Site Event/Activity record EWE137 - Ard Mhor Survey

NF 71 03 - NF 72 03 (area) Babtie Group undertook archaeological investigations in advance of a proposed ferry terminal on the Ard Mhor peninsula. Two potential sites on the W coast of the peninsula were considered, together with three access road options. A preliminary desk-based and walkover survey identified a total of 29 sites of interest, mainly blackhouses, related structures, cultivation remains and clearance cairns, with one kelp oven (associated with the post-medieval kelp-burning industry). One circular stone structure was recognised, and interpreted as a possible shieling, although it could be an earlier building. A detailed topographic survey was undertaken of 17 of the identified sites, together with a further nine sites identified during the survey. One 'blackhouse' was reclassified as a cellular structure, while a linear feature across the neck of a headland (defined by the SMR as a promontory enclosure) proved to be an alignment of monoliths. Some structures were so fragmentary, as a result of later feannagan cultivation, that their nature could not be determined; while they were provisionally interpreted as blackhouses, some could be Early Historic cellular builings. Sponsor: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Johnston, D and Dempsey, J 2000, 93-4