has been dug out of the slope of the hillside, and the wall built against the bank. From the left or S. side of the entrance an old bank runs down the hill, and another joins the W. side from the direction of the burn. There are indications of chambers in the INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. Ill Parish of Kildonan. interior, but they are too indistinct to plan from superficial observation. 320. Do .—Some 100 yards lower down the glen are two circular enclosures with wide entrances and no signs of interior divisions, and on the hillside above them are remains of one or two others and of old walls. The lower of the two circles has an interior diameter of about 34'. It enters from the S. through a passage 9' to 10' long and some 5' wide. The interior is levelled and dug out of the hillside on the E., where it is about 7' below the top of the bank. The bank on the W. side is about 6' thick, and on the top of the slope on the E., where it has apparently got spread out, it is 18' across. It is continued of great thickness to the entrance, beyond which it projects. On the face of the projection is a semicircular recess, measuring about 8'xl2'(fig. 38). 321. Do .—Some 30' S. of the W. end of the long cairn on the Caen Burn (No. 356) is a small round mound, presenting a depres¬ sion in the centre. The diameter is about 22'. It is overgrown with heather. Some 15' W. of it 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. 322. Salscraggie .—About 700 yards W. of the Caen Burn and 100 yards above the Salscraggie road, is a group of four or five mounds, small and inconspicuous. 112 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of ICildonan. Situated about 100 yards to the W. of the long cairn near Salscraggie (No. 357) are two small enclosures, overgrown with heather. That nearest the cairn is oval, measuring interiorly about 10'x 6'. Its longest axis lies N. and S., and the entrance, which is about 4' wide, is from the SE. The enclosing bank is about 3' 6" wide, and on the E. side of the entrance is carried forward for a distance of about 7'. The details of the other construction are less distinct. 323. Do .—About m. E. of Salscraggie Lodge, above the road, and at the base of the hill, is a group of five or six small mounds of ordinary type. Adjacent to them is a hut circle, the inner circumference of which has been lined with large stones. The interior diameter has been about 21'x22'; the bank is about 6' thick, and the entrance is from the ESE. The interior is overgrown with long heather. Some 50' W. is another hut circle, overgrown with heather. It is circular, with an interior diameter of 33'. The entrance passage is 9' long and 4' wide, and is from the SE. The bank is about 7' thick, and its inner face does not appear to be lined with stones. O.S.M., Sutil, lxxix. Visited, 10th August 1909. 324. Eartli-liouse, Salscraggie Lodge .—In the centre of the lawn in front of Salscraggie Lodge is an earth-house, the entrance to which was discovered when an earthen mound some 25' in diameter and 6' to 8' in height was being cleared away, possibly the remains of a Fig. 39.—Earth-house, Salscraggie Lodge (No. 324). hut circle. It is entered down a flight of six steps, 2' wide, curving round to the left. At 6' from the top step the covered passage com¬ mences, with a width of about 3', and height of 4' 5". For the first 4' 6" it curves slightly towards the right, and thereafter runs straight from WNW. to ESE. to the end. The extreme length is 22' following the curve of the E. wall, and 19' 6" on the W. At 10' from the back it is 4' 8" high and 3' 2" wide. The back is rounded, measuring 3' 6" in width and 5' 2" in height. The sides are built of boulders, and the roof flagged. Within the gallery when it was cleared out were found a human arm bone, a rotary quern, a portion of another, and a saddle quern, all of which, with the exception of the first item, are lying around the entrance (fig. 39). 325. Allt Cille Pheadair .—On the W. bank of the Allt Cille Pheadair, about 150 yards SW. of the point of debouchure of the Clais Piath Fhinn, and about \ m. or thereby N. of the Helmsdale Kiver, is a hut circle. The interior, which is circular, has a diameter of 32', INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 113 Parish of Kildonan. and is sub-divided. 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 by 5' across. The surrounding bank is formed of earth and stone, against which there has been built in the interior, except at the back of the triangular compartment where no building is visible, a wall of dry masonry, still visible in places for a height TjO. m r r r r ? Fig. 40.—Hut Circle, Allt Cille Pheadair (No. 325). fttl of some 3'. The division wall also appears to have been entirely of stone. The entrance is from the ESE. through a passage 3' 6" wide and 15' long. The thickness of wall and bank is 8', except towards the entrance, where it expands to 15' on the W. side for some 9' or 10', and on the E. for some 6'. Towards the E. the bank is about 5' high on the exterior. Covering the entrance at 13' distant from it is a wall, 6' thick, which runs for a distance of about 98' in a south¬ westerly direction, and terminates in a small stony mound of 12' diameter. Beyond the mound there are indications of the wall 8 114 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Kildonan. passing to the SW. Westerly of this mound, some 25', is another of similar dimensions. Towards the NE. are indications of other walls (fig. 40). Some 75 yards NE. is another hut circle, measuring interiorly 33'x 37', entering from the ESE. through a passage 5' wide and 7' long. The bank in the circumference is 6' broad. Several small mounds lie around. Some 60 yards NW. is another circle, of simple form, entering from the SE. through a passage 5' wide and 9' long. The bank in the circumference measures 4'. The interior diameter is 34' x 38'. Several small mounds lie near. 326. Do .—Due E. of the last group on the opposite bank of the A lit Cille Pheadair, and above the deep gorge, is a hut circle, lined with a stone wall in the interior, having an interior diameter of 23'. The entrance is from the SE., and is 5' wide. The bank appears to broaden towards the entrance, but the heather with which it is overgrown is deep, and the details are unobtainable. From opposite sides of the circle, walls seem to run down the hill. 327. Do .—Some 30 yards S. of the last is another circle, the interior circumference of which is also lined with stone, having an interior diameter of 32'. It is situated on a slope, and the interior at the back has been dug out to form a level floor. The back of the circle is formed of a line of boulders about 3' high. It appears to have been placed within an oval enclosure, with a bank of turf and stone, the longest diameter of which exceeds that of the circle by INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 115 Parish of Kildonan. some 8' 6". The interspace is filled up probably with ruins. The whole interior is overgrown with deep heather. The wall in the interior is in places about 3' high. The entrance is from the SE., and is about 3' wide, through a passage 16' to 17' in length. The outer bank at the back is 6' 6" in width, but at the sides, where it coalesces with the inner circle of stone, it is 12' thick. On the left or W. side of the entrance it forms a mound, some 6' high to the exterior, and at 25' from the outer end of the passage it is some 26' in thickness At 10' 6" inwards on the left, a passage, 2' wide and some 5' 6" in length, passes into a small opening or chamber 2' to 3' in diameter. The walls of the passage are about 2' high. At its inner end 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 and small chamber. The thickness and height of the mound suggest the possibility of there being an earth-house in it, as in that of the hut circle in the vicinity lower down the burn. There are no mounds in the immediate neighbourhood (fig. 41). 328. Do . — On the left bank of the Allt Cille Pheadair, about \ m. above its junction with the River Helmsdale, and some 50' above the burn, is a hut circle, stone built in the interior, and circular, with an interior diameter of 32'. The entrance is from the SE. through a passage 15' long on the W. side, 16' on the E., and 3' wide, expand¬ ing towards the exterior. At about 14' from the entrance, on the SW. side of the interior, an opening in the wall, 2' wide, leads into an earth-house, built up on each side and covered with fiags. 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 the outside it is 2' 4" in height, at 13', 3' in height. At 18' inwards it is 3' in width, 4' 6" in height, and curves sharply round to 116 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Kildonan. the right, increasing beyond the bend to 4' in width. This width is maintained till almost the end of the gallery, where it contracts to 2' 10". The back is rounded. The extreme length is 31' 6". At the inner end a small opening has been cleared in the roof. This is probably the “ trap ” mentioned in Antiquaries, v. p. 246. The breadth of the bank over the gallery is some 22', and beyond it on the N. and E. about 7' (fig. 42). 329. Do .—Some 40 yards E. of the last is a hut circle of the usual form, rather indefinite, with the entrance from the SE. There are a great many small mounds to the S., the nearest of which is some 50 yards from the main circle (No. 328). Most of the mounds are small, except towards the S. of the group, where some are rather larger. One of these measures 21' in diameter, and is 2' to 3' high. In another mound adjacent to it is an upright stone at the SE. end, about 2' 6" high and 2' across. 330. Do .—To the N. of the road bridge over the Cille Pheadair Burn, and some 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 disappeared, except to the S. of the entrance, which is from the SE. The interior dimensions are 33'x 37'. The bank at the entrance is 7' thick, and the width of the entrance is 3'. At the NE. a mound of about 14' in diameter lies partially on the circumference. A great number of mounds lie near by, several of which appear to have been excavated. Among the mounds and hut circles mentioned above are the remains of old banks or walls, in some instances connecting with small circular enclosures. 331. Do .—Some 350 yards SSW. of the broch above Salscraggie (No. 307) is a small circular enclosure, with an interior diameter of some 9', opening from the S. through an entrance 3' wide. Attached to it to the S., and facing the entrance, is an oval enclosure, measuring interiorly some 15'xll'. The bank on the E. is con¬ tinuous, but a break of 10' or 11' in width on the W. side affords access to the larger enclosure. The bank of the larger enclosure is 8' thick, and towards the S. projects to a point 15' from the interior. O.S.M., Sutil, lxxix. Visited, 26th August 1909. 332. Do .—On the E. side of the Cille Pheadair Burn, about 1 m. N. of its junction with the Helmsdale River, is a group of three contiguous enclosures, two of which appear to have been cattle or sheep folds. One is circular, with a diameter of 27' and a bank 7' thick. The dimensions of the entrance are doubtful. Adjoining it in the rear is a semicircle, and to the W. of it an enclosure measuring 33' x 38', with an entrance from the SE., 8' wide, protected by a horn projecting on the W. side. An opening 8' wide appears to have been broken through the banks of this circle and of the semicircle at a later date. Near the three enclosures are a dozen or so of small mounds. Some 30 yards N., on the end of a slight knoll, is a cup-shaped hollow, with an opening to the S. 10' in diameter, and apparently lined with stones. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 117 Parish of Kildonan. Some 200 yards N. of the three enclosures, on a small hillock, are the faint remains of another circle of ordinary type. Some 30 yards S. of the three is a circular enclosure, with its entrance from the SE. Its interior dimensions are 29' x 34'. The surrounding bank is 7' thick, increasing to 12' at either side of the entrance, and broken through on the NW. On the N.W. of the interior are traces of an inner compartment, the wall of which appears to have been disturbed. 333. Do .—On the opposite or W. bank of the Allt Cille Pheadair, 1 m. N. of its junction with the Helmsdale .River, is a hut circle. It appears to have been originally a turf and stone enclosure, with interior dimensions of about 28' x 34', having an entrance from the SE. and a bank about 8' thick. Within this a circular stone structure has been erected partially against the bank on either side of the entrance, 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 run from the back of the enclosure, and three large boulders crossing the back compartment are in continuation of its direction. The bank of the outer enclosure at the back is 8' wide, and where the two walls coalesce at the sides the width is 11'. The width of the main entrance is 3' in the interior, and 4' at the outside, while the length of the passage is 8'. Some 20 yards N. is another hut circle of usual oval form, with the entrance from the SE. about 3' wide, and interior dimensions 28' x 37'. The thickness of the bank is indefinite. Four or five small mounds lie in the immediate vicinity. 334. Coulan Bum. — On the slope of the hill immediately above Torrish, and to the E. of the Coulan Burn, is a large group of mounds. They are of the usual type, varying from 10' to 18' in diameter. A leaf-shaped flint arrow-head with the point broken off, 1£" in length, and a shale necklace were found in a short cist in one of these mounds in 1868, and are preserved in the Dunrobin Museum. See Antiquaries, viii. p. 408 (relic illus.). O.S.M., Sutii., lxxix. Visited, 27th August 1909. 335. Torrisli Burn .—About \ m. N. of the junction of the Torrish Burn with the Helmsdale River, on a slight elevation, are the founda¬ tions of an elliptical enclosure, measuring 20' x 9', lying ENE. and WSW. The walls have been about 3' thick. Some 50' to the SE. is a low mound, with a diameter of 11'. Some 80 yards N. of the elliptical enclosure is a small circular enclosure, 22' in interior diameter, with an entrance from the SE. 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 yards W. are the remains of another circle, of ordinary form, with banks of turf and stone not very well defined. Some 80 yards N. of the small enclosure is a large one, well pre- 118 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Kildonan. served, enclosed by a bank about 10' wide and 4' 6" high. The interior dimensions are 34' x 37'; the entrance is from the SE. about 7' across. A few mounds lie near, and westward they stretch along the hill face above the strath for a considerable distance. Among them are remains of old walls and enclosures. 336. Allt Breac .—To the northward of and across the road from the rows of standing-stones (No. 379), about m. W. of the bridge over the Allt Breac, are the remains of several mounds, and on the moor on the top of the bank are mounds and several hut circles. About m. W. of the Allt Breac are two conjoined circular enclosures. An outer circle, with diameter of about 36' from E. to W, and 38' from N. to S., having an entrance from the E. 5' wide, contains in the interior a smaller circular enclosure springing from the SE. 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. side, where it appears to be about double that thickness, and it is also 12' thick on the S. side of the entrance. Both banks abut at the E. on another circular enclosure, with a diameter of 27'. Its bank is 5' thick, and its entrance is from the E. This circle flanks the entrance to the other enclosure on its N. side, and from its SE. a horn projects across the opening at about 8' distance from its outer extremity. O.S.M., Suth., lxxviii. Visited, 27th August 1909. 337. Allt a Choire Mhoir .—On the left bank of the Allt a’ Choire Mhoir, about 1 m. above its junction with the Helmsdale Biver near Kilournan, on the S. side of the strath, are a number of circular enclosures. The first, which is situated about f m. up the glen and some 200 yards back from the burn, is ill defined. It has a wide entrance to the E., 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 circular enclosure, of 25' interior diameter, with an entrance from the ENE. 5' wide. At 6' to the W. of the entrance is an opening into an oval enclosure, 23' long by 16' broad. The E. bank of the entrance to the main circle is prolonged towards the N. for about 60', and thereafter turns eastward, and forms a small rectangular enclosure some 45' across. One or two similar constructions lie near. No mounds are in the immediate vicinity. Some 300 yards W. of the last enclosure is a complicated con¬ struction, consisting of two circular enclosures and an oval one, all conjoined. Two of these have smaller enclosures in the interior. The main enclosures are entered from the eastward. There is much stone on the inner face of the enclosing banks, and remains of numerous walls are visible on the ridge on which all these construc¬ tions lie. To the S., between the enclosures last described and the burn, are numerous small mounds. Some 100 yards E. is another construction, overgrown with INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 119 Parish of Kildonan. heather, of indefinite detail, but presenting features of a char¬ acter similar to the constructions immediately above described, and some 30 yards S. of it is another enclosure, much worn away. 338. Do. —Some 100 yards distant from the burn, at the upper end of the group, is a well preserved hut circle, with an interior diameter of 35', and bank of stone and turf about 5' 6" high and 8' across the base. The entrance is from the NE., facing down the glen, and is 3' 6" wide. It is protected by a mound, 24' long, 21' across the base, and 5' to 6' high on the low side, lying about 6' in front of it. A number of small mounds lie around. Adjacent to the circle on the N. is a small mounded construction, presumably a kiln 339. Do.— Across the burn on either side of the road from Kildonan to Glen Loth, and some 300 to 400 yards from the burn, is a lai’ge group of small mounds. Towards the centre of the group are three, lying adjacent, and larger than the others. Of these, that nearest the road measures about 26' in diameter, and from the lower slope is about 6' high. 25' to the W. of it lies the next, with its longest axis N. and S. measuring 26'xl8', and of about the same height as the last. 25' further W. is the third, measuring 20' in diameter, and about 5' in height. They are all overgrown with heather. To the S. of the group is a small hut circle of simple type, also overgrown with heather. Its entrance is from the SE., and it measures interiorly 29' x 26'. The bank is about 5' thick. O.S.M., Sum, Ixxviii. Visited, 20th September 1909. 340. Craggie. —About £ in. W. of Craggie, on the N. side of the glen, are indistinct remains of one or two hut circles (unnoted). 341. Allt Halligarry. —About 100 yards to the E. of the Allt Halligarry, and some 60' above the road, is a levelled up platform, measuring about 23'x29' 6", on which has apparently been a hut circle, but no details are now visible. O.S.M., Suth., Ixxviii. Visited, 21st September 1909. 342. Earth-house, Suisgill .—On a level meadow which has been cultivated about £ m. W. of the junction of the Suisgill Burn and the Helmsdale River, 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 and stones. The passage 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 the roof formed of slabs. The passage is 2' 6" and 2' 8" wide respectively at the extremities, and 3' wide where unroofed near the middle of its course. O.S.M., Suth., lxvii. (unnoted). Visited, 16th September 1909. 343. Do., Achinnearin, Suisgill .—Situated at Achinnearin, about l m. SE. of Suisgill Lodge, and beside a ruined cottage above the birch wood to the S. of a small rivulet, is an oblong enclosure, with rounded 120 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Kildonan. ends, which has probably been a garden. The enclosure is modern, but two converging horns projecting from its E. bank may have formed part of a previously exist¬ ing hut circle. Entering under the bank in the SE. corner is an under¬ ground gallery or earth-house. The entrance to the gallery is about 2' 4" wide, and slopes down, sharply curving with a general south-easterly direction for 3', at which distance the roofing begins. It then takes a southerly direc¬ tion for about 22'; thence, curving to the right, it runs to the WSW. for the remainder of its course, the end being reached at a dis¬ tance of 40' from the first roofing slab, measuring along the inner side of the curve. At 9' from the outside the gallery begins to widen out, and at that point 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, and the same in height; at 28' it is 4' wide and 6' 2" high; and at 35' 6" 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 (fig. 43). O.S.M., Suth., lxxviii. (unnoted). Visited, 16th September 1909. Fig. 43. -Earth-house, Achinnearin (No. 343). 344. Kildonan .—On Creag Druim nan Rath, about the 500' elevation above sea-level, some 400 to 500 yards WNW. of the Kildonan Burn, and about the same distance N. of the road up the strath, is a group of small mounds, and at the W. end of them faint indications of a number of round turf enclosures. Up the W. bank of the Kildonan Burn, at a level of about 100' to 150' above the stream, and running up the glen for about f m. from the road, is a large group of hut circles and small mounds. The hut circles are mostly of circular form, largely built of stone, and the remains of walls which run among them, as if demarcating holdings, are very numerous. The groups of mounds as well as the hut circles appear to be within these enclosures. Some 400 yards from the W. bank of the burn, and 500 yards above the road, is a circular enclosure, with an interior diameter of 26'. The thickness of the bank is indefinite. Along the inner face large stones are set at intervals. The entrance is from the SE. Some 40 yards SE. of the last is an oval enclosure, with interior dimensions of 38'x41'. It is entered from the SE., but the width of INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 121 Parish of Kildonan. the entrance is not apparent. The bank is 7' in width, is overgrown with heather, and seems to be composed of turf and stone. At about 6' along the inner face of the bank, to the right of the entrance, is a passage through it, some 6' in length, but of indefinite width, giving access to a sunk chamber, the roof of which has entirely disappeared. The chamber is oval in form, and measures some 20' in length by \ xSX \' l' ’ 1 1 1 / / V // o, ^ * S*l I y "'*^y /j/ iintihn/s ,/ //i |\\ V ''/// /') {lf/^ S: •I a 1 11 ] > ^ »' iM*i* Ml il\"^ ' itutfimf —^— p — r Fig. 44.—Hut Circle, Kildonan Burn (No. 344). Fe£A IP in width. The present floor level is about 4' lower than that of the hut circle, and 2' to S' below that of the surrounding ground, which slopes in its direction. The sides have been built. 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 mounds lie around (fig. 44). 345. Bo .—Some 300 yards distant from the burn, and 600 yards from the road, is a hut circle, the interior of which is faced with stones. The interior is circular, with a diameter of about 34', and has been entered from the SE. On the right of the entrance within the interior are the ruins of what appears to have been a circular stone building, with a diameter over all of from 10' to 12'. The stones have fallen inwards, and lie in concentric rings over the interior. The bank or wall of the main enclosure is some 8' in width, except towards the entrance, where it broadens out on both sides, so as to form a passage 20' in length. The walls of the passage, which have been largely built of stone, are still in places some 3' high, and the amount of stone lying in and about shows that originally the height of the building must have been considerable. At the interior extremity 122 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Kildonan. the width of the passage is 3' 4". At 8' outwards are two door cheeks 3’ apart. Within them the passage has expanded to 4' 8", and beyond to the exterior it maintains a width of 3'. This is the only hut circle in which such provision for a door has been observed (fig. 45). 346. Do .—Some 200 yards further up the glen is a small circular enclosure of 24' diameter, with a stony bank, and the entrance from the SE. A small mound covers the entrance on the exterior, other¬ wise it presents no features of particular interest. A few mounds lie immediately in front, and a number lie further off to the S. Some 80 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. through a passage 2' 6" wide and IP in length. The exact width of the wall is unobtainable, as the circle is overgrown with heather, but it appears to be from 5' to 6'. Some | m. distant from the road is the last circle of the group. It is largely formed of stones, has an interior diameter of 24', and is entered from the SE. through a passage 10' long and of indefinite width. A large group of small mounds lies between it and the burn, which is some 200 yards distant. At the lowest or S. end of the group, on the top of the bank above the burn, and on the SE. point of the hill, is a circular depression, with an interior diameter of 7', lined with stones and filled with ruins. Its entrance seems to have been from the SE. O.S.M., Suth., lxxviii. (unnoted). Visited, 16th September 1909. 347. Learable Hill .—On the S. slope of Learable Hill, about \ m. NW. of Suisgill Lodge, is a large group of small mounds, of from 16' to 20' in diameter, and among them one or two round hut circles of no particular interest. Near the top of the hill, and towards the W. of the group, is INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 123 l’ARISH OF KlLDONAN. an oval depression, measuring interiorly 6' x 4', with the remains of a stone wall lining the interior all round. The bottom is about 2' below the natural surface on the exterior. The mounds are very numerous. There is an absence of old walls among them. At the NE. end of the group is a hut circle, with a diameter of about 34', but the details are indefinite. O.S.M., Suth., lxvii. Visited, 16th September 1909. 348. Allt an I)uin .—About \ m. NW. of Allt an Duin Lodge, on the VV. side of the low hill bearing the name of Tomich, is a numerous group of small mounds, and towards the lower side of the group a few turf-built hut circles of simple form. One entering from the SE. measures interiorly 36' x 43'. Its banks are much worn down. Some 200 yards NW. is another similar construction. Some 200 yards NW. of it again is another, near the base of the hill, which measures 39'x45', and enters from the SE. Its banks are much worn away. Some 30 yards SW. of it is another, in similar condition (unnoted). 349. Feranach .—On the left bank of the River Frithe, about 1 m. above Dalcharn, and 200 yards back from the stream, is a hut circle of simple type, with its entrance from the SE. The enclosing bank is much eroded and overgrown with heather. About a dozen mounds lie near it. Some 100 yards to the E. is another hut circle, in similar condition, which also enters from the SE. O.S.M., Suth., lxvi. (unnoted). Visited, 17th September 1909. 350. Creag Ruidh nan Caorach .—Along the lower slopes of Creag Ruidh nan Caorach, from a short distance SE. of lvinbrace Station to Fig. 46.—Hut Circle, Creag Ruidh nan Caorach (No. 350). the Allt Chonneis-gil at Burnfoot, lie numbers of small mounds, with remains of enclosures and old walls on the lower slopes above the 124 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Kildonan. road. In the mounds along the upper edge of the group a considerable amount of stone is exposed near the centre, differentiating them from the ordinary grass or heather-clad mounds.*' About £ m. SE. of lvinbrace Station is a hut circle, with an entrance from the ESE., and an interior diameter of 35'. The bank is 7' wide, except near the entrance, where on the E. side it is 10' wide, and on the W. side 13', increasing to 18' at 11' distant from the entrance along the inner circumference. Externally it is about 5' 6" high. The entrance is some 6' wide. Numerous mounds lie around (fig. 46). 351. Do .—Some 250 yards E is another circle, stone built, the walls of which are quite ruined. The interior has been dug out of the slope of the hill, so as to make a level floor. The interior 1 Fig. 47.—Hut Circle, Creag Ruidh nan Caorach (No. 351). dimensions are about 26'x 28'; the thickness of the wall 6', increas¬ ing to 15' on either side of the entrance, which is narrow, but of indefinite width. Erom the centre of the wall at the back a platform of stone, 6' wide, projects for about 18' into the interior towards the entrance. The entrance is from the SE. (fig. 47). 352. Kinbrace Hill .—Situated about 40' E. of the road, and some 50 yards S. of the cultivated land at Burnfoot, is a hut circle. The main enclosure is oval, measuring interiorly about 30' x 35', with its entrance from the SE. through a passage 15' long and about 2' 6" wide at the interior end and 4' at the exterior. The thickness of the bank on either side of the entrance passage towards the outer end is 5'. The breadth of the bank on the E. side of the circle is about 11'. It has had much stone in its composition. To the W. it is about 9' in thickness for the first 19' from the interior end of the entrance, whence it expands rapidly to a width of 24', decreasing again to 8' at the NW., opposite the entrance. This thick bank has been much broken into and pillaged for stone. Though no earth- house is exposed, from the plan and the number of flat stones laid bare in the broad part of the bank, it possibly contains one. Abutting on the circle on the NE. is a small oblong enclosure, * Gf. No. 224. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 125 Parish of Kildonan. measuring about 37' x 9', widening towards the N. The banks are much broken down. There has been an entrance to this from the main enclosure, which may be secondary. The bank is much broken down and has been about 7' thick. The whole circle has been much — i ' r : (%> \ z, %,M// ( -5 V 'f. 111 i U k 1 i ill I I \\W \UC ID 5 O lo ZO 30ttE.T | un |i m| -1-1-f Fig. 48.—Hut Circle, Kinbrace Hill (No. 352). dilapidated at a recent date—for the sake of stones. Some 9' in front of the entrance, on its S. side, a bank some 8' across runs round towards the W. at a distance of about 13' from the main bank, and disappears, passing northwestwards beyond the circle (fig. 48). Some 50 yards ENE. of the last is another enclosure. It is circular, with an interior diameter of 31'. The entrance, which is from the S. or SE., appears to have been altered, and has been wide. Some 30' E. of the first enclosure is a mounded construction, with a depression on the top, probably a kiln. 353. Ben Griam Beg .—Some § m. N W. of Greamachary is a group of small mounds running along the slope of the hill at about the 700' elevation above sea-level. Among them the indistinct remains of what appears to be a hut circle is visible. O.S.M., Sum, xlvi. Visited, 18th September 1909. 354. Bculdanloch .—On the E. side of the road from Kinbrace to Syre, about 2 m. N. of Easter Baddanloch, is a group of mounds, 126 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Kildonan. and on the N. side of Loch Baddanloch, near its W. end, are several hut circles.* O.S.M., Sum, lv. and lvi. (unnoted). Sepulchral Constructions. 355. Long Cairn , “ Carnlaggie,” Helmsdale. — Some f m. above Helmsdale, on the E. side of the valley, and at the N. end of the cultivated land, are the remains of the cairn known as “ 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' in width. The cairn lies almost due N. and S. The dilapidation is so great that no proper measurements are obtainable. O.S.M., Sura., xc. Visited, 6th September 1909. 356. Do., Caen Burn .—About 1^ m. up the Strath of Kildonan from Helmsdale the Caen Burn joins the Helmsdale River, and some 300 yards W. of the burn, and about the same distance N. of the river, is a long cairn. It is situated on a terrace on the hillside, where the ground begins to slope by an easier gradient towards the river. It lies with its main axis almost due E. and W., and appears to be about 168' in length, 27' broad at the W. end, and 46' at the E. At the W. 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'. At 18' in from the S. side, at the E. extremity, is a large boulder, 4' high and 4' across, which may give some indication of the position of the passage. Excavation has been made at several points, but no chamber is exposed. 357. Do., do .—Westward of the Caen Burn, about J m. on the same terrace of the hill as the last, 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. It appears to have been about 27' broad at the W. end and 50' at the E. Its extreme length appears to have been about 135'. There are no signs of a chamber left. O.S.M., Sutil, lxxix. Visited, 10th August 1909. 358. Do., do .—On the W. 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. and WSW., and measures about 100' in length, some 35' in breadth at the E. end, and 27' at the W. Its condition makes accurate measurement impossible. 359. Do., do .—On the W. side of the hill road, about 400 yards above the cottage at Caen, are the remains of a long cairn. The cairn has been greatly dilapidated, but no chamber is exposed. Its longest axis is NE. and SW. It measures about 166' in length, 25' in width at the SW. end, and about 46' at the NE. end. O.S.M., Suth., lxxix. (unnoted). Visited, 6th September 1909. * From information supplied by the Rev. J. M. Joass, LL.D., Golspie. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 127 Parish of Kildonan. 360. Do., Salscraggie .—To the S. of Salscraggie Lodge, between the road and the river, are the remains of a long cairn, so recently demolished that the tracks made by the carts which took away the stones from the interior are not yet obliterated. It is said to have had two chambers, but no trace remains of them. It lies E. and W. Its length is 178', the breadth at the E. end about 63', and at the W. end about 12'. It does not appear to have been horned. O.S.M., Suth., lxxix. Visited, 26th August 1909. 361. Do., Kilournan. — On the moor, about ^ m. S.W. of Kilournan, is a long cairn. It lies with its longest axis E. and W., is 108' long, 27' wide at the W. end, and 43' wide at the E. end. It rises from a low elevation at the W. end to 7' in height at the E. Both extremities are rounded. Numerous excavations have been made in it, but no chamber appears to have been exposed. O.S.M., Suth., lxxviii. Visited, 20th September 1909. 362. Cairn, Torrish Burn .—On a slight eminence beside the road, on the W. bank of the Torrish Burn, is a large round cairn. A great part of it has been quite recently removed from the W. side, but neither cist nor chamber is exposed. The outline of the cairn has been marked with large boulders from i\' to 2' across, placed at frequent intervals, but not contiguous. On the N. this setting is 7' to 9' distant from the cairn, but on the S., in which direction the hill slopes, the cairn appears to rise directly from it. The diameter of the cairn over all is 61' from N. to S. and 63' from E. to W. 363. Cairns, Bearable .—In the birch wood on the W. bank of the River Helmsdale, opposite Suisgill Lodge, and some 300 yards to the W. of it, is a mound overgrown with heather and grass, which is probably a cairn. It is 58' to 60' in diameter, and from 8' to 9' high (unnoted) Some 15' N. of the cross-marked standing-stone on the summit of Learable Hill (No. 380) is a cairn, with a diameter of about 31' and a height of from 2' to 3'. A short distance to the SSW. of the standing-stone is a low circular cairn of about 20' diameter and height of about 2'. Its out¬ line is defined by boulders from 1' to 1^' in length, and 6" to 8" above ground, set almost contiguously. 364. Cairn, do .—Some 40' NNW. of the standing-stone is a cairn which has been excavated. It has a diameter of about 42'. Near the centre lies a covering slab of a cist, 4' 6" in length by 3' in breadth. The outline of the cairn is well marked with boulders from 2' to 3' in length, and about 1' above ground, set almost con¬ tiguously. AVhen the cairn was excavated there were found in the cist 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, and covering a deposit of burnt human bones, among which lay an oval tanged blade of bronze. The blade, beads, and urn are in Dunrobin Museum. A number of low irregular mounds, which have the appearance 128 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Kildonan. of banks of old enclosures, are visible here and there among the round mounds and cairns on the hill. See Anderson, The Bronze and Stone Ages, p. 132. 365. Cairn, Feranach. —On the low moorland to the S. of the River Frithe, and about ^ m. SW. of Feranach, is a cairn with a diameter of from 24' to 26' and a height of from 3' to 4'. It is over¬ grown with turf, from which a number of round stones protrude (unnoted). 366. Cairn, Dalcharn .—On the hillside, some f m. W. of Dalcharn, and about £ m. back from the left bank of the River Frithe, is a cairn, of some 25' to 26' in diameter and about 4' in height, over¬ grown with heather (unnoted). O.S.M. Suth., lxvi. Visited, 17th September 1909. 367. Cairns, Creag Ruidh nan Caorach. — Some f m. SE. of Kinbrace Station, and about \ m. above the road, are two large cairns. The most easterly is circular, with a diameter of about 50' and a height of about 6'. It has been dilapidated considerably in the centre, but no cist has been exposed. There is no indication of a chamber. Some 50 yards SE. is the second cairn. It also has been to a certain extent interfered with. Some large flat slabs lying exposed near the centre may indicate a chambered character. Towards the NE., SW., SE., and NW. are distinct projections, but whether these are structural or not can only be determined by excavation. The projections are from 6' to 8' in length. The diameter of the cairn between them is about 41', and along them about 54'. The height of the cairn is about 4' 6". Some 180 yards E. is a smaller cairn, which has been considerably dilapidated on the SE. Its diameter from N. to S. is 41' and from E. to W. 44'. Its height is about 4'. Numerous small mounds lie along the hillside below these. About \ m. SSE. of the last is a low cairn of about 21' in diameter and 3' in height. Beyond the enclosed land at Burnfoot the small mounds again appear and continue down the strath for a long distance. O.S.M., Suth., lvi. Visited, 1st September 1909. 368. Cairn, Kinbrace Hill .—About \ m. down the strath from Burnfoot, and some 40' distant from the road, is a large cairn. From E. to W. the diameter is about 87' and from N. to S. 83'. Its height is some 9'. On the E. side it has been pulled about to a considerable extent, but no chamber has been exposed. Numerous small mounds lie near. One to the NE. has'recently been almost entirely removed. 369. 370. Long Cairns, do. — Some 400 yards SE. of the large cairn last mentioned, at an elevation of about 500' above sea-level, are other two large cairns about 12' apart. The most northerly is some 100' in length, 79' across at the NE. end and 52' at the SW. Its greatest height (somewhat to the N. of the middle of its length) is some 12' to 14'. A small amount of exploration has been done on it, but no chamber is exposed. There is a semblance of projections towards the N. and S., but the indications are very indefinite. Ancient and Historical Monuments — Sutherland. To face p. 129. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 129 Parish of Kildonan. The second cairn, which is situated to the SW. of the previous one, lies also NE. and SW. It is 102' in length, 36' broad at the NE. end, and 62' at the SW. Its height about the centre of its length is some 10'. It, too, has been pulled about a little, but no chamber is exposed. Some 40' from the SW. end the foundations of an ancient wall are visible running out towards the SE., which, curving round, meet the neighbouring cairn at its SW. end. A similar wall has joined the two cairns on the E. side, thus utilising the cairns as part of the wall of an enclosure (PI. IV.). 371. Cairn, do .—Some 250 yards E. is 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. Its height is some 5'. To the E. about 150 yards lies a large group of small mounds of usual type (unnoted). 372. Chambered Cairn, Kinbrace Barn .—On the top of the left bank of the Kinbrace Burn, some 250 yards above the road, is a A Fig. 19. — Chambered Cairn, Kinbrace Burn (No. 372). chambered cairn which has been excavated. Its diameter from N. to S. is some 68' and from E. to W. about 73'. It has had three con¬ nected chambers in alignment lying E. and W. The passage enters from the E. It has been completely destroyed for the first 19' of its length; thereafter it remains entire for a distance of some 5', covered with slabs and 2' in width. It gives access, through portals 2' 10" apart, to a small rectangular chamber or vestibule, measuring 3' from front to back and 5' across, the sides of which are built. This chamber is low (2' high), and roofed with slabs. Between two 9 130 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Kildonan. partition stones, 1' 10" apart and about 3' high, covered with a lintel 4' 8" long, 1' 10" broad, and 8" thick, cracked across, is the entrance to the main chamber. It is polygonal in plan, and measures 6' 5" from E. to W. and 7' 9" from N. to S. On the N. side the wall is broken down to a height of 3', but on the S. side it remains intact for 5' 6" of its elevation. Its walls are for the most part built: the single slabs, which occur opposite each other, one on each side, being only 1' 10" and 2' 4" in breadth at present floor level. It has been covered with a roof of converging stones, and the wall is vertical for 3' above the present floor level. The third chamber is entered through the centre of the back wall, between two jambs, 1' 10" apart and 11" high, covered with a lintel stone 5' long, and, like the other, broken. It is of the same dimensions as the small chamber at the E. 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 greatest height of the cairn externally is from 10' to 11'. It is considerably dilapidated, and there are evidences of a building having been placed against it at the W. end, where about 20' from the out¬ side of the cairn there are the remains of a regularly constructed wall for a distance of about 10' (fig. 49). Great numbers of small mounds lie to the E., and there are remains of circular enclosures in its vicinity. When the cairn was excavated there was found in the passage a pierced heart-shaped amulet of polished serpentine, with a diameter of some |", now in Dunrobin Museum. This was the only relic discovered. O.S.M., Suth., lxvi. Visited, 2nd September 1909. 373. “ Cam Tigli nan Coileach,” etc., Allt Ach na h-Uaigh .—About 1| m. due W. of Kinbrace Station, on the hillside beyond Harvieston, are a great number of small mounds of from 12' to 20' in diameter. Some 200' above the road, towards the W. end of the group, is a large cairn, known as “ Carn Tigh nan Coileach.” It is from 58' to 60' in diameter, and about 6' in height. It has been somewhat dilapidated on the top, and several large flat slabs are exposed, lying horizontally, suggesting a chambered character. On the hillside below lie numerous small mounds, the nearest of which is some 60' to the S.W., and constructed of larger stones than usual. O.S.M., Suth., lvi. Visited, 1st September 1909. 374. Stone Circle, Learable Hill. —Some 120 yards W. of the cross- marked standing-stone on Learable Hill 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" in breadth. Five of the stones are in situ, standing well above ground, two have almost sunk out of sight, and two have fallen. The diameter of the circle appears to have been about 60'. Slightly to the S. of the centre of the circle is a small mound, some 2' high, and with a diameter of about 13'; and just outside the circle, beyond a stone ESE. of the centre, is another mound about 3' high and 17' in diameter (fig. 50). 375. Do., do. —About \ m. NW. of Suisgill Lodge, and some 30 yards NW. of the cup-marked stone (No. 383), on a slight eminence, INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 131 Parish of Kildonan. are the remains of a stone circle. Three long-pointed stones remain, all overturned, and another large stone protruding from the ground 1 % % 0 IQ S O > lt h M l l r ftET Fig. 50.—Stone Circle, Learable (No. 374). towards the SW. may possibly have formed part of the circle. The stones are from 5' 6" to 8' in length, and from 2' 8" to 4' in breadth, and are pointed towards one end. There is grooved on the stone *JhhW -p- Fig. 51. —Stone Circle, Learable (No. 375). which lies towards the N. of what has presumably been the centre, at 2' 4" from its pointed end, a single ring-mark, measuring 6" over all, and 4" within the marking. Some 2' nearer the base of the stone 132 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Kildonan. is a small cup-mark, 2" across; and about 1' 2" from the base appear another well-defined cup-mark and two faint ones (fig. 51). O.S.M., Sutil, lxvii. (unnoted). Visited, 17th August 1909. Miscellaneous. 376. “ Crois," Suisgill .—On the E. side of the road up the strath, some 300 yards S. of Suisgill Lodge, is a projecting rock which bears the name of “ Crois.” On its SW. face is said to have formerly existed a cross, which is now, however, entirely obliterated by the action of the weather. It is said to have marked the northern boundary of the Sanctuary of Kildonan. O.S.M., Suth., lxvii. Visited, 17th August 1909. 377. Gross-marked Slab , Kildonan .—Some 150 yards N. by W. of Kildonan farmhouse, near the base of a conical mound and at the NW. side of it, is a stone 4' 7" high and 2' 3" broad, bearing, grooved out on its W. face, a plain Latin cross, expanding towards, and rounded at, the base, existing for a total length of 2', and measuring V 10" across the arms. The stone is called “ Clach an Eig,” or “ Clach na h-Uaighe.” The conical hill (Cnoc a 5 Chrochaidh) adjacent appears to be natural. It is said that a passage, now filled up, led into the heart of it. See Memorabilia Domestica, 2nd ed., p. 48. O.S.M., Suth., lxxviii. (unnoted). Visited, 17th August 1909. 378. Stone Boies, Torrish Burn .—About ^ m. N. of the junction ‘CP -O’ .'CP o- O 0, „ o -°- 00 '0 0 o 0 0, V o \ o o ,6 9 4 —L-A 2 — Fig. 57. — Hut Circle, The Ord (No. 398). The inner line of the bank is well defined in places, with pointed stones set on end. The entrance is from the SE. through a passage 14' in length, containing on either side a small semicircular chamber or recess, measuring 6' x 5', and opening on the passage at its inner end (fig. 57). 399. Do . — About 30 yards NE. of the last is another circle, measuring interiorly 35' x 38', with its entrance from the SE. (fig. 58). 1o s o lo 20 SofWr. jfHfi+H+i-f-1- [ Fig. 58. — Hut Circle, The Ord (No. 399). Some 30' to the N. of it lies a mound, with its longest axis E. and W., measuring some 28'x 14' in length and breadth, and 2' in height. Another, similar, in the same alignment, about 20' W. of the last, measures 28' x 16'. It lies some 20' to the NW. of the last hut circle. O.S.M., Suth., xciv. and cii. Visited, 14th June 1909. 140 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Lairg. 400. Do .—About 250 yards SE. of the summit, on the W. flank of the hill, are a number of curious constructions, clustered together. At the extreme SE. end of the group is a small semicircular enclosure, 18' across, with a wall stretching across the open end for a distance of 11' from the W. About 30 yards NW. of it is an enclosure, circular or square with rounded angles, about 35' in diameter, surrounded by the remains of a turf and boulder wall 7' thick, the entrance to the SE. about 5' across. Adjoining it to the E., and facing NW., is a large crescentic mound, measuring 21' wide at the centre, 3' high to the outside, and 4' 7" in front, 41' between its extremities, and with a concavity of 12'. Some 21' from the centre of the crescent is a low oblong heap of stones, quite flat on the top, measuring 19' from NW. to SE. by 25' from SW to NE. It is some 2' high. Some 18' NW. of the last construction is a heap of boulders, 16' in circumference, and 2' high, which does not appear to be sepulchral. 401. Do .—-Some 100 yards SW. of the constructions last mentioned is a hut circle of the usual type, measuring interiorly 35' x 37'. About 50' SW. of the hut circle is a mound which appears to be formed artificially of earth and boulders, with a diameter of about 20' and height about 2'. Its character is doubtful. 402. Do .—About m. S. of the summit, on a slight knoll, is a cup-shaped hollow, measuring 11' across and 1' 5" deep in the centre ; and immediately adjoining it to the SW., with its longest axis SW. and NE., is a rectangular construction, formed of flat sharp-edged boulders set on end round three sides—the end towards the hollow being open. The interior dimensions are 6' 8"x 3' 10". There is no appearance of a wall, and a considerable number of small stones lie about in the interior, which is raised about 8". The highest stone is 1' 6" above ground, and 1' 7" across by 9" thick. Some 30' S. of it is a hut circle, of ordinary type, with entrance from the SE., 5' across, between two large stones. Its interior dimen¬ sions are 45'x 36'. Some 14' SE. of the cup-shaped hollow is a small mound of some 6' in diameter; and some 20' to the N. of the adjacent circle is a mound of earth and boulders lying N. and S., measuring 12' 6"x 10', and 1' to 1^' high, and several others are in the vicinity. 403. Do .—50 yards or so W. of the great cairn (No. 443), near the summit, is a circular mound or cairn 28' in diameter and some 3' 6" high. A slight excavation appears to have been made on the top, but neither cist nor chamber is exposed. Some 100 yards NW. of the great cairn is a hut circle of the usual form, with the entrance from the SE. All along the hill face, from the summit downwards for 100', are numerous mounds, mostly circular, varying from about 12' to 23' in diameter (the greatest number measuring about 20' across and some 3' high). These mounds are larger and more conspicuous than those generally observed in similar situations. Some 50 yards E. of the last hut circle is another, with interior diameter of some 18'x 20', and entrance apparently from the N. Some 250 yards NNW. of the great cairn is a well-defined hut INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 141 Parish of Lairg. circle, overgrown with heather, quite circular, with a diameter of 30', and the entrance from the SE. Several mounds lie around it. One, some 20' to the W., lying N. and S., measures about 17' X 12', and is about 3' high. Towards its S. end a single large stone protrudes on the top 8" or 10" above the ridge. 404. Do .—Some 100 yards NW. of the great cairn is a circle, measuring over all about 20', with an interior diameter of about 6', surrounded by a stony bank. The centre is covered with turf, and does not seem stony. Punning from it on the NW. are the ruins of an ancient wall, which continues for a distance of 96', and terminates in a low stony mound about 10' long and 9' across. At 54' beyond, over a space where there is no trace whatever of walling, the wall recommences running in the same direction, with a curve open to the E. 21' across, connected with a large oval heap of stones, probably the remains of a hut enclosure, measuring some 47' x 20', facing the W., and with an interior depression measuring 18'xl2'. From the NW. of this heap the wall proceeds down the hill, and at about 100 yards it appears to turn eastwards. Here there are indefinite indica¬ tions of similar enclosures connected with it. The wall is not carried to the top of the hill, nor has it the strength or character of a fortification. 405. Do .—About 200 yards NNW. of the great cairn is a cres¬ centic construction, measuring about 30' over all, with an interior of about 12' diameter. Some 100 yards N. by W. of the great cairn to the N. of the path; way across the hill are the remains of a large walled enclosure, with interior measurements of about 43' x 45', and entrance from the SE., while adjoining it to the NE. is a large oval mound, measuring about 33' from NE. to SW. and 23' from NW. to SE., and about 3' high. 406. Do .—Some 100 yards due N. of the great cairn, and on the upper side of the pathway, is a small circle, with an interior diameter of 16', flanked on the N. and S. by banks about 2' high and 12'across, while on the E. and W. the base of the bank is merely indicated. Near the entrance to the E. the wall is 4' thick. This has probably been a kiln. About 20' E. is a hut circle, of ordinary form, measuring interiorly 24' x 29', with an enclosing bank about 5' thick, and entrance from the NW. facing the object described in the preceding paragraph. Some 81' E. is a mound, with a diameter of about 22'. At about 100 yards NE. of the summit is a crescentic mound of earth and boulders, measuring about 42' along the crest, about 12' across the centre, and 29' between the points facing NE., with the back to the hill. Some 150 yards N. by E. of the summit, within 50' of the path, is a cup-shaped hollow of 6' interior diameter and 1£' depth, open to the N. Some 200 yards due N. of the summit is a circular enclosure of about 27' interior diameter, and with a wide opening to the E. In its vicinity lie numerous small mounds. Some 40' N. of the circular enclosure is a hut circle of the usual 142 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Lairg. character, with the entrance from the SE. The interior diameter is some 24' x 27'. About | m. N. of the great cairn is another hut circle of the usual form, but somewhat indistinct. The mounds on the N. and NW. slopes of the hill must number somewhere about 100. O.S.M., Suth., xciv. and cii. Visited, 14th June 1909. 407. Do .—To the S. of the road to Invercassley, about 150 yards W. of where it leaves the main road to the S. of Lairg, are two hut circles. The westmost one is small, measuring some 23' across; the other, overgrown with heather, measures some 28' in interior diameter. Between the last circle and the main road to Bonar Bridge is a small group of mounds, most of which have been demolished. One, close to the road, about 100 yards S. of the crossing, is from 1^' to 2' high, and measures 20' x 13'. Some 350 yards S. of the cross roads, on the W. side of the road, are the remains of a hut circle, of the usual form, but smaller in size, measuring interiorly 18'x 24'. The entrance is from the SE. The bank is much broken down. Close to the last is a group of mounds, about twelve in number, mostly circular, with diameter of about 14'. Towards the SE. end of the group is a mound formed of two smaller mounds joined by a neck. The whole length of the con¬ struction is 24'. The expansions at either end are 10' long, and the neck about 4' long. The SE. end is 14' across, the neck 8', and the NW. end 13'. There is a marked concavity on the W. in the centre, but not so marked on the E., and a lowering of the ridge at the neck. Another mound, about 20' NW., partially demolished, measures some 22' x 14', and has its longest axis E. and W. 408. Do .—Another small group lies between the road and the river some 150 yards S. of the junction of the Invercassley road. One at the SW. of the group is oval, measuring 17' x 8' 6", with its longest axis E. and W. One, a little to the N. of it, is almost circular, with a diameter of 18'. Another to the S. measures 15'x 9' 6", with its longest axis SW. and NE. O.S.M., Suth., cii. Visited, 14th June 1909. 409. SE. end of Loch Shin .—On a slight hillock, about 30 yards S. of the site of the broch (No. 391), in the plantation to the N. of the Ord, is a circular enclosure, overgrown with heather. Its dimensions are in consequence not accurately obtainable, but the interior diameter appears to be about 25'. O.S.M., Suth., xciv. Visited, 5th July 1909. 410. River Shin .—On the right bank of the River Shin, about 1 m. S. of Lairg church and some 30 yards down from the stone circle (No. 462), is a well-defined hut circle on the top of the river bank. It is of the usual form, but small, measuring interiorly only 14'x 20'. 4L1. Baile jiur .—Some 180 yards SW. of the cairn (No. 449) on Druim Baile fiur is a hut circle, with the entrance from the SE., measuring interiorly 31'x37'. The faces of the encircling bank are INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 143 Parish of Lairg. well marked with boulders, laid end to end, and the bank appears to have been from 8' to 10' across. About 100 yards SE. of the hut circle are three mounds of from 18' to 20' in diameter, and 2' to 3' in height. A hut circle, with its entrance from the SW., lies about 100 yards E. of the single cairn (No. 450). The inner line of the wall is marked by pointed stones (the highest about 2' high) projecting at irregular intervals. The enclosure is circular, with a diameter of 26'. The width of the entrance is not ascertainable (unnoted). 412. Pitarxie .—On the hill between Gruids and the road from Lairg to iuvershin, on the W. side of the River Shin, near Pitarxie, are a number of hut circles and mounds. About 100 yards from the road is a group of about eight mounds and a hut circle through which a roadway has been cut. One mound, some 30' W. of the hut circle, measures some 30'x 26', and is about 2' high. Another hut circle lies about 100 yards SW. of the first, measuring 19' x 24' interiorly, with its entrance from the SE. Its bank is more stony than usual, and measures about 6' across. A group of four or five mounds lies to the SW. of it. O.S.M. Suth., cii. Visited, 5th July 1909. 413. Torroboll and Kkianlreek .—On the E. side of the road leading from Lairg towards Torroboll, about 1 m. S. of Lairg, on a track of moorland about 100' above the River Shin, is a group of seven or eight mounds, and the remains of a small hut circle, with an entrance from the S., and an interior diameter of about 19'x 21'. On the N. side of the road to Rhianbreck, about 200 yards beyond its junction with the Lairg road, is a hut circle of the usual type, with its entrance from the SE. Its interior dimensions are about 24' x 27'. On the S. side of the road to Tomich, about f in. E. of its junction with the Lairg road, is a group of seven or eight mounds measuring from 12' to 18' in diameter, and from 2' to 3' in height. Some 100 yards to the S., and stretching along the hillside above the crofts, are about a score more mounds of the usual form. A few hundred yards SE. of the upper end of the crofts at Torro¬ boll, and on the W. side of an old road, are several hut circles and mounds. Two circles, marked on the O.S. map, are of the usual form, over¬ grown with grass and heather, with entrances from the SE. A small group of mounds lies about them. Some 80 yards N. and NW. respectively of the northmost of the two circles are the indistinct remains of two others, with five or six mounds beside them. About 100 yards E., across the road from the circles noted on the O.S. map, is another, with more mounds near it. The mounds are all overgrown with heather, and are eighteen to twenty in number. On the piece of waste ground S. of the burn that runs through Torroboll, and NW. of the last enclosed crofts, is a hut circle of usual type, measuring interiorly 30' x 34', enclosed by a bank 5' thick and about 2' high, and with an entrance from the SW. Around this circle are about a score of mounds of the usual small type. 144 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Lairg. On the top of one, at its N. end, a single large boulder sticks up about a foot above the heather. O.S.M., Suth., xcv. and ciii. Visited, 17th June 1909. 414. Strath Fleet .—About 3 in. E. of Lairg, on the 1ST. side of the road to Bogart, situated on a slight terrace on the hillside, above which the rocks rise abruptly for some 50', is a hut circle of the usual form, with its entrance from the SE. It measures interiorly 26' x 29'. The interior space has been diminished by a low wall of boulders and turf, which curves across from either side, cutting off the back of the enclosure, so as to form a circle of the front portion 21' in diameter. In the centre of this area is a low bed of stones, about 4' across, which has probably formed a hearth, as, on cutting out a turf, wood-charcoal was found (fig. 59). Some 60' further E., and at a slightly lower level, nearer the road, is another circle, measuring some 28' x 34' interiorly, with its entrance from the SE. The bank is about 4' thick, except at either side of the entrance passage, where it expands to 7'. The passage is from 3' 6" to 4' wide. An old road passes along the hillside between these two circles. A circular mound, low, and rather dilapidated, with a diameter of 22', lies about 40' NW. of the last circle and about 12' lower on the slope. On a slight elevation, about 100 yards W. of the last, and some 20' above the road, are the remains of another circle. The bank on the N. has fallen away, taking a considerable part of the enclosure with it, and disclosing a section of the interior, which shows a layer of charcoal about 2" deep from 5" to 6" below the present surface, lying on a level floor of earth. There are no bones or foreign matter among the charcoal, which lies near where the inside of the bank must have been. In the NE. portion of the interior is a cup-shaped hollow about 7' across and 1' 6" deep. O.S.M., Suth., xcv. Visited, 18th June 1909. 415. Balindailish, etc .—On the ridge running W. above the crofts at Balindailish, about 1^ m. from Lairg, are situated various groups of mounds. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 145 Parish of Lairg. The first group is above Balindailish, and consists of three or four of the ordinary low, grass-covered type. About \ m. W. above Balcharn is another group. A short distance to the N. of Balcharn is a group of about half a dozen, all grass- grown. Of the group at Culmaily, to the E. of it, only one remains, half broken down on the edge of the road past the crofts. Some 100 yards S., on the moorland, the outline of a hut circle is observable. The group of mounds some 400 yards E. of Culbuie consists of about a dozen, from 12' to 18' in diameter, and some 3' in height. 416. Dulaich .—About £ m. E. of Savalbeg, at Dulaich, is a group of about fourteen mounds. One or two are rather higher, and more pointed than usual, being about 3' 6" in height. 417. Do .—A short distance to the NE. of Loch Dulaich, and on either side of the road or track to Loch Tigh na Creige, is a large group of mounds and hut circles. The first hut circle is on slightly rising ground to the N. of the road, some 300 yards beyond the loch. It is of the usual form, but its outline is not now very definite. A short distance beyond it, to the NE., is a group of six or eight mounds of the usual type. About 100 yards further on, and some 40 yards N. of the road, is another hut circle, of usual form, with entrance from the SE., and measuring interiorly 21'x27'. Across the road, where the ground rises steeply, along the top of the ridge, and on its N. slope, are about a score of mounds, over¬ grown with grass and heather, measuring from 12' to 18' in diameter. Scattered among them are five hut circles. The most northerly of these is situated close beside the road, and is somewhat larger than usual, measuring 34' x 45' interiorly. The entrance, which is 3' wide, is as usual from the SE. Abutting on it, on the W. side, is another smaller circle, measuring 28'x31', and with an entrance from the SE. They are connected by a common bank or mound 12' across (fig. 60). Some 50 yards SW. of it is another, with interior dimensions of 24'x31', and an entrance from the SE. It appears to have been at one time much larger, but to have been filled up on the W. side, making the bank in that direction 14' across. Another circle on the top of the ridge, about 100 yards S. of the double circle, is also in good preservation. It measures about 21'x 24', and has the entrance to the SE. The interior appears to have been hollowed out to some extent, and is some 2' below the ground level on the upper side. The other circle of the group, some 50 yards W. of the last, is much effaced. Across the burn—the Feith Mhor—which ilows to the N. of these remains, on a slight elevation, is a similar group, consisting of a hut circle and mounds. The circle is some 190 yards NNW. of the bridge across the burn. It measures interiorly about 19' x 23', and is entered from the SE. To the S. and E. of it lie about a dozen mounds of the usual type. OS.M., Suth., xcv. Visited, 18th June 1909. 10 146 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Lairg. i I >U'" Hull ,/ A" A - ^ - - ^ /y/ s r/n U\\\'" nX \\n\ V \'\' vSX II v N io cto %o Feet H-1-1 Fig. 60. — Hut Circle, Dulaich (No. 417). 418. Lairg .—On a small piece of waste land, some 300 yards SE. of Sydney House, is a group of seven or eight mounds. All of these are of the ordinary type, except one, in the SE. corner of the enclosure, which is somewhat larger, and measures 23'x2L. Another mound lies some 300 yards S. of Sydney House. O.S.M., Suth., xcv. Visited, 18th June 1909. 419. Lairg Moor .-—A small group of mounds, about J m. N. of Lairg Church, are of the usual character. There are, besides these, remains of one or two hut circles, now ill defined. Some 250 yards NW. of Sydney House are two hut circles set in relation to an old enclosing bank. The bank or mound is irregular in outline and height, but in places it is 12' to 14' wide and 2' high. It crosses the moor from NNW. along the edge of a slight depression, turns to the SW. where the hut circles have been placed, thereafter curving to the S., crosses the road, and is lost in the cultivated land beyond. There is an opening through the bank 6' across, just where it first alters its direction, flanked on the S. by a broadening of the mound to 20' and on the opposite side by a hut circle placed against the mound on its outer face. The circle measures interiorly about 20' x 23', and has two entrances, one from the SE. and another from the entrance passage to the interior of the enclosure. Nearly opposite the opening, and about 50' NW., within the enclosed area, is the other hut circle, which is of similar dimensions, well preserved, and with an INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 147 Parish of Lairg. entrance from the S. To the N. and NE. of the circles are a number of small mounds of usual type. 420. Do .—About 150 yards NE. of Sydney House is another hut circle, of usual form, with an entrance from the S. A number of mounds lie to the N. and NE. of it. 421. Creag an t-Sabkail .—About 250 yards NNE. of Creag an t-Sabhail is a group of mounds, in number about two dozen, of usual type, and about the same distance to the NW. lies another small group. 422. Savalmore .—About ^ m. SSW. of Savalmore, on a ridge, are a group of mounds and a well-preserved hut circle of 30' interior diameter. O.S.M. Suth., xcv. Visited, 24th June 1909. 423. An t-Sron .—On the top of a low grassy hill, about m. N. of Lairg Lodge, is a group of about sixteen small mounds, of the usual type, covered with vegetation. 424. Do.— About \ m. due N. of the last, on the An t-Sron, a ridge running N. and S., are a large number of mounds and several circles. On the E. face of the hill, towards the S. end of it, is a singular construction. The main feature has been a circle of contiguous boulders, with a diameter of some 46'. The largest of the remaining boulders is from 1' 6" to 2' high, and about the same width at base. A number of the stones have been removed so recently that the beds in the peat where they stood still remain. At 4' within this circle the remains of another circle, concentric, but formed of smaller stones, are at several points apparent, and also at 4' outside it the stones forming a portion of a third circle, also concentric, are met with. The growth of heather rather obscures these details in places. Towards the SE. an entrance 4' to 5' wide, edged with stones on either side for 9' towards the centre, passes through the main circle. The seats from which have been removed two large stones (which stood with their broad faces lining the passage on one side) are quite evident. At 9' inwards there is a regular causeway of large stones laid across the end of the opening for a further distance of 9', at the end of which is a low grass-covered circular mound, occupying the centre of the circles, IP across and about IP high. Between the three circles there is no sign of a turf bank or of building, although here and there on the surface a few stones are lying. On piercing the turf, stones were found over nearly the whole interior area about 8" below the surface. 425. Do .—Some 40 yards SE. of the last is a low mound of 24' diameter, which appears to have been enclosed within a circle having a diameter of from 36' to 38' formed of low stones, set about 9' apart. Of the fourteen stones which apparently formed the circle, only three small stones remain, but there are the well-defined seats of seven others, leaving only four unaccounted for. The existing stones, though firmly set in the peat, do not protrude more than 10" to P, and are not broad. The stones removed have all been larger. Most of them stood with their broad faces at right angles to the line of circumference. The mound is not more than 2' to 2±' in height. About 40' E. of the mound is a small depression, bounded by a 148 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Lairg. bank about 8' across and 1' 2" high on tbe E. side, in which direction the ground slopes. The interior is circular, with a diameter of from 6' to 7', and has been entered from the S. There are numerous mounds all along the slope of the hill facing the SE. Towards the top of the hill, and S.E. of the large enclosure in¬ dicated on the O.S. map, is a hut circle, with its entrance from the S.E. 9' wide. It is of the usual form, and measures interiorly 36' x 41'. The bank is of turf and stone. O.S.M., Sutil, xciv. Visited, 25th June 1909. 426. Gnoc a Chatha .—About i m. N. of the An t-Sron, across a stretch of boggy land, rises the Cnoc a’ Chatha, a grassy hill about 200' in height, and running SE. and NW. for a distance of about m. Extending all over the crest and flanks of the hill are a number of round mounds, overgrown with turf, of the usual character. Near the mounds at the SE. end is a hut circle of usual oval form, measuring 29' x 35' interiorly, with an entrance from the SE. A little to the NW. is another, whose breadth is greater than its length, measuring 14' x 12', with the entrance from the SE. From the NW. of it a bank curves northwards up the hill for a short distance, and then, running W. for about 15', meets the E. side of a semicircular enclosure at its open end. This semicircle is 33' in diameter, and measures about 33' across the open end, being probably a cattle shelter. Tbe bank enclosing it, where best preserved on the E. side, is about 13' across and 3' high, formed of earth or turf and stones. Some 40' to the S. of the lower circle is apparently the opening- through a bank or wall, the ends of which are discernible on either side running in an NW. and NE. direction respectively. Some 40 yards W. of the upper enclosure are the remains of a circular stone building of 14' interior diameter, with the entrance from the S., and ruined walls of boulders 6' across their foundations. A little to the N. of it is a well-preserved hut circle of the ordinary form, measuring 26'x31', with an entrance from the S. 5' wide. The bank thickens towards the entrance, where it is 11' across. About 60' SW. of the last are the ruins of a stone structure, showing remains of a wall of from 1' 6" to 2' high, and from 9' to 10' thick. It is oval, with its longest axis at right angles to the direction of its entrance, which is from the S. Its interior measurements are 25' x 23'. The entrance is much ruined, but appears to have been about 2' wide. There are indications that the interior has been sub¬ divided into small oval or round chambers, with outlines of boulders, but the debris lying all over the interior renders the plan indefinite. 427. 'Do .—About 50 yards NW. of the last is a construction with two circular enclosures, separated from each other by a stone founda¬ tion 3' across, and bounded on the W. side by a mound of earth and stones 29' long, 14' broad on base, and 2' to 3' high, and on the E. by a mound of lesser dimensions. The two enclosures lie in line in a direction NW. and SE. That towards the NW. is oval, and measures interiorly 13' in length by 9' in breadth, and appears to have a wide opening to the NE., where the ends of the mounds do not converge. The enclosure towards the SE. measures 8' in breadth by 10' in INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 149 Parish of Lairg. length, and has an entrance from the SE. 2' wide through a wall with a well-defined edge 2' 5" thick on the W. side; the stoue on the opposite side being overgrown with grass, the actual length of the passage is unascertainable. From the E. side of the circle, near the centre, on the exterior, a wall runs SE. for about 40', then turns NE. up the hill for about 70 yards, thereafter turning sharply to the N. and NW. for about 100 yards, terminates in an oval enclosure 22' across by 11' long, with an opening from the SW. Parallel with the wall as it runs up the hill, and some 27' distant, a similar wall is observable, terminating at its upper end in a cup-shaped de¬ pression of some 12' interior diameter. The walls are not defensive, but they are noticeable by reason of their connection with the small enclosures, which are a regular feature of them.* 428. Do .—Some 150 yards NW. of the first-mentioned stone hut circle (No. 426) are the ruins of another, which is circular, with an interior diameter of 18'. At the N. end are indications of a small oblong chamber (or perhaps of two oval ones) in the thickness of the wall, measuring some 6' x 4', with an entrance from the interior. The entrance lo the main circle has been from the S. 429. Do .—At the SE. extremity of the flat top of the hill are the ruins of a circular building, showing traces of chambers in the thickness of the walls. There is much stone lying all over the interior, to a great extent covered with grass. There is no height of walling anywhere visible, but the interior is lower than the sides. The diameter over all is 34', and that of the interior appears to have been about 16'. The entrance has been from the SE. through a passage about 13' in length, 13' wide at the outer end, and converging to 2' at the inner. 430. Do .—On the very summit of the Cnoc is a double enclosure, presumably a cattle pend, forming a diverging spiral. The upper circle has a diameter of 42', and is surrounded by a ruined wall 5' to 6' thick. The entrance from the S. is 20' wide, and is flanked on the E. by a horn projecting 21' to the SE. The wall from the W. side of the entrance runs S. for about 60', then curves round to the west¬ wards, forming another enclosure, with a diameter of 43', terminating parallel to and 5' distant from the S. bank or wall. The banks of the lower spiral are faint, and have probably been made of turf. This is particularly noted on account of the resemblance of its plan to those of the so-called “ Serpentine ” cairns. A rather prominent mound lies to the E. of the summit. It has a diameter of 26', and is some 3' in height. Another, about 150 yards to the NE., measures 20' in diameter, and is some 3' to 4' high. Towards the NW. end of the E. face of the hill, about 160 yards NE. from the large mound on the top, is a crescentic mound, with its concavity towards the NE. It measures 22' from point to point, is 11' broad at centre, has a concavity of some 4', and is some 2' high. It is formed of earth and stones. Like others observed, the front of the crescent faces down hill. About 30 yards NW. of the last is an oval enclosure, sur- * Cf. Nos. 404 and 419. 150 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Lairg. rounded by a broad bank of boulders and earth some 6' thick, with an interior measurement of 10'x 20'. The entrance is from the SE., and the longest axis is in the direction of the entrance. On the lower slope of the hill to the NE. is a circular en¬ closure, with an interior diameter of about 13', with a bank from 1|' to 2' above the bottom of the interior. The entrance lias apparently been from the NW. At the NW. end of the hill on the tlank are two or three enclosures, with wide entrances-—probably cattle enclosures. One, measured, is 30' wide and 37' long. On the W. slope of the hill, to the NW. of the ruins of the stone enclosures, and 100 yards or so SE. of the so-called cattle en¬ closures, is a hut circle, measuring 26'x28', with its entrance from the SE., and opening out of it at the NE. a smaller circle with a diameter of 11'. 431. Do .— On the lower slope of the hill, on the W. side, are a number of mounds which do not appear to be sepulchral. They all show a slight depression in the centre, where much stone is exposed. They are all very similar in dimensions, measuring some 18' x 22' over all, and interiorly about 5' x 4'. Their appearance suggests that they are the ruins of primitive stone huts. 432. Greag an t-Sabhail .—About ^ m. N. of Creag an t-Sabhail, between the old road leading to the ford over the Allt a’ Chasaidh- ghil and the fence to the W. of it, a green hillock rises from the swampy moorland. Near to its SE. end is a small circle, measuring interiorly some 12'xl6', with its entrance from the SE. 2' wide. The thickness of the bank at base is about 6'. Some 8' in from the entrance is a semicircular setting of stones, 2' 6" across, probably a hearth. On cutting out a turf, charcoal was found, but only a small quantity. Some 30' S. of the last is a larger circle, measuring interiorly about 30'x 33', with the entrance from the SE. Some 40' NE. of the small circle is another larger one, broken down on the E. side, with its entrance from the SE. about 10' across. All along the hillock are small mounds of the usual character. 433. Cnoc nan Neul .—About J m. N W. of the ford over the Allt a’ Chasaidh-ghil, on the lower slope of Cnoc nan Neul, overlooking the flow, is a good specimen of a hut circle. Its interior measures 32' x 33'. The surrounding bank at the entrance is about 6' thick and 2' high, largely overgrown with heather, except on the outside, to the right of the entrance, where the construction of the wall of boulders set in earth or turf is well displayed. The entrance is from the SE. O.S.M., Suth., xcv. Visited, 28th June 1909. 434. Feith OsdaiL —About J m. N. of a point l\ m. along the road which leads to Dalnessie from the main road between Lairg and Altnaharra, on the S. slope of the hill across the Feith Osdail, are the remains of a circular construction which occupy the summit of a slight grassy elevation. In the centre is a well-defined circle, formed of contiguous boulders from 1' to 3' in length, at largest about 2' in breadth and about 1' in height. The diameter is some 12', and the entrance has been from the E. The width of the entrance is not NVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 151 Parish of Lairg. accurately obtainable, as a detached stone lies in it, but it cannot have been more than 2', and was possibly less. At 16' from the centre of the construction towards the N. and NE. are the remains of an outer circle, approximately concentric, connected with the inner circle by a line of boulders which curves round towards the N. side of its entrance. 7' N. of the entrance, measured along the line of the inner circle, another line of stones extends directly to the outer circumference, and 3' further N. there is a small bed of stones projecting 3' 6" into the space between the circles. There is a suggestion of round chambers being enclosed within these cross lines, but without excavation the plan is only indefinitely obtainable. Some 21' ENE. of the centre is a large standing-stone 4' high and 2' across its base, set with its broad face parallel with what appears to be the line of the entrance to the inner enclosure, and from its outer edge the foundation of a wall appears to run NE. for 8', and turning NW. to have formed the circumference of a third circle, also approximately concentric, some 34' from the common centre. Four large boulders, with their flat faces inwards, stand near each other in the line of this circumference from N. to NE., 34' from centre at NE. and 38' at N. Southward of the standing-stone the line of the second circumference swings out¬ ward again, and towards the SE. is 27' from the centre. Beyond SSE. it is lost. The surface is overgrown with turf and the plan difficult to make out. On removing a turf near the centre of the inner en¬ closure a considerable amount of charcoal was found 6" to 8" below the surface. 435. Do .—Some 20' E. is a flat-topped mound, from the edge of which many large stones protrude. On another grassy hillock, some 120 yards SE., is the foundation of a structure 20' long, rectangular towards the S. end, where it is 8' wide interiorly, and with a rounded addition at the N. end 7' from N. to S. by 11' across. In the interior of the latter is the foundation of a circular chamber of 5' diameter. 436. Do .—On the top of the next knoll, about 30 yards E., are the ruins of a small rectangular enclosure some 6' square. On another hillock, about £ m. E. of the first circle, is a structure, overgrown with grass, with apparently an entrance from the W., measuring 28' x 31', and in form resembling an ordinary hut circle. The outlines of foundations, plainly indicated below the turf, show that the back half has been divided up into several small circular enclosures. There appears to have been an entrance into one of the small chambers at the back from the N. In rear of the coflstruction are two small round enclosures facing each other, open towards the S. and N. respectively, measuring each 5'in interior diameter and 3' across the opening. 437. Do .—Some 30 yards WNW. of the first-mentioned con¬ struction (No. 434) are remains probably of another similar structure, overgrown with grass. From the centre of what appears to be the interior circle, at about 8" below present level, charcoal was found. 438. Do .—On a knoll some 120 yards NW. of the first construction (No. 434) are the confused ruins of a circular building. The surface is so covered with stones that the plan is difficult to determine. It 152 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Lairg. appears to have been a dry stone structure, with diameter over all of from 29' to 30', having various small chambers of from 4' to 6' interior diameter in the thickness of the walls. The thickness between the chambers and outside of wall is in each case 6', and there appears to have been considerable thickness of wall between the chambers them¬ selves. Two small circular constructions of about 8' diameter over all have abutted on it towards the N. and W. The entrance is not apparent in the present state of ruin, but it has probably been from the E. From the SE. a wall has curved round towards the E. for 70', then turned westward for about 24', and in the direction of its termination a cross wall has curved out for 15' from the SE. wall, thus forming an enclosure with an entrance 15' wide. There are no mounds anywhere visible in the neighbourhood of these ruins. 439. Do .—On the left bank of the Feith Osdail, about 1^ m. above its junction with the River Tirry, are the foundations of a trefoil-shaped structure, similar to that above Loch Coire nam Feuran Fig. 61.— Hut Foundations, Feith Osdail (No. 439). (No. 200). It is formed of three small circular enclosures, two in line facing N. and S. respectively, and the third on the E. apparently facing the entrance. The enclosures measure about 4' from front to back, and about 5' in width at entrance. The distance between the W. or outer points of the two opposite enclosures is 9', and from the same points to the centre of the back line of the E. circle 16' on the N. and 14' on the S. The walls seem to have been only about 1' 6" across, and were built without mortar. The whole is much overgrown with grass (fig. 61). Some 10' SW. are the remains of a small rectangular enclosure, measuring 8'x 6' interiorly ; and about 30' E. are the foundations of another, also apparently rectangular, measuring 7' X 9'. About \ m. S., 100 yards or so to the S. of the road to Dalnessie, is a small group of mounds, a hut circle of simple form, and a small mounded construction of the usual character between two parallel mounds. O.S.M., Suth., lxxxvi. Visited, 1st July 1909. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 153 Parish of Lairg. 440. Colaboll. —At the N. side of a small plantation near its E. end, about £ in. N. of Colaboll, is a hut circle of the usual form, measuring interiorly some 25' x 33', and having an entrance from the SE. With this exception, the hut circles and “tumuli” marked on the O.S. map as existing here have entirely disappeared. O.S.M., Suth , xciv. Visited, 19th June 1909. 441. Ard na Sinnis .—Towards the end of Aid na Sinnis, about 400 yards from its SE. point, are a hut circle and several mounds of the usual form. O.S.M., Sutil, lxxxv. (unnoted). Visited, 19th June 1909. 442. Shiness .—Some 300 yards N W. of the monument in memory of Mr Murray of Geanies, on the moorland to the N. of Shiness, is a hut circie, measuring interiorly 33' x 36', with its entrance from the SE. A foot or two to the E. of its centre is a small semicircle of stones, some 2' across, which has probably been a hearth. On cutting out a turf a small quantity of charcoal was found. Some 10' in from the entrance on the left side of the interior is a hollow about 2' across and V 2" deep. One large stone seems to be in situ on one side, and another has fallen in. Some 100 yards W. is another hut circle, smaller than usual, and circular, with an interior diameter of about 18'. It seems to have had a secondary stone building inside it—probably in connection with a small house, the foundations of which lie near. There are remains of a number of mounds in the vicinity, over¬ grown with turf. About 1 m. NW. of the monument are two hut circles of usual form, with some half a dozen mounds lying around them. All along this ridge the mounds occur at intervals, and one or two hut circles are visible among them, but the enclosing banks appear to have been formed solely of turf, and they have in great measure disappeared. The mounds, where indicated on the O.S. map at the N. end of the ridge, are very numerous, but show no features of peculiar interest. O.S.M., Suth., lxxxv. Visited, 19th June 1909. Sepulchral Constructions. 443. Cairn , The Ord .—On the hill bearing the name of the Ord, about 1 m. SW. of Lairg and across the Eiver Shin, and situated about 80 yards NW. of the summit is an immense cairn, sub-oval in outline, with the longest axis N. and S. From the point at which the stones rise abruptly its diameter from N. to S. is about 77', and from E. to W. about 91'. Like the cairn at Fiscary (No. 235), it appears to stand upon a base which extends about 20' out beyond the edge of the pile. The outline of this is very distinct over the greater part of the periphery. It is approximately circular, except at the S., where it appears to run to a point following the outline from the W. Eastward of the point there seems to be a concavity in the outline, but without excavation the existence of this feature cannot be accepted as certain. For a space of 13' across and 12' in towards 154 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Laieg. the cairn there is an absence of stones. The outline is well defined, with large stones exposed for abont 1' of elevation. The base is not absolutely level. On the W. side there is an inclination of 2' in the first 15', thereafter of 12' in 33'. On the E. side the level is 2' 6" in 16', and thereafter 11' 9" in 28'. The diameter over all is from N. to S. 128', from E. to W. 120'. The greatest height is about 14'. It has been dilapidated to a considerable extent, and excavation has been made at various points, but neither cist nor chamber is exposed. Along the top from E. to W. a depression runs inward for 39', disclosing some large boulders. The cairn occupies a conspicuous position overlooking Loch Shin. 444. Chambered Cairn (-remains of), do .—On the very summit of the hill, at an elevation of some 519' over sea-level, are the megaliths which have formed the chamber of a demolished cairn. The main axis lies ESE. and WNW. The chamber appears to have been bipartite, with the larger compartment at the W. end. This portion is now represented by four stones; viz., three on the N., the S., and the NW. respectively, being upright, and the fourth, a large stone towards the W., about 5' long, 2' 8" broad, and 11" thick, lying on its back. The compartment has been of polygonal form, with dimensions of about 8' x 6'. At the E. end the two partition stones are low, somewhat pointed, and 2' apart. They have given access to a second compartment 5' long and probably of about the same breadth. One stone only remains on the SW. side, about 1' 8" long, and pro¬ truding about 8" from the ground, and at the E. end are other two partition stones, 1' 9" apart. Two feet further out are another pair of stones, similarly set 2' apart, which probably formed part of the passage wall. The highest stone in the inner compartment is about 2' high, 1' 7" across, and 1' thick. The diameter of the cairn from NE. to SW. has been about 46'. Along the line of the chamber the diameter is not obtainable. The distance from the circumference to the stone at the back of the chamber is about 26'. 445. Cairn, do .—About 100' SSW. of the summit is a well-built circular cairn, measuring about 28' in diameter, and 3' 6" in height. The circumference all round is carefully defined with large contiguous stones, set point upwards, and with flat faces outwards. There is a slight depression on the top about 10" deep, 7' long by 4' 6" broad, running N. and S. 446. Cairns, do .—About 30 yards W. of the hut circle (No. 397), which is some 200 yards SE. of the summit of the hill, is a cairn which has been considerably dilapidated, but no signs of a chamber or cist are revealed. It has a diameter of about 34', and is about 3' high. About 15' to the E. of it is another circular cairn, with a diameter of 22', its outline carefully marked with large boulders O.S.M., Sum, xciv. and cii. Visited, 14th June 1909. 447. Chambered Cairn, Achany .—Situated on the right bank of the Grruidie Burn near Achany, immediately to the E. of the road from Lairg to Invershin, are the remains of a chambered cairn. It has been much dilapidated, and there are signs of structures near by which must have been built out of it. The chamber is fully exposed. The dimensions of the cairn appear to have been about 56' along the INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 155 Parish of Lairg. direction of the chamber, which is from NE. to SW., and 69' across it. The front of the cairn towards the NE. is marked by a kerb of large stones following the line of the circumference, from which rises an upright pointed stone to the N. of the chamber. Some 7' inwards from what is probably the outer end of the entrance passage is the centre of a crescentic setting of large flat slabs, rounded on the top, set with their broad faces towards the front of the cairn. The slabs are four in number, but it is possible that originally there may have been more, as the outer stone on the NW. is much further back from the edge of the cairn than that on the NE. Three of the slabs measure from 3' 6" to 4' 6" across, by about Y 2" in thickness, and project from 1' 6" to 2' above the cairn. The fourth slab is somewhat smaller. They are set two on either side of the position of the Fig. 62.—Chambered Cairn, Achany (No. 447). entrance passage. The centre pair are 6' 6" apart, and the extreme points of the outer stones 22' apart. The chamber is roughly rectangular, 12' 9" long, and has been divided by partition stones (of which only that on the W. side remains) at 6' from the back wall, forming two compartments, the inner or southmost measuring 6' in length by 5' 2" in breadth, and the outer 4' 11" long by 4' 2" broad. The partition stone projects 2' 1" into the interior, is 2' 1" high, and 1' 5" thick. At the N. end of the chamber is a lintel 3' 4" long, 2' broad, and 9" thick, supported on two single stones 1' 10" high, and covering an entrance 2' 10" wide. The main axis of the back compartment is NNE. and SSW., but the sides of the outer compart¬ ment have been inclined, so as to give it a northerly direction. Four large hat slabs form the walls of the back compartment, one on the W. and S. respectively and two on the E. The W. slab is 5' across and 4' high ; the back one 4' 8" across, 4' 3" high, and 1' 3" thick; the SE. slab 3' across by 2' 7" high. The fourth slab has fallen forward, 156 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Lairg. owing to the removal of the partition stone. The outer compartment lias a single large slab on either side; that to the W. 3' 5" long by 2' 1 high, that to the E. 4' 6" long by 3' 3" high. The interspaces between the slabs is as usual filled with neatly laid horizontal building (fig. 62). O.S.M., Suth., cii. (unnoted). Visited, 2nd July 1909. 448. Cairns, etc., Achany. —About £ m. due N. of Achany House, towards the S.E. end of Druim Baile fiur, is a round cairn, measuring some 55' from N. to S. by 51' 6" from E to W., and some 5' 9" in height. Towards the SW. a portion of the cairn has been apparently removed, leaving a space measuring 8' 6" along the circumference, extending inwards for 6' 6". In rear of this a clearing of T diameter has been made, probably for a shelter. Neither cist nor chamber has been exposed. 449. Bo. Do. —Rather more than 4 m. NW. of the last, and about £ m. S. of the shepherd’s house at Raemore, on a slight elevation, is another cairn. It is elliptical in outline, with its longest axis E. and W., measuring 54' x 37'. Its height is some 6'. The cairn has been disturbed somewhat in the centre, but no cist or chamber has been exposed. About eight small mounds lie to the E. of it. O.S.M., Suth., cii. (unnoted). Visited, 2nd July 1909. 450. Do. Do. —Some f m. S. of Raemore and some 60' W. of the stone circle (No. 461) is a cairn, covered with turf, standing on the edge of a declivity that runs to the Gruidie Burn. It is about 40' in diameter, including a platform or base of from 7' to 10' in width, on which it appears to stand. It is 6' high above the edge of the outer circumference, and from what appears to be the inner side of the platform about 4'. 451. Do. Do. —About 100 yards SSE. of the hut circle (No. 411) is a mound, believed to be a cairn, overgrown with grass, measuring about 25' in diameter and 2' 3" in height. On its NW. face three large pointed stones stand in line of the circumference (the largest 2' 2" high, 2' 2" broad at base, and 1' thick), with their broad faces outwards. Three similar stones lie as if displaced in the line of the circumference towards the S. 452. Cairn {supposed), Gruids. —About | m. SW. of the W. end of the suspension bridge over the River Shin, near Lairg railway station, on the top of a sharp declivity towards the E., is a hillock, which appears to be a cairn, though, as it is overgrown with heather, its character is not quite assured. In outline it is almost circular, measuring 38' from N. to S. and 35' from E. to W., and about 5' in height. O.S M., Suth., cii. (unnoted). Visited, 5th July 1909. 453. Chambered Cairn, etc., Lairg Moor, etc. —Some 300 yards N. of Sydney House are the remains of a cairn. It has been in great measure removed. A portion, however, still remains across the centre, from which the ends of several large upright stones protrude, indicating the chambered character of the construction. The diameter of the cairn has been about 47'. 454. Cairn, do.— Some 600 yards NE. of Sydney House is a cairn, INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 157 Parish of Lairg. overgrown with grass, on the top of which stands a sheep-fold. Its diameter is about 64', and its height 4' to 5'. There is no sign that the chamber or cist has been exposed. The outline has been much disturbed, but towards the E. there is a distinct projection, measuring some 18' in length and some 28' across at base. The inward curve of the outline towards the S. is quite apparent, and it is evident that stones have been removed from what was probably a similar pro¬ jection towards the S. There are no signs of horns at the opposite side of the cairn, but at the N. and W. are two semicircles of stones, carefully laid about 8' across, which, though symmetrically placed, are probably the foundations of huts or shelters. (O.S. “ Cairn [site of].”) 455. Do. Do. —An oval mound on the face of the hill above the manse of Lairg is marked “ cairn ” on the O.S. map. Its longest axis lies NW. and SE., and its diameter is 83' x 54', and height about 6'. It is entirely covered with turf, and its artificial character is doubtful, though the SE. end of it has more appearance of a sepulchral cairn than the remainder. 456. Cairn, Creag an t-Sabhail. —About 300 yards due N. of Creag an t-Sabhail are the remains of a great circular cairn, with a diameter of about 80'. It has been almost removed, but a ridge is left stand¬ ing, from 4' to 5' high from NW. to SE., across the centre. Some details of the interior arrangement may be concealed in this frag¬ ment, as no definite signs of a chamber are elsewhere visible. O.S.M., Suth., xcv. Visited, 24th June 1909. 457. Chambered Cairn, Balcharn. —Some 300 yards from the S. end of the road leading up to Balcharn, on the W. side of it, and near the lowest of the two dwelling-houses, are the remains of a circular cairn. It has been greatly dilapidated; a large sheep-fold abuts on it to the E., and on the SW. are the foundations of cottages. The diameter appears to have been about 90'. A portion of the cairn containing the chamber remains to a height of several feet in the centre. 43' from the NE. edge two large-pointed stones, 2' 3" apart, protrude for 1' to 1' 2", and at 8' further in the same direction the heads of another similar pair, 2' apart, are visible. The stones are set so that those diagonally opposite are parallel. The breadth of the chamber appears to be about 6'. O.S.M., Suth., xcv. Visited, 28th June 1909. 458. Cairn, Savalbeg. —Behind the shepherd’s house at Savalbeg is the half of a cairn, the house being partially built on the site of the remainder. It appears to have been circular, with a diameter of from 60' to 70', and, where the section is exposed, is still about 6' high. It is overgrown with grass on the surface. Neither cist nor chamber is visible. O.S.M., Suth., xcv. (unnoted). Visited, 28th June 1909. 459. Cairns, River Shin. —Some 50 yards back from the right bank of the Kiver Shin, opposite the lower island directly behind the hut circle (No. 410), are the ruins of three separate constructions. They seem to be, as regards two of them, demolished cairns which have 158 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish ok Lairg. been put to a secondary use, but the remains are very indefinite. The third to the NW. has the appearance of a truncated cairn. It measures 33' in diameter and about 2' in height. Neither cist nor chamber is exposed. O.S.M., Sutil, ciii. (unnoted). Visited, 14th June 1909. 460. Cairn, Rliianbreck.— At Ehianbreck, about 4 m. from the junction with the Lairg road, and about 50' from the road, in a field in front of a cottage, is a circular cairn, overgrown with grass and whins. It is 32' in diameter, and from 3' to 4' high. A cattle-shed has been built partly into it on tbe SE. The exposure of a section of the construction seems to show that it was formed of boulders and turf. 461. Stone Circle, Druim Baile fiur, Achany .—Situated towards the W. side of the moor at Druim Baile fiur, near the edge of the o Jl # 0 # i o % % LO £ O 1° i r° i p° t° f i i t i i i Fig. 63.—Stone Circle, Druim Baile fiur (No. 461). bank which slopes towards the Gruidie Burn, and about § m. S. of Kaemore, is a stone circle. It has been formed of ten stones, of which nine remain in situ or fallen, and one has been removed. The circle is irregular in form, as several of the stones are evidently INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 159 Parish of Lairg. out of position, especially towards the NE., but it appears to have had a diameter of about 88'. The stone at the N. point has dis¬ appeared, but numerous flakes of it remain on the site. The stones are large, thick, syenite boulders, sunk deep in the peat, and they seem to have been set with their broad faces in line of the circumfer¬ ence. Numbering from the N. point of the circle and passing round by the E., the details of the stones are as follows:—(first stone), the N. point, where broken fragments only remain; (second stone), 22'6" distant from the first stone, a boulder, displaced, lying with its broad end towards the centre of the circle, length 3' 6", breadth 2' 2", thickness at base 1' 3", thinning towards the top ; (third stone), 46' 6" distant from the second stone, a long pointed boulder, lying along the line of the circumference, length 4' 9", breadth 2', thickness about 1' 7"; (fourth stone), 35' 6" distant from the third stone, a large pointed boulder, sunk beneath the surface, lying with its point away from the circumference, length 4' 9", breadth 2' 3", thickness unascertainable; (fifth stone), 33' 6" distant from the fourth stone, a long pointed stone, probably fallen, lying in the line of the circum¬ ference, length 5' 7", breadth 2' 8", thickness about 2' 2"; (sixth stone), 28' distant from the fifth stone, a large boulder sunk beneath the surface, measuring 3' 9" across the top either way; (seventh stone), 28' distant from the sixth stone, a pointed boulder, quad¬ rangular in section, height 2' 11", and about 2' square on base; (eighth stone), 22' 6" distant from the seventh stone, an upright stone, with its broad face set in line of the circumference, height 2', breadth 3' 9", thickness 1' 6"; (ninth stone), 19' 5" distant from the eighth stone, an upright stone, set with its broad face in line of the circumference, height 2' 9", breadth 2' 9", thickness 1' 10"; (tenth stone), 24' 6" distant from the ninth stone, and 21' 6" distant from the first stone, a large boulder, deeply sunk in the ground, lying with its broad face at right angles to the line of the circumference, measuring over the top 3' 8" by 3' (fig. 63). O.S.M., Sutil, cii. (unnoted). Visited, 5th July 1909. 462. Stune Circle , River Shin .—On a low knoll between two small burns some 20' back from the right bank of the Eiver Shin, exactly < % i+-h i f 1 1 11 r — Fig. 64.—Stone Circle, River Shin (No. 462). opposite the N. end of the lower island, 1 m. S. of Lairg Church, are the remains of a stone circle. Four stones remain in situ — two towards the N., one on the E., and one on the W. The stones on the S. have disappeared, the side of the ridge in that direction having been eaten into by the burn. The stones are from 1' 3" to 2' 3" 160 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Lairg. high above ground, and stand witli their broad faces in the line of the circumference. The diameter of the circle appears to have been from 13' to 14' (tig. 64). O.S.M., Suth., ciii. (unnoted). Visited, 14th June 1909. Miscellaneous. 463. Iron Smelting (remains of), Loch Shin. —On the shore of the narrow strait which connects Loch Shin with the small loch at the head of which stands Lairg is lying a considerable deposit of iron slag. The site of the deposit is some 200 yards E. of the broch (No. 391). O.S.M., Suth., xciv. (unnoted). Visited, 3rd July 1909. Sites. 464. Mound, Balcharn. —In the lowest field on the right side of the road leading up to the croft at Balcharn is a mound, measuring from 60' to 70' in diameter, surrounded by a ditch about 40'wide and about 5' deep. There is a slight rampart on the top of the counterscarp. It is situated close to the E. boundary of the field, and the whole site has long been under cultivation. O.S.M., Suth., xcv. (“Cairn, remains of”). Visited, 28th June 1909. 465. Islet, Loch Dulaich. —In Loch Dulaich there is an island, the site of a habitation mentioned by Sir Robert Gordon. It is now thickly overgrown with rank grass, and is the nesting-place of numerous seagulls. See Gordon, p. 5. O.S.M., Suth., xcv. Visited, 18th June 1909. 466. Islands, Loch Shin. —The O.S. map indicates four islands in Loch Shin, viz .,—Eilean na Fiodhaig, near where the Eiver Fiag enters the loch, and Eilean Domhnuill, Eilean a ’ Chaim, and Eilean na Craoibhe at its SE. end. Sir Robert Gordon refers to the islands in Loch Shin thus:—“ Ther are four ilands in Loch Shin, to witt, Elian Murie, Elian Donald, Elian Seyad, and Clach Elian ; all pleasant duellings in summer. To these ilands ther doe resort good store of wild goosse, swanes, and reid deir.” See Gordon, p. 5. O.S.M., Sutil, lxxiii. and xciv. PARISH OF LOTH. Defensive Constructions. 467. Broch, Kintradwell, or Cinn Trolla (O.S. “ Clentrolla ”).—The broch of Kintradwell, or Cinn Trolla, is situated about 3 m. to the NW. of Brora, on a natural terrace beside the railway and near the shore. The entrance to the broch is from the W. When excavated the passage was found to be some 7' high at the outer end, about 3' in width, and 18' in length, covered with slabs some 8'' apart. The floor of the passage is now covered with debris, and the inner Ancient and Historical Monuments ■— Sutherland. Plate YII.—Broch, Kint.radwell: Entrance Passage from Interior (No. 467). To face 161 INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 161 Parish of Loth. end, on the left side, is in a somewhat ruinous condition. At 6' in¬ wards from the outer end, the passage slightly contracted for a doorway, and 8' further inwards was a similar contraction. Between the two door checks a guard chamber opens on the right of the passage through a doorway 2' above the floor level, 4' high by 2' wide, and a passage 4^' in length. The guard chamber is circular in ground plan, 7' in diameter, and 11' in height. Its roof is formed of overlapping stones, and is entire. The interior diameter of the broch is 31'. 6' along the inner face of the wall from the entrance to the interior, on the left, an opening Z\' high and 3' wide led into a chamber 11' long and 10' high, the roof of which has now fallen in. Beyond it to the left, at a height of 4' from the floor, a passage 3' wide and 6' long gave access, on the left, to a chamber 10' long and 9' high, and on the right to the remains of the staircase, consisting of thirteen steps, now for the most part covered with debris. Im¬ mediately below the entrance to the first chamber was an irregularly shaped cavity, partly in the floor, 8' long, 5' broad at its widest part, and 3' deep, now filled up. Close to the wall on the SE. is a neatly built shaft or well, which was 7' deep, 4' wide above, and 2' below, with steps leading down to a point 3' from the bottom. The inner wall of the broch is faced to an average height of 8' by a scarcement 1' thick, bonded at the door corners, but not throughout. The height of the wall in the interior varied from 10' to 15'. Outside the broch, for a distance of some 60' from its base, are the remains of irregularly built constructions, connected by passages, with an access leading up to the entrance to the broch. Numerous relics were found on excavation, including upwards of fifty quern stones, a number of stone mortars and pounders, a stone cup with handle (found on the edge of the well), a number of spindle whorls and handles of deer horn, an iron spearhead and dagger blade, and several fragments of implements, as also portions of antlers of the red-deer and reindeer. The relics are preserved in the National Museum of Antiquities, Edinburgh, and in the Dunrobin Museum (PI. VII.). See Arch. Scot., v. pt. i. p. 95 (illus., plan, and secs.); Anderson, The Iron Age, p. 216; Antiquaries, viii. p. 188 ; Ibid., ix. p. 53. O.S.M., Suth., xcviii. Visited, 9th August 1909. 468. Broch, “ Cam Bran ."—This broch is situated on the E. side of Glen Loth, on low-lying ground between the base of the hill and the river, about 1 m. above the road bridge at Lothbeg. It occupies a strategic position in a narrow pass, through which a road runs to Kildonan. It is a mass of debris about 12' high, among which the faces of the wall can with difficulty be perceived. The diameter over all is about 55', the thickness of the wall is about 12' where measurable, and the interior diameter is from 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., or river side, but details of it are unobtainable. Some 27' to the N. of the presumed entrance, the back wall of a chamber is visible. The chamber is accessible through a hole in the roof 3' long. It is largely filled with debris, and is 11 162 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Loth. about 8' in length by 4' in width. 30' from its N. end is another chamber, also 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 apparent. On the SE., 18' distant from the broch, are the remains of an outer wall, about 8' in thickness. It probably encircled the broch, except along the river bank, but on the N. and NW. it is no longer visible. The broch appears to be known as “ Carn Bran.” See Pennant (1769), p. 356. O.S.M., Suth., lxxxix. Visited, 25th September 1909. Hut Circles, Eartii-iiouses, and Associated Constructions. 469. Earth-house, Kintradwell .—On the W. bank of the Kin- tradwell Burn, about 4' below the top of the bank, and opposite the lower end of the farm buildings of Kintradwell, is the entrance to an earth-house which is said to have borne the name of “ Cosh- geavag.” It consisted originally of two chambers, separated by a low division wall, each having an entrance from the outside at its extremity. The entrance from the E. is through a passage some 2' square for 7', then underneath a lintel only Y 6" from the ground. The other entrance, which was down a flight of steps, is now closed up. The outer chamber, which alone is now accessible, is 5' high, 4' broad, and 10' long. The walls are built of undressed stone, and the roof is formed of flags. This earth-house was examined in January 1864. There was discovered in the low division wall a stone, bearing a runic inscription, which has unfortunately been used as building material, and lost. See Antiquaries, v. p. 244; New Stat. Acct. Suth., etc., xv. p. 201. 470. Kintradwell .—-On the hillside above the enclosed land, about £ m. W. of Kintradwell, is a group of about a dozen small mounds. One or two of them have been excavated. 471. Do .—On the top of the W. bank of the Kintradwell Burn, some 330 yards above the high road, are the remains of a large dry-built construction, which was excavated about 1870. A main passage enters from the top of the bank from the NE., 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' along by some 15' across, but the outline of which is some¬ what indefinite; and on the left another passage, 2' 6" wide, runs SE. for 6', then turns sharply to the S. for 7', leading apparently to other chambers now indiscernible. At 18' in along the main passage is a door jamb on the right, and a hole in the wall opposite shows the position of its fellow. Beyond the door jamb the passage gradually expands to 4' 9". At 10' 9" beyond the jamb on the right side an entrance 3' wide opens into another chamber 12' 6" long and of indefinite width, and opposite to it another passage, 3' wide, on which there has also been a door, runs SE. for 6' 6". The main passage appears to have terminated in a small chamber some 7' in length. At the back or SW. side of the large chamber, on the right of the passage, is a recess, 6' across the front, 3' to 4' deep, Ancient and Historical Monuments — Sutherland. Plate VIII.—Standing Stone, Glen Loth (No. 474). To face p. 163. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 163 Parish of Loth. and 5' 6" 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 V across the top and 9" deep, with a depression on the top 3£" in diameter and 2" deep. This may have been the stone in which a stone pivot of a door turned. When excavated, there were found in the interior food debris, flattened antlers, charcoal, bones, and fragments of manufactured shale. See Antiquaries, viii. p. 466. O.S.M., Suth., xcviii. Visited, 9th August 1909. Sepulchral Constructions. 472. Long Cairn, Lothbeg. —On the top of the bank above the road, some 250 yards to the E. of Lothbeg 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 at no distant date. It lies with its longest axis WNW. and ESE. At the W. end it appears to have been about 37' broad, and at the E. end from 65' to 70', but the rank growth of bracken and grass render accurate definition impossible. At 32' in from what appears to be the extreme E. 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. of it a portion of the passage is exposed, 2' in width. 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 of the chamber is 6' 10", but the breadth, without excavation, is not ascertainable. Though excavations have been made in several places, no other chamber is exposed. Towards the E. end the cairn is about 12' high on the side where the ground slopes away. O.S.M., Suth., lxxxix. Visited, 25th September 1909. Miscellaneous. 473. Standing-Stones, Glen Loth .—On the top of a bank where the Glen Sletdale Burn flows into the Loth Burn are two standing- stones. They stand in alignment 21' apart, facing about 30° E. of N. The eastmost stone is a flat slab measuring 4' 11" high, 3' 6" across the base, and 5" thick. The other stone is square in section, and measures 4' 8" high, 1' 6" across the front, by 1' 2" across the side. On the slope of the bank to the SE. lie other two or three flat slabs which may have formed part of the construction. This monument is known as “ Carradh nan Clach.” 474. Standing-Stone, do. —Situated on a slight eminence on the moor, to the E. of the hill road from Loth to Kildonan, at an altitude of about 800' above sea-level, and about 3 m. N. of Lothbeg Bridge, is a high standing-stone of red sandstone. It is 11' high, 4' 11" broad where broadest about 7' from the ground, 2' 9" broad at base, 1' 3" thick, and faces ESE. and WNW. It is known as “ Clach Mhic Mhios.” No mounds are observable in its vicinity, but the O.S. map indicates them to the N., S., and E. (PI. VIII.). O.S.M., Suth., lxxxix. Visited, 31st August 1909. 16-A HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Loth. Sites. 475. Hunting House , Lothbeg. — About 2| m. above Lothbeg Bridge, on the E. side of the road, are the indefinite foundations of the “ Hunting House ” mentioned in Pennant’s Tour (1772), pt. ii. additions, p. 18, plate 47. O.S.M., Suth., lxxxix. Visited, 31st August 1909. 476. Brocks are said to have been situated at Wilkhouse, and to the E. of Midgarty. See New Stat. Acct. Suth., etc., xv. p. 200. O.S.M., Sutil, xcviii. and xc. PAETSH OF ROGAET. Defensive Constructions. 477. Brock , E. Kinncmld. —On the NW. end of a rocky peak rising from the E. side of a glen which runs northwards above the steep slope behind the gamekeeper’s house at E. Kinnauld is a broch, now la 5 o -lo Z*o "soFeet >w—i—i—r Fig. 65.—Broch, E. Kinnauld (No. 477). in ruins. It is situated at an elevation of about 400' above sea level, and though not visible from Strath Fleet, which lies to the S. of it, commands a view of Loch Fleet and the hill country to the W. It is much dilapidated, but does not appear to have been pillaged, and if the debris was cleared away, the wall would be found standing to a considerable height all round. The interior diameter is 31'. The entrance is from the W. through a passage 17' in length, 2' 9" wide at the exterior, and 3' on the interior. Three of the covering slabs remain in situ, but the passage is choked with debris. At 9' inwards from the exterior, on the N. side, is a wall face at right angles to the INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 165 Parish of Rogart. passage, which appears to have been the entrance to a chamber. Another entrance, 3' long and 2' wide, opens from the back of this chamber into the interior courtyard. The chamber measures 8' from the side of the main passage to its further end, and is about 4' 9" wide. It is full of debris, and the wall on the inner side is broken down. On the S. side of the passage, at 2' from the interior, is the entrance to another chamber. This chamber extends into the wall for 10'. At T inwards 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, it is 4' high. The interior of the broch is full of debris, and the entrance to the staircase is not visible. The gallery remains on the N. for about half way round. The greatest height of wall visible above the debris on the interior is some 4', and there is a similar height visible on the exterior (fig. 65). O.S.M., Suth. , civ. Visited, 3rd September 1909. 478. Brocli , A’ Mheirle .—At the upper end of Strath Fleet, some 3 m. ESE. of Lairg, on the S. side of the strath, and about 300' above the road, at the upper side of an enclosure, at one time under cultivation, are situated the remains of a broch. The structure is an absolute ruin. The line of the outer face of the wall is visible in one or two places, the inner nowhere. On the E. side the end of a chamber has been exposed, and on the N. side the existence of a chamber is also noticeable. What may be the entrance passage is on the E. side, visible through a small aperture in front of a roofing slab. The diameter of the structure is unobtainable without excavation. On the W., in the direction in which the ground slopes, the ruin is about 12' high, but considerably less on the E. O.S. M., Suth., ciii. Visited, 18th June 1909. 479. Fort , E. Kinnauld .—On the summit of a bluff which overlooks the high road to the E. of the gamekeeper’s house at East Kinnauld, 1 m. E. of Rogart Station, are the ruins of what appears to have been a fort. The summit, which measures some 126' from N. to S. by some 96' from E. to W., has been enclosed by a wall some 6' to 7' in thickness, now entirely dilapidated. On the E. slope, about half way up, is a shoulder or terrace some 90' long by 30' wide, and above this the defences have been supplemented by an extra wall 7' thick, still for a short distance showing its outer and inner faces. Within these defences are the ruins of an inner circular enclosure, with a surround¬ ing wall of from 12' to 15' in thickness and an interior diameter of 31'. The approach appears to have wound upwards from the S. end of the shoulder, passing diagonally through the outer wall in a northerly direction, being then diverted sharply to the SW. as it approaches the central enclosure by the end of a Hanking wall which runs from the N. end of the latter in a general southeasterly direction. This wall appears to terminate 17' distant from the central enclosure and some 2' 6" from the outer wall opposite the point where the entrance passes through the latter. In the thickness of the outer wall, to the N. of the entrance through it, are appearances of two chambers, one in rear of the other, some 6' and 10' in diameter re- 1G6 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Eogart. spectively. The position of the entrance to the inner enclosure is not evident. Though the measurements of the inner enclosure are suggestive of a broch, there is an absence of the debris in the interior, which is usually characteristic of ruins of that class. The dilapida¬ tion of the walls renders the details difficult of discernment. The rock is isolated and steep on all sides, though not difficult of access on the N. and NE. O.S.M., Suth., civ. (unnoted). Visited, 1st October 1909. Hut Circles and Associated Constructions. 480. BLarich .—Some 50 yards SE. of Blarich, on the top of a slight knoll, is a circular depression, about 38' across, with an entrance from the SE., surrounded with large boulders, for the most part placed naturally. There are traces of banks between the boulders, but the indications are slight. Some 80 yards SW. of Blarich, on the top of a slight eminence, is a circular enclosure, with an interior diameter of 49' and its entrance most probably from the SE. The surrounding bank has been pillaged, and the details are obscure. Almost abutting on it is another similar enclosure, with an interior diameter of about 44', and an entrance from the E. Another, which appears to be more of an oval form, lies about 100 yards S. of the first. Its outline, however, is less distinct. 481. Bossal .—Across the railway from Blarich, on the S. side of the valley, and all along the W. slope of the ridge which runs SE. from Bossal, from 400' to 500' above sea level, lies a group of many score of mounds. Locally the hill is known as Cnoc Eigh Shonaidh. The mounds are well preserved, and the average size is rather larger than usual. Some are nearly 3' high. One, towards the N. side of the centre of the group, is elliptical in outline, measuring 29' x 20', and about 4' in height. Its longest axis lies NNW. and SSE. Another, near the top of the ridge, is circular, with a diameter of about 23', and height of 3'. The remains of an outline of boulders, 2' to 3' long and 1/ to 2' high, is apparent on its circumference towards the S. and W. Another mound, towards the north side of the upper end of the ridge, measures 40' x 17', and lies with its longest axis NNW. and SSE. At the S. side of its southern extremity are the foundations of a small circular enclosure, with an interior diameter of about 10', and an entrance from the NW, about 6' 6" wide. The wall seems to have been built of material pillaged from the mound. Its width is not ascertainable. At the upper end of the ridge, on its northern slope, and about 1 m. SSW. of Blarich, is a hut circle of the usual character, with its entrance from the SE. It is overgrown with heather, and its outline is indefinite. Some 40 yards W. of it is a low circular mound, measur¬ ing about 22' over all, with a circular depression of about 6' diameter in the centre, entering from the NW. At the lower or N. end of the ridge, near Bossal, on the E. bank of the Achvrail Burn, are the remains of several hut circles. One is almost circular, measuring 27'x 28' interiorly. The entrance INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 167 Parish of Kogart. is from the SE. The bank, which appears to have had little stone in its composition, is about 6' 6" wide, and is much eroded. To the NW. lie two others, apparently contiguous, with entrances from the SE., but too indefinite to measure. On an area of common land between the crofts at Ilossal, on the E. of the Achvrail Burn, are the ruins of an oval enclosure, which has been surrounded by a wall from 3' to 4' thick. It has measured 40' across and 51' towards the entrance, which is about 4' wide. It seems to have been a cattle or sheep fold. O.S.M., Suth., civ. (unnoted). Visited, 22nd July 1909. 482. Ardaigh Chonachair .—On the W. slope of Ardaigh Chonachair, on both sides of the march fence, about -f m. NE. of Blarich, are numerous small mounds. On the hill above Ardaigh Chonachair, about 1 m N. of Tressady Lodge, is a mound or cairn, overgrown with vegetation, measuring 32' in diameter and about 5' 6" in height. A number of small mounds lie around it. Along the ridge, stretching westwards for about 4 m., there are several scattered groups of mounds, a few of which have been excavated, but no cists are visible. 483. Breackae .—To the E. of Morness, at Breackue, on the rising ground to the E. of the road NW. of the crofts, at an elevation of about 480' above sea-level, is a considerable group of mounds of ordinary type. Towards the E. side of the group, on the upper slope, some 50 yards W. of the croft dyke, is one rather more conspicuous than the rest. It is almost circular, with a diameter of about 21', and is some 3' 6" high. About £ m. to the N., on the W. side of the road, on the Cnoc Dubh, and near the 500' contour line, is a small group of about half a dozen mounds of the ordinary type. 484. Achadh na h- Uaighe .—About 1 m. further N.,on the S. slope of the moorland, just beyond Achadh na h-Uaighe crofts, is a very considerable group of mounds. One of these, towards the NE. end of the group, is oval or oblong in plan, and lies with its longest axis WNW. and ESE. It measures 20'x 9', and is some 2' to 3' in height. 485. Do .—Near the centre of the group of mounds, on the upper side of the highest of the two tracks that run to West Langwell, is a hut circle, with an entrance from the SE. It measures interiorly 39' x 42', with a bank about 6' thick, gradually widening to 17' on either 3ide of the entrance. The width of the entrance passage is indefinite. The circle is surrounded by mounds. Just above the upper track, and a short distance to the W. of the last-mentioned hut circle, are the dilapidated foundations of a more complicated structure. It shows signs of quite recent demoli¬ tion, and several of the large stones which have marked the outline of its walls have been torn out of place, while others have been removed. The plan shows a construction of three compartments : a main oval compartment, measuring 17' x 29' 6", into which the entrance opens from the S, and two apsidal compartments opening off it, one at the N. and another towards the SW., each measuring 168 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Eogart. interiorly 16' x 14/ The principal entrance is 2' 8" wide, through a passage about 8' long, clearly defined, with large stones laid along each side. The thickness of the banks has been from 4' to 5'. They have been outlined with large stones on both sides, and a considerable amount of stone seems to have been used in their construction. For the most part the interior is overgrown with rank heather. There are no mounds in the immediate vicinity nearer than about 100' distant. To the S. of the lower track, about 4 m. NW. of Achadh na h-Uaighe, is a hut circle, very clearly defined. The enclosing bank is some 4' 6" wide, composed of boulders and turf, and about 2' high at highest. It is outlined on the inner side with large boulders 3' to 4' in length; and one huge earth-fast boulder, some 6' broad, is set across the bank opposite the entrance. The entrance is from the SW., and is 3' in width. In front of this are indications of another similar construction. Some 30' SW. of the last is another circular enclosure, with a bank formed of boulders, about 4' thick. Its interior dimensions are some 13' x 19'. The entrance from the SW. is about 7' wide, through a passage 8' to 9' long. The bank on either side of the entrance ends with a square termination. One or two small mounds lie in the immediate neighbourhood. Some 250 yards westwards are three hut circles. The upper of the three occupies a slight elevation. Its banks are much worn away, but it seems to have been of the ordinary type, with its entrance from the SSE. The bank on either side of the entrance has been carried forward, and finished with square terminations, as in the previous instance. In the interior are very distinct indications of the sub-division of the space into oval compartments, but accurate details are obscured by the growth of turf. Some 20' S. of it is another, oval in plan, measuring interiorly 16' x 9', set with its longest axis 1ST. and S. The bank around it is much broken down, and the entrance is obscured. The other—a small round enclosure, measuring 11'x 9'—lies immediately in rear of the first circle. A few small mounds lie around. O.S.M., Suth., xevi. Visited, 29th July 1909. 486. E. Langioell .—Immediately to the E. of the most southerly area of enclosed land at East Langwell, on the rising ground above the Garbh Allt, is a small group of mounds of the usual character. O.S.M., Suth., xevi. Visited, 29th July 1909. 487. Achnagarron .—All along the ridge to the 1ST. of the crofts at Achnagarron, at about 500' above sea-level, are scattered small mounds. They are of the usual character. One, lying 1ST. and S., measures 14' x 9'. Towards the E. end of the ridge, and E. of most of the mounds, is a hut circle, measuring interiorly 31'x40', having an entrance from the SE. It contains in the interior a smaller circle abutting on the S. side, which is entered from the main entrance, and measures interiorly 17'x21 / , with a bank 3' 6" in thickness. There appears to have been a passage into the main enclosure between the ends of the two INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 169 Parish of Rogart. circles on the E., apparently some 3' wide. The bank of the main enclosure is 5' 6" thick in the circumference and 9' thick on the S. side of the entrance. On the E. side of the entrance it projects SE. for a distance of 6' beyond the opposite side. The entrance passage ^ '■ * & ihu, Z- = : / %\ % a — ¥■ — P —p feI Fig. 66.—Hut Circle, Achnagarron (No. 487). is 6' wide in the interior. In the middle of the circumference, at the hack, is a large flat stone, about 2' 6" high, set with its face across the bank, and there are indications of a narrow entrance into the back enclosure to the E. of it. The bank on the N. of the circle is still some 2' in height (fig. 66). O.S.M., Suth., xcvi. Visited, 21st July 1909. 488. Dalnessie .—Some 2 m. to the E. of Dalnessie, on the S. slope of the hill between the Allt na Innse Mor and the rivulet to the E. of it, and about f m. N. of the River Brora, is a group of mounds and hut circles. At the SE. end of the group, near the W. bank of the burn, is a construction formed by a bank 22' long and 14' wide on either side, tapering away towards the S. Towards the N. is an opening 7' wide. The interior is an oval depression, measuring 7'x5', the bottom of which lies some 2' 6" below the highest point of the bank and a few inches below the natural ground level. The mounds which lie along the hillside for several hundred yards westwards are of the usual type, from 12' to 18' diameter and from 1' to 2' 6" high. The hill abounds in large boulders, and the mounds seem to have been constructed of rather larger stones than usual. The end of one mound is formed of two boulders, one 4' long and 2' high, with another 2' x 2' adjoining it. Within 5' of this mound is a hut circle, measuring interiorly some 19'x 22'. There is a break in the circum¬ ference directly opposite the mound towards the E., but the original entrance appears to have been as usual from the SE. Towards the N. end of the group, about 100 yards SE. of an old sheep-fold, is another mounded construction, with its entrance from the E. The interior measures 7' x 11'. The enclosing mound is about 12' thick on the N. side, and thins away to either side of the entrance, 170 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Kogart. forming the sides of a passage about 4' long and 1' 8" wide, faced with stone for 4' on one side and 2' on the S. or left side. A large earth-fast boulder has been utilised to form part of the bank on the SW. There appears to have been a passage broken through the back to the N. of this boulder. Some 40' N. of the last is a small circular enclosure, with an interior diameter of about 7', and an entrance from the E. 1' 4" across. The enclosing bank of earth and stone is about 5' thick. Some 60' W. are the remains of another similar enclosure. O.S.M., Suth. , lxxxvi. Visited, 29th June 1909. 4S9. Blairmore. —0\\ the N. slope of a low hill at Blairmore is a large group of small mounds. Some 100 yards NE. of the hill are the remains of a hut circle of the ordinary character, with the entrance from the SE., and a group of ten or twelve small mounds lying near. One mound lies directly opposite the entrance and within 20' of it. Some 30' SW. of the entrance is a long low mound lying N. and S., measuring 27'x 16', tapering towards each end, and 2' 6" high. About 40' S. is another, not quite so high, lying N. and S., and measuring 22' x 9'. 490. Skiag .—On the top of the hill immediately to the E. of Blairmore, and at about 500' above sea-level, is a large group of small mounds. On the E. flank are situated two hut circles. The larger of the two measures interiorly some 33' x 34', with the entrance from the SE. Fig. 67.—Hut Circle, Skiag (No. 490). some 4' across. The surrounding bank is some 8' across, expanding to 11' on the S. of the entrance. On the E. side the bank flanks the entrance for 14', and is 9' broad at its outer extremity. On the E. of the circumference, towards the outside, it is some 3' 6" high. The interior is raised slightly above the level of the ground outside. Some 30' S. is another hut circle of smaller dimensions, measuring interiorly 18' x 15', with an entrance from the SE. about 3' 6" across. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 171 Parish of Eogart. The enclosing bank is some 6' thick, and projects 10' on the NE. side of the entrance (fig. 67)- 491. Do. —Along the top and the W. flank of the hill, to the E. and NE. of Rogart Parish Church, mounds lie in great numbers above the 500' elevation over an area about ^ m. square. They are almost all circular, and of the usual character. Some are laid against earth-fast boulders. One, about ^ m. ENE. of the Parish Church, lies with its longest axis NNW. and SSE., measures 29'x 18', and is from 1to 2' high. Some 40' N. of it is a construction forming a semi-oval enclosure, facing E., 17' across the open end and 11' deep, enclosed by low banks o' to 6' across, and with a cairn-like mound 18' long and 16' broad in rear of it.* O.S.M., Suth., civ. Visited, 21st July 1909. 492. Aclinagvurron. —On the E. side of the Garbh Allt, to the S. of East Langwell, and on the W. side of the path to Achnagarron, is a hut circle of ordinary type, much effaced, with a few mounds lying around it. O.S.M., Suth., xcvi. Visited, 29th July 1909. 493. Achalloch. —On the slopes of a hillock which rises from the peat bog to the N. of the croft at Achalloch is a small group of mounds. One of these is set against a large earth-fast boulder. 494. Dremergid. —In the angle between the main road from Rogart to Strath Brora and the road by Backies to Golspie, on the S. of the latter road, is a large group of mounds. Some on the top of the rising ground are rather larger than usual. 495. Achork. —About 1 in. SE. from the junction of the above roads to the E. of Achork on the Sithean Clais an Uanain is a hut circle of the ordinary form, with its bank much worn away. The entrance is from the SE. Around it is a group of about a dozen mounds. One mound, lying some 40' to the SE., measures about 23' x 17', and lies with its longest axis E. and W. A few hundred yards further S., on the rising ground to the E. of Achork, is a large group of mounds at an elevation of some 650' to 700' above sea-level. One is set against an outcropping rock. One hut circle only is observable, situated almost immediately E. of the most northerly house and some 200 yards distant from it. It is of the common form, with the entrance from the SE., about 1' 8" across. The interior diameter is some 17' x 19', and the bank is 4' to 5' in width. 496. Knockarthur. —Immediately to the E. of the eastmost croft at Knockarthur are the remains of a hut circle and a group of small mounds. All along the hillside from about £ m. E. of Knockarthur for a considerable distance NE. are mounds and the remains of hut circles. The most westerly of the hut circles, just above the old peat road, is of the ordinary form, with the entrance from the SSE. Its * A mound excavated during the formation of a wall around the glebe con¬ tained a cist of slabs from which was recovered a double-edged, oval, tanged blade of bronze ornamented with diagonal lines crossing each other. Anderson, The Bronze and Stone Ages, p. 24 (illus.). 172 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Kogart. diameter across is 33'. The bank at the back has been demolished. Its thickness elsewhere is about 8'. Some i m. from Knockarthur, almost due N. of Fairlaraich, is a very well preserved hut circle, overgrown with heather. It is almost circular, with a diameter interiorly of 31'. The entrance is from the SE., and the bank of the structure, which is about 3' 6" high on the interior, is about 14' thick. It appears to be largely formed of stone, but there is a great accumulation of soil over it. The details of the entrance are not obtainable. Many mounds lie near, some almost contiguous. 497. Do .—Some 150 yards westward of the last, just across a hollow, are the remains of a double-circled enclosure, much eroded. The circumference of the outer circle is very indistinct. Towards the S. there is a segment in which the earth and stone bank, about 4' across, still remains, but elsewhere it is represented by an outline of single stones observable through the heather. It has had a diameter from E. to W. of about 32'. 6' within it from the S. is the outer edge of a stone and earth wall, now merely a foundation, about 4' thick, enclosing an inner circular area measuring some 9' or 10' in diameter. Immediately in rear of this, and partially on the wall, and abutting on that of the outer circle, is a circular mound having a diameter of about 14'. 498. Do .—Some 50 yards W. are the ruins of an enclosure, formed of two circles, not concentric, one within the other. The wall of the Fig. 68.—Hut Circle, Knockarthur (No. 498). inner circle coalesces with that of the outer towards the ESE., where is situated the entrance through it, and is some 9' distant from the INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 173 Parish of PiOgart. outer bank at the opposite side towards the WNW., where is the entrance to the outer enclosure. The inner circle has an interior diameter of about 24'. Its wall, which has been entirely of stone, has been about 5' 6" in thickness. The bank of the outer circle seems to have been of earth and stone, and is considerably worn down. It coalesces with that of the inner enclosure at about 15' to the S. of the entrance to the latter. On the opposite side of the entrance the point of coalescence has been nearer. The entrance through the outer circle is about 11' in width. On the E. side of it, and abutting on it at the outside, is another small circular enclosure, with an enclosing ’• bank some 3' thick and interior measurement of some 12'xl5'. The entrance to this small enclosure opens on to the opening through the outer circle and is about 1' 4" wide. The entrance to the inner enclosure has been through a passage about 11' long, 2' wide for the central 5' of its distance, and gradually expanding to 4' outwards and inwards. Numerous mounds lie around (fig. 68). Also about 40' S. is a small hut circle of the ordinary type, with the entrance from the SSE. 499. Do .—Some 60 yards NE. of the most westerly hut circle of this group is a stone-built structure, much ruined, with a wall about 2' high at highest in the interior and 5' thick. It has an entrance Fig. 69.—Hut Circle, Knockarthur (No. 499). from the SE. In diameter it measures interiorly about 31'x 32'8". 6' to the S. 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., enclosing an oval chamber running N. and S., measuring about 21'x 12', and entered between the end of the division wall and the back of the circle by a passage or entrance about 2' 6" wide. Some 5' or 6' from the S. end of the division wall, on its E. side, is a recess 3' across the opening, 2' 8" deep, and 1' 6" across the back. The wall on either side of the main entrance has been about 9' in thickness. The passage, 3' 6" wide at 174 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Kogart. 8' from the interior, at its inner end passes between stones forming portals 1' 9" apart. The original entrance to the interior appears to have been wider and to have been built up. A number of mounds lie all around and quite near (fig. 69). 500. Do .—Some 30 yards NE. of the last is another stone-built circle, much ruined, measuring interiorly 37'x39', with entrance from the SSE. Within the interior, and abutting on the inner wall from the E. side of the entrance northward, has been a stone-built structure, almost circular in outline, measuring over all some 31' from E. to W. and some 27' from N. to S. It is much ruined, and the plan in consequence difficult to determine, but it has evidently been entered by a narrow passage, some 2' wide, curving inwards from the N. side, giving access to a round chamber in the centre of the construction and probably to Fig. 70.—Hut Circle, Knockaithur (No. 500). another which appears to have existed to the W. of it. There has also been a chamber at the E. side, close to the wall of the circle, which has possibly been entered by a separate passage, a branch from the passage to the main chamber at its commencement. The wall of this structure has been very thick, and the chambers appear to have been in the heart of it. Flanking what appears to be the passage to the chamber at the E side is a triangular foundation, measuring about 10'xl4'. The space between this inner building and the wall of the circle on the S. is 2' wide at the entrance and 5' wide 15' inwards. The wall of the main circle has been about 5' thick around the circumference and 6' 6" thick on either side of the entrance, which has been about 2' wide and lined with stone (fig. 70). 501. Do .—Some 30 yards NNW. of this last circle is a long, low mound, formed in three portions, not in alignment. The first portion, 15' in length, lies E. and W. ; the centre portion, 18' in length, lies ESE. and WNW. ; and the last part, 18' in length, lies E. and W. The breadth throughout is about 9', and the greatest elevation INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 175 Parish of Eogart. from 2' to 2' 6". A small round mound of the ordinary form lies about 6' distant at its E. end. There is no cultivated or reclaimed JL //, 'niinii Uu ' ll Ht\nilu/^ ''""I’lw imu^ lo S O \o 7,0 So Fe£T -F-1-1 Fig. 71.—Mound, Knockarthur (No. 501). crofter land anywhere near, nor any sign whatever of an ancient enclosing wall of which this construction might have formed a part (fig. 71). 502. Do .—On the low ground, about 150 yards S. of the double circle, with the mound in the interior (No. 497), is a mounded con¬ struction, which excavation proved to be a kiln. A horse-shoe shaped mound, open towards the SSE., encloses a hollow of about 16' diameter. From front to back the mound on the W. is 39' long and 21' across, and on the E. about 47' long by 16' across. At the open end of the hollow lies a large fiat slab, 4' 3" long, and on the W. side of it are two upright stones on which it rested, forming the mouth of the flue. The height of the mound is about 5' 6". On excavation the central area was found to be formed of deposits of rubble, inter¬ mingled with charcoal. Though not far distant from the hut circles, no modern buildings lie within a mile of it, nor in the immediate neighbourhood is there any trace of the moorland ever having been under cultivation. O.S.M., Suth., xcvi. Visited, 5th August 1909. 503. Dremergid .—On slightly rising ground in the moorland, immediately to the N. of the enclosed land at Dremergid, are a large number of small mounds and the remains of several hut circles. Towards the S. end of the hillock are a hut circle and associated enclosures of unusual character. The plan of the circle belongs to the class which is usually formed of stone, though in this case the bank is of stone and earth, or turf, while the foundations in the interior appear to be of stone. The construction is circular, with an interior diameter of 43', and has its entrance from the SE. The encircling bank is about 8' in thickness, broadening gradually for a distance of from 26' to 28' towards the entrance, where it is 15' thick on the S. side and about 18' on the E. The entrance passage, which is about 2' 6" wide at the inner end, expands gradually outwards. The interior has been divided into two main compartments by a wall, of which the foundation only remains, some 8' in thickness, except at its northern end, where it seems to thicken against the wall of the circle, running from the E. side of the entrance with a slight curve towards the N. On its outer or W. face, near the centre, are two recesses; that nearest the entrance measuring some 4' x 1' 8", and 176 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Bogart. the other, which is adjacent, some 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 towards the N. The area enclosed is an irregular oval, measuring 20' in length by 13' 6" in breadth. In the remaining portion of the interior of the circle abutting on the W. side has been a small enclosure, measuring about 10' from N. to S. by 11' from E. to W., surrounded by a wall some 4' in thickness. Adjoining the circle on the S. 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 and 46' between its extremities at the open end, which is situated towards the N. of the main circle, 15' distant from it and facing NE. 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. side of the main enclosure a similar low bank runs parallel with the wall at about 8' or 10' distant from the N. towards the entrance, but fades away before it junctions with the main wall. From the S. of the smaller circle a line of large boulders runs in a south-easterly direction, probably the base of an old enclosing wall. This appears to be a fairly complete example of a homestead of the period to which the hut circle belongs (fig. 72). Numerous small mounds lie around, and, besides indications of other hut circles of ordinary type, there is another horse-shoe shaped enclosure, similar to that above described. 504. Rhilochan .—On the piece of common land immediately to the S. of the branch road to Knockarthur, a short distance from where it leaves the main road from Rogart to Strath Brora, at about 600' above sea-level, is a large group of small mounds. O.S.M., Suth., xcvi. Visited, 5th August 1909. 505. Gnoc an Liath-bhaid .—On Cnoc an Liath-bhaid, about \ m. N. of the River Brora, and just opposite the W. end of the birch wood on the S. side of the river, is a circular mound. It measures some 15' in diameter and 2' to 3' in height, and several large boulders are disclosed in its construction. A number of mounds lie to the W. of it. Some 30 yards SSW. are the remains of an oval enclosure, measuring interiorly about 19' x 25'. The entrance seems to have been wide and from the N. The bank on the W. side has extended outwards some 7' beyond that on the opposite side. 506. Do .—On a slight eminence from £ m. to § m. N. of the upper end of the birch wood, and 300 to 400 yards NE. of the river, ai’e the ruins of a stone-built hut circle, of some 36' interior diameter. The inner face of the wall is formed of large contiguous boulders; the exterior of smaller stones. The entrance is from the SE., 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 elsewhere around the circumference. At L9' from the entrance, a wall, some 4' thick, curves across the interior, enclosing an oval space some 22' x 7' 6", the position of the entrance to which is obscured by the ruins. [To face p. 176 . /v° N' ■ cs O o ° — . 0 c> « a y 1 . : ...ll.lllllllllll rillll//. v%- * ' v " ‘ =■• * -#v^% I f-'V^ : % f r-rg v • • II •• •• S If «. • % <<• •% y * v .-.% • Q ^ # 05 Q> Q> lo. 5 9 lo ao 30 4o 5 oE£ET ^ -1-1-1 $ Fig. 72.—Hut Circle, etc., Dremergid (No. 503). INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 177 Parish of Rogart. Against the back wall, and partially recessed into it, is a small circular enclosure of about 3' 6" diameter. There are indications of other Flu. 73.-—Hut Circle, Cuoc an Liath-Bhaid (No. 506). enclosures in the interior. There are no mounds in the immediate vicinity (fig. 73). 507. Cnoc Blar an Dubhaidh .—On the hillside, about f m. to l.m. to the N. of the shepherd’s house at Braegrudie, is a walled enclosure, which may be about half an acre in extent, with an entrance from the S. On the W. side of the entrance is a small circular enclosure, with a diameter of some 12', and walls about 6' thick, opening on to 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 (unnoted). 508. Cnoc an Liath-bhaid .—About £ m. ENE. of the shepherd’s house at Braegrudie, and some 40 yards E. of the stone circle (No. 518) on Cnoc an Liath-bhaid, is an old circular enclosure, measuring 40' x 46', with an entrance from the SE. of indeterminate width. The wall on the W. side extends indefinitely along the hillside. Some 300 yards SE. is a group of mounds, some of whicli are rather larger than usual. One at the N. end measures 34' x 22', lies NNW. and SSE., and is about 3' to 4' high. Another, some 50' W. of it, is nearly circular, with a diameter of some 26' and is nearly 5' high. Near the S. end of the group is a large hut circle, overgrown with deep heather and of rather complex plan. 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 makes an accurate survey impossible. 509. Do .—About 1^ m. WNW. of Dalreavoch Lodge, and about 300' above the River Brora, is a group of mounds much larger and more prominent than usual. One near the N. end measures 28' to 30' in diameter, and is some 3' 6" in height. Another, lying near by, measures 26' in diameter, and is from 3' to 4' in height. Several others are about the same dimensions and a number are less. None of them seem to have been opened. They are overgrown with heather, but large stones which have been used in their construction 12 178 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Bogart. protrude here and there. The group appears to contain from eighty to a hundred. Near the S. end of the group is a hut circle of simple type. At the back it appears to have been dug out of the hillside. The interior dimensions are 28' x 33'. The entrance is from the ESE. through a passage 11' in length. The bank on the E. side is 7' in thickness, while that on the W. is 16' across. Mounds lie all around it, some rather large, and grouped closely together. Towards the extreme E. end of the group is a large circular enclosure, 45' in diameter, with a surrounding bank 7' thick and entrance from the SE. about 6' wide. Beyond this the mounds still continue, but they are smaller. 510. Cnoc Fhiomliadh .—On the right bank of the Allt a’ chlamliain, which flows out of Loch Grudie, forming the boundary between the parishes of Eogart and Clyne, some 400 yards above the road and 100' above the stream, is a group of small mounds of the usual character, the largest of them having a diameter of about 20'. Bemains of an old bank or wall are visible near them. O.S.M., Suth., xcvi. Visited, 18th August 1909. 511. Sciberscross .— Opposite Sciberscross, on the S. side of the Eiver Brora, and above the left bank of the Allt an Tuirc, which skirts the base of the Cnoc an t-Socaich, is a group of hut circles Fig. 74.—Hut Circle, Sciberscross (No. 511). and small mounds. About | m. S. of the Eiver Brora, and 150' to 200' above the burn, is a small circular enclosure, with interior measurement of about 8' 6" x 9', entered from the S. through a passage 7' long and 2' wide, the bank, except towards the entrance, being about 4' in width. Some 40 yards W. of it are the indistinct remains of a hut circle, of the ordinary form, and about 100 yards NW. is another. About \ m. W. of the burn, near the top of the hill, is a large group of small mounds and hut circles. One of the latter, with a stony bank or wall, measures 10' 6" in interior diameter, is entered from the SE., and is surrounded by a bank 7' wide on the circumference and 10' on either side of the entrance. Some 30' E. of the last is an elliptical enclosure, measuring some INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 179 Parish of Kogart. 24'x 15', with a wide entrance from the SE. and bank about 12' 6" in thickness. Two small enclosures of about 6' interior diameter abut on it towards the S. and SW. Some 30' S. of it is another enclosure, with a wall of stone about 6' thick. Its interior diameter is 11', and its entrance is from the SE. Some 100 yards to the W., higher up on the hill, is another hut circle, of ordinary form, with an entrance from the SE. through a passage 2'wide and 9' long. The interior dimensions are 17' x 19', and the bank is 6' thick. Attached to it on the E. side is a smaller enclosure, measuring interiorly about 10' x 16', with its entrance from the SE. 2|-' wide (fig. 74). Higher up on the hill are several small enclosures of about 6' interior diameter, with their banks about 5' in thickness, and lined on the interior with large stones. Their entrances are from the SE. O.S.M., Suth., xcvi. and xcvii. (unnoted). Visited, 19th August 1909. 512. Tannacliy .—From the low hill which rises to the E. of the keeper’s house at Dalreavoch, groups of small mounds extend for fully f m. in a southeasterly direction, at an elevation of between 600' —b— v- —r tai Fig. 75.—Hut Circle, Tannachy (No. 512). and 700' over sea level. In rear of Tannachy 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. Another, some 300 yards SE., 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 with an entrance from the SE. 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. At 26' in from the entrance a wall, 7' thick in the centre of its course, curves round to meet the sides of 180 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Bogart. the main enclosure at 24' and 16' distant respectively from either side of the entrance. In the back division are signs of several small chambers and also in the thickness of the division wall (fig. 75). Numerous small mounds lie around. One, lying some 40 yards to the S., has its longest axis NNE. and SSW. It measures 32' x 20', and is some 3' high. Another lies N. and S., measures 22'x 16', and is about 3' 6" high. Near are the remains of an old wall running down the hill and terminating in a small circular enclosure with an interior diameter of about 16'. Its wall is 4' thick, and the entrance is from the S. Between f m. and 1 m. from Tannachy, at the end of the group, is another hut circle overgrown with heather. It is of simple form, measuring interiorly about 26'x 31'. It is entered from the SE., but the details of the entrance are indefinite. About a dozen mounds of the ordinary form lie around it. O.S.M., Suth., xcvi. Visited, 20th August 1909. 513. Blarich .—About 4 m. NW. of Blarich, on the SE. side of a small corrie, are two small oval depressions. One of these measures interiorly about 12' x 7'; is some 3' in depth, and shows the remains of a low bank on the edge around it. It is situated on sloping ground facing the NW. On excavation there was found below the turf a thin layer of charcoal, from which was recovered a flake of yellow flint, measuring The other depression, situated about 40' to the W., is of similar dimensions. O.S.M., Suth., xcvi. (unnoted). Visited, 1st October 1909. 514. Creag a' Bhata, Little Bogart .—On the W. end of Creag a’ Bhata, about m. S. of the westmost croft in Little Bogart, and immediately to the SE. of a loclian, is a small group of mounds, the largest having a diameter of about 20'. O.S.M., Suth., civ. Visited, 25th April 1910. Sepulchral Constructions. 515. Cairn, Reidchalmai .—Situated about 100 yards to the E. of the southmost house at Beidchalmai is a large cairn entirely overgrown with birch scrub which renders accurate measurement somewhat difficult. From E. to W. its diameter appears to be about 80', and from N. to S. about 60'. The ground slopes away towards the E., from which direction the cairn rises to a height of about 14', while the elevation on the W. is about 6'. It does not appear to have been excavated, nor is there any indication of its character. 516. Cairn, Balclaggan .—Placed on an elevated and conspicuous position at the S. end of Creag Bail a’ Cblaiginn, on the left side of the path which leads from Bogart to Achnagarrou, are the remains of a large cairn. It has been removed to a considerable extent, but the centre, which still has an elevation of some 6', seems intact. It has measured some 60' in diameter. There are no indications of its character. O.S.M., Suth., civ. Visited. 25th April 1910. Ancient and Historical Monuments — Sutherland. Plate IX.—Stone Circle, Cnoc an Liath-bhaid (No. 518). To face p. 181. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 181 Parish of PiOgart. 517. Stone Cist, Cnoc an Liath-bliaid .—On the farm of Scibers- cross, almost due S. of the summit of Cnoc an Liath-bhaid, and about ^ m. N. of the Piver Brora, just opposite the W. end of the birch wood across the river, between two great earth-fast boulders some 8' apart, the longer of which is 15' in length, 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. O.S.M., Suth., xcvi. (unnoted). Visited, 18th August 1909. 518. Stone Circle , Cnoc an Liath-bhaid .—A little more than \ m. ENE. of the shepherd’s house at Braegrudie, just above the 600 contour line, on a terrace on the hillside, is a stone circle (fig. 76 and PI. IX.). The circle has had a double ring of stones—an outer with a \o s O VO W4-1- \ Fig. 76.—Stone Circle, Cnoc an Liath-bhaid (No. 518). diameter of 28' and an inner with a diameter of 22'. Of the outer circle two stones remain upright in position; one merely protrudes above the ground and two lie prostrate. The largest stone is at the W. side, and faces 10° S. of E. It measures 6' 6" in height, is triangular in section measuring some 2' across each side. At 8' to the S. 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., and is also prone. It measures 4' 4" in length by V 8" across. The fourth stone of the outer circle stands a little to the N. of E. of the first stone and just pro¬ trudes. The next stone is on the NE., and measures 4' high by 1' 10" deep. From the S. side of the last-mentioned stone a row of small stones marks the line of the circumference for a distance of 4' 9", and elsewhere in the circle there are indications of other stones similarly set. Both upright stones stand with an edge towards the centre of the circle. Of the inner circle there appear to be five stones in situ and one prostrate. The upright stones 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. of the centre of the circle are signs of a low cairn, which seems to have been excavated. For nearly ^ m. northwards along the haunch of the hill there are numerous small mounds. O.S.M., Suth., xcvi. Visited, 18th August 1909. 182 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Eogart. Miscellaneous. 519. Standing-Stones, Achnagarron. —Some 100 yards NE. of the westmost croft at Achnagarron, on the upper part of the N. slope of the rising ground, are two standing-stones, which look as if they might have been members of a stone circle. They stand about 95' apart in a direction pointing 70° E. of N. The most easterly stands about 5' high, is about 2' 6" wide at base, roughly quad¬ rangular in section, and pointed at the upper end. It leans slightly to one side. The second stone is some 4' 8" high, some 2' 3" across the base, and is also pointed. O.S.M., Suth., xevi. (unnoted). Visited, 21st July 1909. 520. “Lettie’s Grave,” Blarich .—About 1 m. N. by W. of Blarich, on the flat haunch of the hill, some 150' above the Lettie Eiver, is a rectangular construction bearing the name of “ Lettie’s Grave ” (PI. X.). It is situated on an area which has to a great extent been under cultivation, and remains of crofter settlements are in the immediate neighbourhood. It has apparently been a square of about 7' in external measurement, with the sides lying N. and S. and E. and W. The E. side alone seems to be complete. It is formed of two upright stones, one at each end. One measures 2' 7" high by Y 2" across the base, and from 7" to 9" thick; while the other is 3' 2" high, 2' across base, and about 7" thick. Between them are two Hat stones set on edge, 3' 6" and Y in length respectively, and each projecting about Y above the ground, and lying for a considerable depth beneath it. The higher of the upright stones is at the S. end, and stands with its broad face northwards. Along the N. side of the square lie two stones, one small and just visible, and the other at Y 11" from the upright, 4' 5" long and Y above ground, by P thick. Towards what would have been the SW. corner lie other three large boulders, which have probably formed part of the construction. Some 40' to the NW. there is a square, formed of boulders set on edge, measuring interiorly some 5' x 6', nearly the same size as “ Lettie’s Grave,” but without standing-stones at the corners. Some 30' to the W. of “ Lettie’s Grave ” there is the semblance of a third construction similar to the last. O.S.M., Suth., xevi. (unnoted). Visited, 6th August 1909. Sites. 521. Church, Bovie. —At Eovie, 4 m. W. of Eogart Station, the O.S. map indicates the site of a church. 522. St Callan’s Chapel, W. Kinnauld. —Between the railway and the Eiver Fleet, to the S. of W. Kinnauld, the O.S. map marks the site of St Callan’s Chapel. 523. Graveyard, Cruinn naru Marbli, Blarich. —On a knoll about £ m. SE. of Blarich is a disused graveyard. 524. Stone Circle, Pittentrail. —The O.S. map indicates the site of a stone circle near Pittentrail Bridge. The site is now built over. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 183 PAEISH OF TONGUE. Castellated and Domestic Structures. 525. Tongue House. —This mansion is situated on the eastern shore of the Kyle of Tongue, about 1 m. N. of Tongue. The older portion, to which wings have been added, is a long, low, oblong build¬ ing of one storey, with windows set in the roof. Three decorated pediments, which probably surmounted dormer windows before the roof was altered and buttresses added, are built into the wall of the dining-room. One pediment over the mantel-piece bears an orna¬ mental shield, charged with the Mackay arms, viz., three boars’ heads couped and muzzled: in middle base a dexter hand fessways, couped at the wrist, holding a dagger erect. Crest above the shield, a stag’s head pierced through the neck by an arrow. At the top and sides of the shield are the initials D ^ E. On the sloping sides of the pedi¬ ment is the motto MANU FOETI, and against them two lions, bear¬ ing on their heads two thistles, whose stems cross at the apex. A second pediment bears the initials A ^ E, and the third the two foregoing sets of initials in a cypher between the date 1678, which is probably the date of the erection of the house. On the skew that finishes the E. end of the N. gable of the more modern wing of the building are cut the dates 1678 and 1750. See Cast, and Dom. Arch., iv. p. 372 (illus.); Origines, ii. pt. ii. p. 717; Sutherland and the Reay Country , p. 61 (illus.); The Book of Mackay, p. 282 (illus.). O.S.M., Suth., xvi. Visited, 30th May 1909. 526. Castle Varrich or Bhurraich .—The ruins of this castle stand on the head of a promontory on the E. side and near the head of the Kyle of Tongue. It has been a small square tower of two storeys in height, the masonry of which has been coarse and irregular. There are no signs of a stair to the first floor. Nothing but the outer walls now remain, 4' 6" in thickness. A great antiquity has been attri¬ buted to the castle, which the character of the structure does not warrant. It is fully described in Cast, and Dom. Arch., quoted infra. See Cast, and Dom. Arch., iii. p. 253 (plan and illus.); New Stat. Acd. Suth., etc., xv. p. 175 ; Origines, ii. pt. ii. p. 717 ; Sutherland and the Reay Country, pp. 27 (illus.) and 113. O.S.M., Suth., xxv. Visited, 1st June 1909. Defensive Constructions. 527. Broch, Dan na Maigh. —On a prominent rock which rises from the ridge dividing the Kinloch Kiver (Amhainn Ceann Locha) from the Allt Ach’ an t-Strathain, at the upper end of the Kyle of Tongue, stand the ruins of Dun na Maigh. The situation is a very strong one. On the W. the rock rises precipitously for 50' or more, and on the E., where the entrance faces, the slope is abrupt. On the N. and S. the approach along the ridge is easier, and for defence in these directions walls have been built along the edge, enclosing the more level areas immediately adjoining the broch. The entrance has been from the 184 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Tongue. E. through a passage about 16' long, over which three or four of the covering Hags still remain in situ. For the first 5' from the exterior the passage is 2' 3" wide, thereafter its width is 3'. The ruination obscures any sign oi a guard chamber. The height of the passage to the lintel above the debris on the inside is only 2'. The broch is much ruined, but does not appear to have been pillaged for stones. The structure is not circular, the W. side being considerably flattened, and it has the appearance of having been reconstructed. There is a chasm in the face of the cliff on the W., the upper part of which is built up, and the outer wall of the broch is some feet back from the edge of it. The interior diameter from N. to S. is about 31' and from E. to W. 27'. The highest part of the wall visible above the ruins in the interior is 8' high, and the greatest height to the exterior, above several feet of debris, is on the SE., where it is 7' 6". On the NW. side a chamber, about 8' long, with rounded end and converging- walls, roofed with Hags, has been partially exposed in the wall. The slab, beneath which access is now obtained into it, is about 3' long and 1' 3" thick. Immediately to the E. of it is another chamber, 5' long and 3' wide, built up at the end and half filled with stones. O.S.M., Suth., xxv. Visited, 2nd June 1909. 528. Broch, Torrisdail .—A short distance E. of the graveyard at Torrisdail is a natural mound of clay about 25' high, partially exca¬ vated on its N. face. On the top of this is the site of the Dun of Torrisdail. Its outline and character are indiscernible, but the top of the mound is covered with debris, for the most part overgrown with grass. The scanty remains are probably those of a broch. O.S.M., Suth., xvii. (unnoted). Visited, 26th May 1909. 529. Broch, Dun Biaskidh .—About \ m. E. of the footbridge across the Kiver Borgie, near Torrisdail, and on the W. side of Druim a’ Chleibh, are the remains of a broch. No outlines of walls are visible. The site is indicated by a structureless heap of stones.* O.S.M., Suth., xvii. (unnoted). 530. Broch, Kyle of Tongue. —On a hillock between Keidh theanga and the sea, on the E. side of the Kyle of Tongue, is the site of a broch. A confused mass of small stones is all that remains of the structure. O.S.M., Suth., xvii. Visited, 1st June 1909. 531. “ Grianan,” Lochan Hacoin .—At the S. end of Lochan Hacoin, on an islet within about 50 yards of the shore, are the ruins of a small rectangular building. The walls are built of thin flat stones, without mortar, and are from 6' to 7' thick, and remain upright to a height of from 5' to 6'. The building is oblong, and measures interiorly 19'x22'. There are no indications of a door or windows nor signs of floor or vaulting. It covers the greater part of the islet, which is natural. There are no signs of any causeway leading to the shore of the loch. A sketch of the structure by Mr James Horsburgh, as it appeared * From information supplied by Hew Morrison, LL.D. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 185 Parish of Tongue. about the year 1866, is preserved in the Library of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. See Torfseus (Notes), p. 92; Antiquaries, vii. p. 276; Sutherland and the Beay Country, p. 113. O.S.M., Suth., xxv. Visited, 2nd June 1909. Hut Circles, Earth-houses, and Associated Constructions. 532. Achnantot. —Situated on green hillocks a short distance below the junction of the Allt Creag an Fhithich with the Allt Ach nan Tot, and about 300 yards W. of the latter stream, are three hut circles of the usual type. O.S.M., Suth., xxvi. (unnoted). Visited, 28th May 1909. 533. Melness. —On the moorland behind Melness House, some 150' to the W. of the road, are two mounds each of about 14' diameter. O.S.M., Suth., xvi. Visited, 31st May 1909. 534. Loch Crocach— On the shoulder of a hill below some steep rocks £ m. N. of the Tongue road, at a point about | m. E. of its junction with the Skerray road, is a hut circle, of the usual oval or pear-shaped form, measuring 30' x 32', with the entrance from the S. It has been divided into chambers by rude boulder walls of similar construction to those of the circle itself, and about 2' 6" wide, running from the W. side out to the centre and then towards the left side of the entrance, the space enclosed being again sub-divided. The entrance to the inner structure was from the N. or back. The thickness of the outer wall is from 4' to 5'. There are the remains of another circle about 100 yards S., and about a dozen small mounds lie in the vicinity. O.S.M., Suth., xvii. (unnoted). Visited, 1st June 1909. 535. Druim na Coup. —On the SE. slope above the flow which lies between the moorland and the NW. base of Beinn Laoghal is a group of small round mounds of from 12' to 20' or thereby in diameter. They are not so thickly placed as in some other situations, but extend for about f m In one of them, about half way along the ridge, measuring some 20' in diameter, and only a foot or two in height, there has been exposed a cist. The covering slab is 3' broad and at least 3' long, but its exact length is not ascertainable. The upper edges of the single slabs on each side are visible, and also that of the slab at the E. end, which has apparently slipped inwards. The width of the interior is 2' 6". The longest axis of the cist lies NE. and SW. Towards the SW. end of the ridge on which the mounds lie is a hut circle of the ordinary pear-shaped form, with an interior measurement across of 31'. The wall or bank, faced with flattish slabs on the inside, is about 4' across. In the entrance, which is from the S., there has been erected a small hut of comparatively modern type a few feet square. O.S.M. Suth., xxv. and xxxiv. Visited, 2nd June 1909. 536. Lying at the base of the majestic peak which terminates Beinn Laoghal to the N., and set among the birch woods, is the shepherd’s house of Conaisaite, and here, near the S. end of the field 1S6 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Tongue. dyke on the W. or outside of it, is a long stony bank known as “ Dhiarmid’s Grave.” The bank appears to be formed of rather small stones, and is overgrown with grass. It is 59' in length along its central ridge. Its main axis lies N. and S. At the S. end for the first 11' it has an inclination from SSE., and there¬ after for the remaining 48' it assumes a N. and S. direction. At the point where the direction alters it is 11' across. At about 19' from the S. end, and 17' from the N., it gradually increases in bulk till at the centre it is 14' thick and 3' 3" high. O.S.M., Suth., xxv. Visited, 2nd June 1909. 537. Eartli-honse,, Skerray Mains, TorriscLail. — At the farm of Skerray Mains is an earth-house, the mouth or entrance to which was recently exposed by the farmer. It is situated about 15' distant from the NE. window of the dwelling-house, and is now entirely covered over again. It is said that when it was first discovered there were found in it two “ urns ” or vessels of clay, which, on being exposed, crumbled away. See Morrison’s Guide, p. 99. O.S.M., Suth., viii. Visited, 26th May 1909. Sepulchral Constructions. 538. Cairn, Loch Loyal. —Situated on the S. side of the ridge separating Loch Craggie from Loch Loyal at its extreme E. end, and overlooking the latter loch which lies about 50' directly beneath it, is a circular cairn, with a diameter of about 50'. The outline is definitely marked with large boulders (the largest over 2' high), laid contiguously point upwards. The cairn is for the most part over¬ grown with heather, but towards the centre a quantity of stones have been pulled out, without, however, disclosing any structure. The height of the cairn is about 6'. Along the top of a bank which projects to the SE. are three large boulders, set in a row—the first 2' from the cairn, the next 9', and the next 16', but it is very doubtful if these are in situ * O.S.M., Suth., xxvi. Visited, 31st May 1909. 539. Cairn, Kinlocli. —About m. NW. of Kinloch Lodge, on the S. slope of the hill on which the broch of Dun na Maigh stands, is a cairn. It is overgrown with turf through which five large upright slabs protrude and apparently form part of the sides of a chamber or chambers. The greatest distance between the opposing slabs at the N. and S. ends is 17'. The diameter of the cairn is about 30', and its height 2' to 3'. O.S.M., Suth., xxv. Visited, 2nd June 1909. Miscellaneous. 540. Cup-marked Stones, Torrisdail. —Situated on the rocky moor¬ land some f m. SW. of Torrisdail, adjacent to the track that leads thence across the moorland to join the road from Borgie Bridge to Tongue, are two cup-marked stones. The largest boulder, that situated furthest W., is about 8' high and 14' in length. On * This cairn is noted as a “ broch ” in Antiquaries, vii. p. 278. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 187 Parish of Tongue. its S. side, chiefly on the flat and less abrupt face of the stone, are groups of cup-marks of from 2" to 3" in diameter, the deepest being about lh" in depth, while a number are now almost obliterated. The extent of the markings is not very definite, but there appear to be two groups containing about twelve cup-marks each. Some 10' E. is the smaller stone, about 6' long and 4' high. On its NW. face are some twenty-six small cup-markings, and indefinite traces of others. The southern face is scored with deep lines crossing each other, but in no evident design. The extreme E. end of the stone is slightly concave, and in its centre is an oval boss or projection, measuring about 8" x 5" and 1^" in depth, slightly undercut. See Morrison’s Guide, p. 98. O.S.M., Suth., xvii. Visited, 26th May 1909. 541. Cup-marlced Stone, Lochan Hacoin. —At the S. end of Lochan Haeoin, to the SE. of the islet on the top of the bank, is a large earth-fast boulder, on the flat upper surface of which are a number of cup and ring marks placed irregularly over it. The total number of undoubted markings is thirty-four, of which those surrounded by a ring number eleven. No cup with a double ring round it is observ¬ able. The best defined cup-mark measures 3" across by 1\" deep, and the enclosing ring is 7" in diameter. Eight of the markings are well defined; the others less noticeable. At the S. end there is a boss or projection, roughly rectangular, measuring 12" x 6". A sketch of this stone, made about the year 1866 by Mr James Horsburgh, is preserved in the library of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. See Antiquaries, vii. p. 276 ; Archaic Sculpturings, p. 64. 542. Cup-marked Stone, Kinloch .—On the W. side of the road to Kinloch, about ^ m. N. of the bridge over the Kinloch River (Amhainn Ceann Locha), and on the N. edge of a gravel pit close to the road, is a large earth-fast boulder, 5' in length as far as exposed, and 3' 10" in breadth, showing on its upper surface eighteen cup- marks of various depths, of which the most distinct is towards the N. end of the stone, measuring about 3" in diameter and 1" in depth. The whole length of the stone is not visible, but the markings do not seem to extend to the portion covered (unnoted). O.S.M., Suth., xxv. Visited, 2nd June 1909. 543. Prehistoric Midden, Ferry House. —On the W. side of the Kyle of Tongue, on the shore near the Ferry House, to the N. of the Achmholltairaich Burn, is a prehistoric kitchen midden. There is a thick deposit of oyster and other shells, among which specimens of stone implements and coarse pottery have been found. These relics are in the National Museum of Antiquities, Edinburgh. See Trans. Inv. Scient. Soc., iv. p. 29. O.S.M., Suth., xvi. Visited, 31st May 1909. Sites. 544. Brock, Dun Buidhe. —About \ m. to the S. of Melness House is the site of a broch known as Dun Buidhe. The structure has entirely disappeared. O.S.M., Suth., xvi. Visited, 31st May 1909. 188 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Parish of Tongue. 545. Graveyard, Loch Loyal. —The O.S. map indicates the position of a disused graveyard about £ in. S. of Loch Loyal Lodge. No sculptured or carved stones are visible. O.S.M., Suth., xxxv. Visited, 31st May 1909. 546. St Columba’s Chapel, Eilean Co’omb. —The site of this Chapel is also indicated on the O.S. map, but there are no remains to be seen. O.S.M., Sum, viii. 547. Cairn , Tongue House. —In the wood to the E. of Tongue House, on the top of a knoll about 70 yards E. of the gardener’s house, are apparently the remains of a cairn, the chamber of which is referred to in Antiquaries, vii. p. 277. O.S.M., Suth., xvi. 548. Earth-house , Bibigil. —In a park about £ m. N. of Ilibigil farm-house is the site of an earth-house which was closed up many years ago. O.S.M., Suth., xxxvi. Visited, 2nd June 1909. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 189 INDICES. (The arable numerals refer to the paragraphs of the Inventory, the Roman numerals to the pages of the Introduction .) INDEX TO ANCIENT AND HISTORICAL MONUMENTS AND CONSTRUCTIONS. Belfry tower, 22. Brochs, xviii., xix., xx., xxi., xxii., xxiii., 4, 7, 23-28, 49-53, 106, 107, 155, 156, 157, 168, 174-190, 270, 271, 272, 307-315, 391-395, 467, 468, 477, 478, 527-530. Burial grounds ( see Gravej’ards). vault, 1. Cairns : horned, long, xxxiii.-xxxvii., 241, 243. horned, round, xxxiii.-xxxvii., 82, 83, 84, 238, 286, 367, 454. unhorned, long, xxxiii.-xxxvii., 133, 355-361, 472. round, chambered, xxxiii.-xxxvii., 11, 13, 14, 43, 44, 80, 86, 90, 132, 134, 142, 143, 169, 172, 233, 236, 239, 244, 246, 289, 372, 444, 447, 453, 457, 539. of uncertain type, xxxiii.-xxxvii., 9, 10, 12, 15, 41, 42, 77, 78, 79, 81, 83, 87, 88, 135, 136, 138, 139, 140, 141, 144, 163, 164, 166, 170, 171, 234, 235, 237, 240, 242, 244, 288, 362, 363, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 373, 443, 445, 446, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 455, 456, 458, 459, 460, 515, 516, 538. in which cists have been exposed, xxxiii.- xxxvii , 41, 85, 89, 137, 165, 244, 285, 287, 364. Castellated and domestic structures, xvii., xviii., 2, 3, 48, 104, 105, 269, 306, 525, 526. Cathedral, xvi., 102. Caves, 19, 151, 302, 303. Chapels ( sec Ecclesiastical structures). Churches ( see Ecclesiastical structures). Cists, xxx., 41, 85, 89, 137, 209, 244, 285, 287, 290, 364, 517, 535. Crosses : boundary, 376. market or town, 145. memorial, xxxviii., 93, 94, 95, 146, 248, 250, 251, 256, 258, 260, 377, 380. Cup and ring marks, xxxvii., xxxviii., 137, 147, 252, 270, 301, 375, 383, 540, 541, 542. Defensive constructions, xviii.-xxiv., 4, 5, 6, 7, 23-29, 49-55, 106-108, 155- 158, 168, 174^194, 270, 271, 272, 307-316, 391-396, 467, 468, 477, 478, 479, 527-531. Duns (see Forts). Earth-houses, xxvii., xxviii., xxxi., xxxii., xxxiii., 159, 160, 210, 220, 232, 266. 274, 283, 284, 324, 328, 342, 343, 469, 537. Ecclesiastical structures, xvi., xvii., 1, 22, 102, 103, 153. Effigy, recumbent, 103. Font, 153. Forts and fortified enclosures, xxiii., xxiv., 4, 5, 6, 29, 54, 55, 108, 157, 158, 191 194, 316, 396, 479, 531. Foundations, 249. Gravestones (see Stones). Graveyards, xvi., xvii., 16, 17, 45, 173, 255, 257, 267, 268, 304, 389, 523, 545. “Grianan,” xxiv., 531. Heraldic carvings, 154, 259, 525. Homestead, xxvii., 593. Houses (see Castellated and domestic structures). Hut-circles, earth-houses, and associated constructions, xxiv.-xxxiii., 8, 30-40, 56-76, 109-131, 159-162, 195-232, 273-284, 317-354, 397-442, 469, 470, 471, 480-514, 532-537. Inscribed stones, 154, 306. Iron smelting (remains of), xxxix., 99, 262, 385, 393, 463. Islands, xviii., xxiv., 47, 101, 465, 466. Kilns (supposed), xxxi., 56, 197, 204, 205, 280, 317, 338, 352, 406, 502. Kitchen middens, 386, 543. Mill stones, 316. Miscellaneous constructions, xxxix., 17, 18, 45, 46, 84, 98, 150, 261, 263, 382, 520, 531. Mounds, xxix. , xxx.. xxxi., 30-40, 42, 56-76 , 78, 84, 109- 131, 133, 135, 136, 140, 195- 232, 241, 242, 244, 245, 263, 276 -280, 287, 317- 354, 363, 364, 367 -373, 384, , 397- 442, 449, 451, 452, 455, 470 , 480- 514, 518, 533, 534, 535. Piscina, 102. Quern (saddle), 264. Recumbent ofiigy, 103. Rock shelter, 151. 190 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Sculptured crosses (see Crosses), stones (sec Stones). Sepulchral constructions (see Cairns and stone circles). Sheilings, xxviii., xxix., 8. Sites, 20, 21, 47, 100, 101, 152, 167, 173, 264, 265, 267, 304, 305, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 464, 465, 466, 475, 476, 521, 522, 523, 524, 544, 545, 546, 547, 548. Standing-stones, xxxviii., xxxix., 96, 97, 148, 149, 378, 379, 380, 381, 473, 474, 519. Stone circles, xxxvii., xxxviii., 91, 92, 247, 291, 374, 375, 461, 462, 518. Stone cists, xxx., 41, 85, 89, 137, 209, 244, 285, 287, 290, 364, 517, 535. rows, xxxix., 378, 379, 381. Stones: cup-marked (see Cup and ring marks), grave, xvii., xxxviii., 93, 94, 154, 259. inscribed, 154, 306. mill, 316. rectangular settings of, xxxix., 520. sculptured, 253, 292-300. Vitrified fort, xxiv., 54. “ Yett,’’ xvii., 269. INDEX r J Athol, Maddud, Earl of, xix. Caithness, Bishop Gilbert of, xvii., 102, 103. John, Earl of, xvii. Master of, xvii., 102. Constantin, King of the Piets, xvi. Donn, Rob., Gaelic poet, xvii. Erlend, xix. Gilbert, Bishop of Caithness, xvii., 102, 103. Gordon, Sir Alexander, of Navidale, xviii., 306. Sir Robert, xviii., 47, 103, 269, 465, 466. Leslie, General, 194. Mackay, Angus, of Bighouse, 259. of Strathnaver, xvii., 102. Mackays, Aberach, 250, 251, 252. of Farr, xviii. INDEX T Aberach Mackays’Burial-ground, 250, 251, 252. Aberscross, xviii., xxxvi., xxxvii., 279, 286,287, 288, 291. Achadh na h-Uaighe, 484, 485. Acliaidh, xxxv., 74, 81, 82. Ach an Duin, xxi., 156. Aclialloch, 493. Achaneas, xix., xx., xxii., 50, 51. Achanellan Burn, 216. Achany, xxxvi., xxxvii., xxxviii., 447— 451, 461. Moor, 60. Achcheargary, xxxvi., 244. Achcoillenaborgie, xxii., 183. Achinael, 117, 118, 133. Achinnearin, 343. Achmholltairaich Burn, 543. Achnabourin, 263, 266. Acbnagarron, xxvii., 487, 492, 519. NAMES. Macleods, Chief of, 18. of Assynt, xviii., 1. Mactire, Paul, 54. Makmurcho, Donald, xvii., 154. Montrose, Marquess of, xviii., 2. Murray, Richard, 103. Orkney, Harald, Earl of, xvi., xix., xxiii. Sigurd, Jar] of, xvi. Seaforth, 3rd Earl of, 3. Sigurd the Powerful, Jarl of Orkney, xvi. Sinclair, Isobel, xvii. Sutherland, Countesses of, xvii., 269, 306. Duchess of, 290. Earls of, xvii., 47, 146, 269. Sutherlands of Duffus, 105. Thorgerda, xxxiii. Thorstein the Red, xvi. William, King, “The Lyon,” xvi. PLACES. Achnantot, 532. Achness, 268. Achork, 495. Achrimsdale Hill, 385. Achvaich, 119. Achvrail Burn, 481. Airdens, 70. Allt a’ Bhealaich, 205. a’ Chaisteil, 182, 245. Ach’ an t-Strathain, 527. a’ Chaoruinn, xxxvii., 163, 164. a’ Chasaidh-ghil, 432, 433. a’ Ohlamhain, 510. Ach na h-Uaigh, 373. Ach nam Bathaich, 38. Ac-h nan Tot, 532. a’Choire Mhoir, xx., 312, 337, 338, 339. a’ Mhuilinn, 43. an Duin (Strath na Frithe), 313, 348, 385. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 191 Alltan Duin (Strathnaver), xx., xxi., xxii., 182. an Raidhe Dhorca, 99. an Tuirc, 511. Ardbhair, xxix., 8. Breac (Strath of Kildonan), 336, 379. Ceann na Coille, 208. Choinneis-gil, 350. Cille Pheadair, xxvi., xxviii., xxxii., 325-333. Coire Aghaisgeig, 27. Creag an Fhithich, 532. Dail Teine, 229. Halligarry, 341. Lochan Ianan Bhuidhe, 107. na Creadha, 206. na Fearna Mor, 56. na h-Atha, 68. na Innse Mor, 488. nam Ban, xxxv., 44. nan Eun, 61, 79, 80. nan Uainli, 19. Tigh Neill, 131. Truderscaig, 206. Alltbreac (Dalcliork), xx., 395. Alltnacaillich, 155. Altassmove, 57. Amhainn Ceann Loclia, 527, 542. A’ Mheirle, 478. An Corr-eilean, Loch Eireboll, 167. An Droighneach, 135. An Dun, Baligill, 192. Dun, Clashnessie, 5. Dun, Loch a’ Chaim Bhain, xx., 168. Dun, Loch Ardbhair, xx., 4. Dun, Stoer, 21. An Dunaiu, Culkein, xxiii., 6, Anglesea, Island of (cited), xxv. “ An Leabaidh fholaich,” Portnancon, 160. “An Rath Chruineach,” 214. “An Tornaidh Bhuidhe,” xxiii., 193. An t-Sron, 423, 424, 425. Aodan Mhor, 158. Ardaigh Chonachair, 482. Ard na Sinnis, 441. Ardvreck Castle, xvii., 2. Armadale Burn, xx., 190, 227. Ascoile, 43. Astle, 123. Auchinduich, xxiv., xxxvii., xxxviii., 55, 91, 99. Aultnaeealgach, xxxv., 14, 15. Backies, xix., xx., xxi., xxii., 272, 303. Badbeithe, 73. Badeall, xxxiv., xxxv. Baddaulocli, 354. Badnabay, xxxiv., xxxv., 172. Baile fiur, 411. Baile Mhargait, 184, 212. Bailenacille, 153, 154. Oldany Island, 17. Balhlair Wood (Creich), 75. Balcharn, 415, 457, 464. Balclaggan, 516. Balindailish, 415. Balligil, xxiii., 191, 192. Balnacoil, 42. Beilin a’ Bhragie, xxxii , 284. Laoghal, xxx., xxxi., 535, 536. Ben Armine, 33. Benbhraggie Wood, xxxv., 289. Ben Griam Beg, xxiv., 316, 353. Bettyhill, xxiii., 183, 184, 212, 213, 234- 237. Bighouse, xxvii., 226. Birichin, 124. Bishop’s Palace, Dornoch, xvii., 104. Black Water, 25. Wood, 78. Blairmore, 489, 490. Blarich, 480, 513, 520, 523. Blar na Fola, 207. Bonarbridge, 62, 63, 65, 66, 69, 70, 71, 72, 85, 87, 88, 98. “ Borg, The,” Forsinain, xix., 186. Borgie Bridge, 185, 221. River, 221. Borve Castle, xviii., 264. Bowside, 228. Brae, 107, 128, 129. Braegrudie, xxxvii., xxxviii., 507, 508, 518. Breackue, 483. Bruan, Caithness (cited), xxxv. Bunahoun, xxii., 187. Burnl'oot, 350, 367, 368. Caen Burn, xxviii., xxxiii., 317-321, 356, 357, 358, 359. Cottage, 359. Cagar Feosaig, 303. Caisteal na Coille, 25. na Coire, 48. Calda House, 3. Calgarry Beg, 225. Cambusavie, 132. Cambusmore Lodge, 110. Cain Loch, 12. Camore Wood, xxxviii., 121, 141, 148. Camus an Duin, xix., xxi., xxiii., 157. Carnacliaidh, xxx., xxxi., 150, 179, 180, 211 . Carnaig River (see Strath Carnaig). “ Carn an Duin,” 87. “Carn an Fheidh,” 138. “ Carn an Fhithich,” 85. “Cam Bran,” xx., xxi., xxii., 468. “ Carn Laggie,” 355. ‘ ‘ Cam Liath ” (Bonarbridge), 86. “Carn Liath” (Bunahoun), xxii., 187. “Carn Liath ” (Dunrobin), xix., xx., xxi., xxii., xxiii., 270. “ Carn Liath ” (Torboll), 134. “ Carn Mor ” (Swordale), 53. “ Carn Mor” (Tulloch), 88. “Carn Tigh nan Coileach,” xxxvi., 373. “ Carradh nan Clach,” 473. Carrol, xix., xx., xxi., xxii., xxxii., 27. Castle Cole, xix., xx., 25. Varrich (or Bliurrnich), xvii., 526. Ceann na Coille, 207, 208. Cille Pheadair (see Kilphcdir). “ Cinn Trolla ” (Kintradwell), xix., xx., xxiii., 297, 467. Clabran Salacli, 62. “ Clach a’ Charra,” xxxviii., 97. “ Clach an Eig,” 377. “Clach an Righ,” 247. “Clach Mhic Mhios,” xxxix., 474. 192 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. “ Clack 11 a h-Uaigke,” 377. Clachtoll, xix., xx., xxi., 7. Cladh Langdale, 255. Cladli Maireannach, 45. Cladh Rivigill, 257. Clais Rath Fhinn, 325. Clashmore, 122, 142, 144. Clashnessie, 5. Clerkhill, 265. Clyne, xviii., 293. Clynekirkton, 22, 293. Easter, 30. Wester, 26. Clynemilton Farm, 293. West, 31, 294. Cnoc a’ Cliatha, xxvdii., xxix., 426- 431. a’ Chrochaidh, 377. an Daimh, xxxiv., 169. an Liath-bhaidh, xxxvii., xxxviii., 505, 506, 508, 509, 517, 518. an t-Socaich, 511. Arthur (see Knockarthur). Bad an Leathaid, 206. Blar an Dubhaidh, 507. Carnachaidh, 180. Chealamy, 179. Dubh, 74, 483. Fhiomliadh, 510. na Gamhna, 204. na h-Iolaire, 205. nan Neul, 433. Odhar, xxxvi., 109, 132. Righ Shonaidh, 481. “Cnoc Chaisteal,” Helmsdale, 386. “ Cnoc nan Ceannan,” 166. Coich Burn, 23, 36. CoilF Acli a’ Chuil, xxi., 176. Coillenaborgie, xxxv., xxxvi., 243. Coille Poll na h-Airde, 59, 77. Colaboll, 440. Cole’s Castle, xix., xx., 25. Collieburn, 299. Conaisaite, xxxi., 536. Coriefeuran Hill, 202. “ Cosh Geavag,” 469. Coulan Burn, 334. Cracknie, xxxiii., 220. Craggie, 340. Craig a’ Bhlair, 126. Craigton, 295. Crask, 123. Creag a’ Bhata, 514. an Amalaidh, xxvi., xxxvi., 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 133, 151. an t-Sabhail, 421, 432, 456. Bail a’ Ohlaiginn, 516. Druim nan Rath, 344. Ruidli nan Caoracli, 350, 367. Creagan Iolaire, 151, 316. Reatnkar, 72, 87. Creich, xxxviii., 64, 94, 95. Crichton Mains, Midlothian (cited), xxxiii. “ Crois,” Suisgill, 376. Cruinn narn Marbh, 523. Culbuie, 415. Culkein, xxiii., 6. Culmaily (Golspie), 276, 277. Culmaily (Lairg), 415. Culnara Croft, 67. Dail a’ Bhaite, xxvii., 230, 231. Langwell, xix., xx., 49. na llrochaide, 219. Teine, 229. Dailharraild, xxxi., xxxvii., xxxviii., 207, 247. Dalchalluim, 294. Dalcharn, 349, 366. Dalchiel, 120. Dalchork, 394 Dalhalvaig, xxix., 224. Dalnamain, xxiv., 108, 130, 149, 150. Dalnessie, 488. Dalreavoch, xxx., 509, 512, Dalriada, xvi. Dartmoor (cited), xxv., xxxix. “ Dhiarinid’s Grave,’’xxxi., 536. Doir a’ Cliatha (Durcha), 52, 58. Dornoch, xvi., xvii., xxxviii., 102, 103, 104, 137, 145, 146, 147. Cathedral, xvi., 102, 103. Firth, 54, 59. Dremergid, xxvii., 494, 503. Druim a’ Chleibh, 529. Baile fiur, xxxviii., 411, 448, 461. Buidhe, 221. Liath, 69, 86. na Coup, xxx., 535. Druimban, 72. Duchary, xxii., xxiv., 28, 29. Duffus (or Invershin) Castle, xvii., 100. Dulaich, 416, 417. Dulrossie, xviii. Dun Buidhe, 544. Carnachaidh, xxii., 180. Chealamy, xxii., xxiii., 179. Creagach, xix., xxi., 175, 198. Creich, xxiv., 54. Dornaigil (or Dornadilla), xix., xx., 155. Mhairtein, xxiii., 191, 193. na Maigh, xix., xxi., 527. of Torrisdail, 528. Phail, 387. Riaskidh, 529. Viden, xxi., xxii., 181, 261. “Dun Carn Fhamhair,” 169. Dunrobin Castle, xvii., 269, 290. Mains, 271. Museum, xvi., xxxviii., 14, 27, 159, 233, 270, 272, 274, 290, 293-300, 301, 306, 334, 364, 372, 467. Wood, xxi., xxii., 271, 292. Durcha (or Doir a’ Chatha), 52, 58. Durness, xvii., xviii., 153, 154. Earl’s Cross, Dornoch, 146. Easter Clynekirkton, 30. East Kinnauld, xxiv., 477, 479. Langwell, 486. Eddrachillis, 169. Eilean a’ Chairn, 466. Co’omb, 546. Domhnuill, 466. Hoan, 167. na Craobhe, 466. na Fiodhaig, 466. nam Faoileag, 47. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 193 Eireboll, 159, 162. Eldrable, 309. Embo, xviii., xxxviii., 103, 146. Evelix, 120, 141, 143. Fairlaraich, 280, 496. Farr, xxxviii., 214, 258, 265. Feadain, 20. Feitli Mhor, 417. Osdail, xxix , 434-439. Feranach, xix., xx., 314, 349, 365. Ferry House, 543. Fiscary, xxxvi., 213, 234-237. Fleuchary, 120. Forsinain, xix., xxvii., 186. Forsinard, xxvii., 222, 223. Frithe River, 313, 314. Gabion, 60. Garbh Allt, 486, 492. Leatliad, 71. Gartymore, 387, 390. “General Leslie’s Fort,” 194. Glencassley, xix., xx., xxii., 49, 50, 51. Glen Loth, xxxix., 300, 468,! 472, 473, 474, 475. Glen Sletdale Burn, 473. Golspie, 295, 296. Tower, 305. Greamachary, 353. “ Grianan,” Lochan Hacoin, xxiv., 531. Gruidie Burn, xxxvi., 447, 450. Gruids, 452. Gruin-beg, xxxviii., 203, 250, 251, 252. -more, xix., 174. Gylable Burn, 311. Halladale River, 186, 187, 188. Handa Island, xvi., 173. Harriet Plantation, 124, 138, 139. Harvieston, xxxvi., 373. Heilem Ferry, 157. Helmsdale, 386-390. Castle, xvii., 306. H<>]>e Ferry, 156. “ Hunting House,” Lothbeg, 475. Inchnadamph, 1, 2, 3, 9, 18, 19. Inshlampie, xxii., 178. Invershin Castle, xvii., 100. Mains, 96. Station, 75, 90. Kilbrare, xxi., 24, 37. Kildonan, xvi., xxviii., xxx., xxxii., 344, 345, 346, 377. Sanctuary of, 376. Killin, 26. Kilmain, 29. Kilournan, xvi., 310, 361. Kilphedir, xvi., xix., xx., xxi., xxii., xxiv., xxviii., xxxii., 307. Kinbrace, xxviii., xxxiv., xxxv., 350, 351, 352, 367-373, 384. Kinloch, 527, 539, 542. Kinnauld, East, xxiv., 477, 479. West, 522. Kintradwell, xviii., xix., xx., xxiii., xxxii., 297, 467, 469, 470, 471. Kirkton, (Golspie), xvii., xxxii., 274, 275, 285, 304. Kirktown, (Strath-halladale), 259, 267. Klibreck, xvi., 175, 195, 196, 248, 249. Knock Arthur, xxvi., xxx., 496-502. Kyleoag, 83. Kyle of Durness, xxxvii., 153, 154, 158, 163-166. of Sutherland, 52, 53, 57, 58, 62, 100. of Tongue, xvii., xviii., 525, 526, 527, 530, 543. Kylesku, xx., xxi., 168. Kylestrome Lodge, 170. Lairg, xxviii., xxxvi., xxxvii., 56, 418, 419, 420, 423, 453, 454, 455. Langdale, xxii., 177, 253, 254, 255. Langwell, East, 486. West, 485. Learable, xix., xxxvi., xxxvii., xxxviii., xxxix., 315, 347, 363, 364, 374, 375, 378, 380, 381, 383. Leathad an Daraich, 206. Ledbeg River, 11. Ledmore Wood, 84. Lettie River, 520. “ Lettie’s Grave,” xxxix., 520. Lewis (cited), xxv. Linsidemore, xxxvii., 92. Little Ferry, 298. Rogart, 514. Swordale, 62, 63. Loanan, River, 19. Loch a’ Bhainbh, 393. a’ Chaim Bhain, xx., xxii., 168, 170, 171. an Aigeil, 21. an treel, 141, 148. Ardbhair, xx., xxi., 4, 8, 16. Assynt, xviii., 2, 3. a’ Vicair, 278. Awe, 10. Baddanloch, 354. Borrolan, xxxv., 13, 14, 15. Brora, xviii., xxii., xxiv., xxxv., 27, 28, 39, 40, 44, 47. Coire nam Feuran, xxix., xxxi., 200, 201, 439. Craggie, 538. Creagach, 156, 161. Crocach, 534. Dulaich, 417, 465. Eireboll, xix., xxi., xxiii., xxxii., 157, 160, 167. Fasg an t-seana Chlaidh, 20. Fleet (see Strath Fleet). Grudie, 510. Hope, xxi. Loyal, 538, 545. Lundie, 277. ma Naire, 215. Migdale, 67, 69, 101. Mor, 189. na Fuar-laraiche, 280. Naver, xvi., xxii., 174, 175, 176, 195- 199, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252. Rimsdale, 206. Roe, 20. 13 194 HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION. Loch Shin, 391, 392, 409, 423-431, 440, 443, 463, 466. Tigh na Creige, 417. Truderscaig, 206. Lochan Druini an Duin, Hacoin, xxiv., xxxviii., 531, 541. Lotlibeg, xxxiv., 300, 472, 475. Loth Burn, 473. Lyne, 11. “Macpherson Cham’s Cave,” 151. Maikle, 76, 89. Mallart River, 204, 206. Market Park, Bonarbridge, 66. Meall a’ Gbb Mor, 197. Mor a’ Bliealaich, xxix., 225. Melness, 533, 544. Melvicli, 189, 246. Midgarty, 476. Migdale, 67, 68. Morness, 483. Morvich, 279, 287. Mound, The, 151, 273, 278, 288, 291. Mousa, Broch of (cited), xix. Naver, River, xxxiv. Navidale, Helmsdale, 389. Newstead (cited), xxxiii. Newton Point, 59, 77. Northumberland (Stone rows in), xxxix. Oldany Island, 17. Oldtown, 26, 40. Ordan, 62. Ord, The, xxiv., xxviii., xxxvi., 396-408, 443-446. Orkney Cairns (cited), xxxv. “ Oscar’s Grave,” 171. Ospisdale, xviii., xxxviii., 60, 97. Pitarxie, 412. Pittentrail, 524. Portnancon, 160. Port Skerry, xxiii., 193. Proncy, xvii., 152. Raemore, 449, 450. Redhouse, 77. “Red Priest’s Grave,” Skail, 256. Reidchalmai, 515. Reidh theanga, 530. Rheafail, 257. Rhiaubreck, 413, 460. Rhilochan, 504. Rhino vie, 182. Rhives, xxxv., 289. Rhivra, 81, 82. Ribigil, 548. Rogart, 491. Rosehall, 48. Rossal, 481. Rovie, 521. Rudha na Cloiche, 193. Salachadh, xix., xx., xxi., 392. Salscraggie, xxviii., 307, 322, 323, 324, 331, 360. Sanctuary of Kildonan, 376. “Sandy Dun, The,” xxii., xxiii., 184. Sarsgrum, 165. Savalbeg, 458. Savalmore, 422. Sciberscross, xxvii., xxx., 23, 32, 33, 34, 35, 41, 45, 46, 511, 517. Scottarie Burn, 24, 37. “ Seanacliaisteal,” xxiii., 158. Shiuess, 393, 442. Shin River, xxxvii., xxxviii., 410, 412, 452, 459, 462. Silver Rock, xxxii., 283. Sithean Clais an Uanain, 495. Skail, 178, 233, 256. Skelbo Castle, xvii., 105. Wood, xxi., xxii., 106, 140. Skelpick, xix., xxix., xxxiv., xxxvi., 181, 182, 217, 218, 238, 239, 240,’ 241, 242, 262. Skerray Mains, 537. Skiag, xxvii., 490, 491. Skibo, xviii. Spinniugdale, xxxiv., 61, 79, 80. St Callan’s Chapel, W. Kinnauld, 522. St Columba’s Chapel, Eileau Co’omb, 546. “ St Demhan’s Cross,” Creich, 95. “ St Dounan’s Chair,” 382. Stewart’s Park, 248. Stoer, 7, 21. Strath Ach a’ Bhathaich, 119. Beag, 350, 367. Brora, xv.-xxxix., 23-29, 32-47, 488, 505-509, 511, 512, 517, 518. Carnaig, xv.-xxxix., 107, 108, 125, 131, 134, 135, 136, 149, 150. Fleet, xv.-xxxix., 105, 106, 109-118, 132, 133, 140, 151, 273, 276, 277, 278, 279, 286, 287, 288, 291, 414, 415, 477-482, 513, 520-524. Halladale, xv.-xxxix., 186-189, 222- 226, 246, 259, 267. More, xix., xx., 155. Na Frithe, xv.-xxxix., 313, 314, 348, 349, 365, 366, 385. Naver, xv.-xxxix., 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 203, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 233, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 261, 262, 263, 266, 268. of Kildonan, xv.-xxxix., 307-312, 315, 317-339, 341-347, 352, 355-364, 368- 372, 374-384. Oykell, 48, 93. Shin, xix., 55, 56, 91, 99, 396-413, 443-452, 459, 460, 461, 462. Steven Cove, 302. Tirry, 394. Strathy, 228-232, 260. “ Suidhe Donnan,” 382. Suisgill, xix., xxi., xxii., 308, 315, 342, 343, 347, 363, 375, 376, 380, 383. “ Swedish Man’s Grave,” 149. Swordale, 53, 62. Little, 62, 63. Wood, 65, 98. Swordly, 213, 214. Syre, xxiv., xxx., xxxi., 177, 194, 207, 209, 210. INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS, ETC., IN COUNTY OF SUTHERLAND. 195 Tannachy, 512. Tirry River, 394. Tomicli Hill, 348. Tongue House, xviii., 525, 547. Torboll, xxxvi., 125, 126, 127, 134, 135, 136. Torgawn, 171. Torrisdail, 528, 529, 537, 540. Torrish, xviii., 334. Burn, 335, 362, 378. Torroboll, 413. Traligill Burn, 9. Trantleinore, xvii., 188. Tressady Lodge, 482. Truderscaig, 206. Tulloch, xxix., 69, 85, 88. Tutim, 93. Upjiat, xxvii., 270, 281, 282, 301. Wales (Stone rows in), xxxix. Wester Clynekirkton, 26, 40. West Langwell, 485. “ White House,” Loch Assynt, 3. Wilkhouse, 476. FEINTED BY NEILL AND CO., LTD., EDINBURGH. ORDNANCE SURVEY OF SCOTLAND Map No. I \A E ORDNANCE SURVEY OF SCOTLAND Map No. II. PART OF SHEET 9. 25 , ( —a. ORDNANCE SURVEY OF SCOTLAND PART OF SHEET 7. Date Due Oct \'2 Form 335. 45M 8-37. 914.1 5//24R 2nd 556519 Scotland Royal Commission Report ISSUED TO 12 *U( 914.1 ^.$424R 2nd 356519