Monument record 8587 - Biruaslum, Barra

11. Biruaslum (BM6)
NL61039626
A remarkable linear arrangmeent of probably twelve circular structures strung out over c. 130m near the cliff edge. They form two groups, separated by a huge boulder. The north-eastern group appears to comprise six circular or oval structures, the largest c. 8m dia., and the smallest c. 3.5m. The latter is on the end of a spur wall which runs out from the end of the cluster of five structures. In addition, walls link some of the structures, to form two irregular enclosures or yards. The south-western group comprises four linked structures, the larges c. 8m dia, with a fifth standing slightly apart with a short stretch of straight wal attached to it. A sixth oval structure 10 x 5m stands to the north, the only one of the twelve not on the main alignment. This appears to be a cluster of eleven huts with the largest oval structure more probably a pen. They are well-embedded and probably of considerable antiquity. Immediately to the north-east is the large defensive stone wall (BM7, SMR no. 1440) usually, and probably rightly, attributed to the Iron Age. This wall clearly defends the eastern tip of Biruaslum from attack from the west (the east is defended by the sea dyke which separates Vatersay from Biruasum). If the huts were Iron Age we would expect them to be within the defended area. Equally, if they were earlier than the defence wall (and there is neolithic occupation on Birualsum, see BM8, SMR no. 8588), then one might expect them to have been robbed out for building the wall. On balance, therefore, we incline to the view that this interesting settlement is post-Iron Age and probably mediaeval or early modern.
Brannigan & Grattan, 1998. 37

BM6 (NL611962) A remarkable linear arrangement of probably 12 circular structures strung out over c. 130 m near the cliff edge. They form two groups separated by a huge boulder. The north-eastern group appears to comprise 6 circular or oval structures, the largest c. 8 m diam. And the smallest c. 3.5 m. The latter is on the end of a spur wall that runs out from the end of the cluster of 5 structures. In addition, walls link some of the structures to form two irregular enclosures or yards. The south-western group comprises 4 linked structures, the largest c. 8 m diam., with a fifth standing slightly apart with a short stretch of straight wall attached to it. A sixth oval structure, 10 x 5 m, stands to the north, the only one of the 12 not on the main alignment. This appears to be a cluster of 11 huts with the largest oval structure more probably a pen. They are well-embedded and probably of considerable antiquity. Immediately to the north-east is the large defensive stone wall (BM7) usually, and probably rightly, attributed to the Iron Age. This wall clearly defends the eastern tip of Biruaslam from attack from the west (the east is defended by the sea dyke that separates Vatersay from Biruaslam). If the huts were Iron Age we would expect them to be within the defended area. Equally, if they were earlier than the defensive wall (and there is Neolithic occupation on Biruaslam, see BM8) then one might expect them to have been robbed out for building the wall. On balance, therefore, we incline to the view that this interesting settlement is post-Iron Age and probably medieval or early modern.
Brannigan and Foster 2000, 49

Keith Branigan & John Grattan, 1998, Coastal Assessment Survey Barra and Vatersay (Bibliographic reference). SWE41024.

Keith Branigan & Patrick Foster, 2000, From Barra to Berneray: Archaeological Survey and Excavation in the Southern Isles ... (Bibliographic reference). SWE41033.