Monument record 912 - LOCH NAN GEARRACHUN, NORTH UIST

NF77SE 1 7674 7419.

(NF 7674 7419) The southernmost islet of Loch nan Gearrachan was occupied by a dun, oval in shape.
Remains of the wall still exist along the N and E edges, and also (under water) on the S and W. The causeway, on the E, is completely submerged. E Beveridge 1911.

This grass-covered islet measures 10.0m by 7.6m and is surmounted by a small modern cairn. There is no trace of any walling or a causeway, and Beveridge may have confused natural stones around the island for walling.
Visited by OS (R D) 25 June 1965.

A small islet towards the south-east end of Loch na Gearrachun, measuring 10m by 7.6m across, was recorded by Beveridge as the site of an oval dun, of which traces of walling and a causeway to the east remained. RCAHMS (1928) reported the possible foundation of a wall beneath the water on the NE side of the islet. A more recent inspection (NMRS, 1965 visit) reported no remains, and dismissed the site as natural in origin. Although not inspected during the current survey, the discovery of a neolithic islet settlement nearby at Eilean Domnhill, Loch Olabhat suggests that other islets in lochs without evidence of substantial stone structures may have a similar origin. Dunwell 1997

Erskine Beveridge, 1911, North Uist: its archaeology and topography, 199, No. 68 (Bibliographic reference). SWE12876.

RCAHMS, 1928, The RCAHMCS 9th Report & Inventory: Outer Hebrides, Skye and the Small Isles, 61-2, No. 195 (Bibliographic reference). SWE5587.

Andrew Dunwell, 1998, Vallay Strand Project 1995-7 (Unpublished document). SWE41015.