Monument record 1327 - CLADH MAOLRITHE, BORVE, BERNERAY

NF98SW 8 9121 8068.

(NF 9121 8068) Cladh Maolrithe (NR) (Burial Ground) (Disused)
OS 6"map, Inverness-shire, 2nd ed., (1904)

Cladh Maolrithe, or Cladh Maolruibhe (Information from OS), is a squarish oval enclosure, hollow in the centre, measuring about 45 yards in length and breadth, and surrounded by the remains of an earthen wall spread over a considerable width.
The name suggests a chapel site of St Maolrubha. This is supported by a local tradition that a chapel existed in the graveyard.
Martin (M Martin 1934) states: "There are two chapels in this Isle (Bernaray) to wit, St Asaph's (NF98SW 4) and St Columbus's Chapel.
Name Book 1877; RCAHMS 1928; M Martin 1934.

Cladh Maolruibhe, situated near the top of a hill on gently shelving ground, is generally as described by RCAHMS, except that the enclosed area is on the same level as the exterior, and not hollow. The enclosing earthen bank, indistinct on the E side, is so extensively spread that it must have been of considerable size originally, more suggestive of defence rather than a burial enclosure. A number of shieling-like structures, or cells, 0.6m high, abut against the wall, 4 on the E side and 1 each on the N & S sides, and appear to overlie the wall.
In the centre of the enclosure is an orientated turf-covered foundation measuring 6.5 x 4.5m internally, with walls 1.0m thick and 0.7m high. Possible traces of shell mortar were found, and from the construction of the building it is undoubtedly a chapel of some considerable age.
The site is probably a cashel, as evidenced by the substantial enclosing wall and the chapel within.
Visited by OS (N K B) 20 June 1965.

The site is associated with enclosures and walls over the whole area of the surrounding hill. It is possible that some of the enclosures, which are small, have contained free standing stones or crosses - at least one has evidence of a setting for a stone. MML 2000

Martin Martin, 1695a, A Description of the Western Islands of Scotland c. 1695, 47 (Bibliographic reference). SWE5082.

RCAHMS, 1928, The RCAHMCS 9th Report & Inventory: Outer Hebrides, Skye and the Small Isles, 43, No. 133 (Bibliographic reference). SWE5587.

Name Book (County), 1998, Name Books of the Ordnance Survey, Book No. 5, 240 (Unpublished document). SWE4254.