32047: ECC 56.5 Torastay – Blackhouse and outbuildings

Summary:

BLACK HOUSE? (Post Medieval – 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
BARN? (Post Medieval – 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
CORN DRYING KILN? (Post Medieval – 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
Blackhouse remains of uncertain purpose

Location:

NB 3881 1995

Full description:

"Situated on the eastern slopes of Cnocan Biorach, immeidately to the north of the current croft house at Torastay (69.16) are the fragmentary remains of a blackhouse structure surviving primarily as an earthen core with limited stones remaining at the wall faces. Measuring 3 x 3 metres the form and function of this structure are unclear. It may represent the remains of a barn or a corn drying kiln, or equally could be the partial remains of a larger house." (Burgess 2004, 141)

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.