31643: LSFH 30.4 Aird Sithaig – STRUCTURE (Medieval – 1266 AD to 1539 AD)

Summary:

STRUCTURE (Medieval – 1266 AD to 1539 AD)
Cellular structure of uncertain purpose

Location:

NB 27504 16601

Full description:

"Situated on the most southerly shore of Aird Sithaig overlooking the northern side of Loch Seaforth Head, the remains of this cellular structure have been cut in half by the action of coastal erosion. Measuring 4 metres in diameter externally and 3 metres internally, this feature now only survives for 2 metres back from the eroding edge. As with cell (30.3) this feature seems to have been primarily constructed of stone which has tumbled and is now largely grassed over. This structure sits within the extent of the promontory enclosure formed on Aird Sithaig by wall/rampart (30.1)" "Located at the southern end of the Loch Sithaig headland, this promontory enclosure is the possible site of the MacKenzie castle that is supposed to have been built at the northern end of Loch Seaforth Head during the first years of the seventeenth century (1610?). The remains visible on the ground consist of a substantial glacis rampart (30.1) with an entrance at its centre, and a number of structures behind including two large cellular structures (30.3 and 30.4) and a rectangular building (30.2) immediately inside the entrance. The enclosed area seems small today (only 11 metres from the wall to the shore), however, there are clear signs that coastal erosion has considerably shortened the length of Aird Sithaig, as several of the features recorded have been cut by recent erosion events." (Burgess 2004, 44 and 45)

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.