31555: LSFH 20.2 Abhainn na Loch na Muilne – MILL RACE (Crofting – 1850 AD to 1950 AD)

Summary:

MILL RACE (Crofting – 1850 AD to 1950 AD)
Mill leat or channel

Location:

NB 27724 17962

Full description:

"Running from the north-eastern corner of Loch na Muilne, the course of Abhainn na Loch na Muilne had been heavily canalised and deepened to provide a steady flow of water down to the mills located outside the 2003 study area on the shores of Loch Erisort, where the burn issues into the sea. Before the burn reached that point, however, it was directed off into a now dry leat to feed the mill situated immediately north of the burn and to the east of the Loch (20.1)." "While the mills for this complex fall entirely outside the 2003 study area, and for the most part remain unrecorded (with the exception of 20.1), the pre-crofting and crofting communities (presumably of Sildinis – as that is where the mills are situated) have gone to great lengths to ensure they have a good head of water for the grinding of corn. While there is no apparent dam on the Loch na Muilne where it issues into the Abhainn na Loch na Muilne, the course of the burn (20.2) has been heavily canalised to ensure the free flow of water, and one mill (20.1) has been identified a little over 200 metres east of it." (Burgess 2004, 34 and 35)

References:

Chris Burgess, Northamptonshire Archaeology. 2004. Northamptonshire Archaeology Archaeological Survey and Evaluation of Eilean Chalium Chille and the Putative Site of the Seaforth Head Castle. Part No Loch Seaforth Head Gazeteer.

Acknowledgement:

Information provided by Western Isles Council Sites & Monuments Record, January 2006.