Monument record 10204 - LSFH 39.2 Seaforth Head

Summary

Building, possibly barn, blackhouse or smoking shed

Location

Grid reference NB 29109 16362 (point)
Map sheet NB21NE
Island Lewis
Parish LOCHS, Western Isles

Map

Type and Period (3)

Full Description

"The fragmentary remains of this structure measure 5 x 4 metres and are orientated from west to east. Standing no more than 0.5 metres high the walls of this rectangular structure are constructed of stone with an earth core and have been very heavily robbed. A possible entrance can be identified at the east end of the south wall. The size, construction and form of this building suggest it was built as a barn, but there are no houses in the immediate vicinity. Another interpretation may be that it relates to marine industry taking place at the eastern end of Loch Seaforth Head, perhaps serving the purpose of a smoke or salting house for fish." "Situated on the north shore of Loch Seaforth Head, near its eastern end, the remains of this industry consist of 3 strucutres grouped closely together in the shore, all of which are unusual in shape and form and seem to have no relationship to a blackhouse settlement (39.1, 39.2, 39.3). In addition to this a stone dyke or dam (39.5) crosses the end of the loch forming a fish trap or lobsterwall, designed to gather fish or store trapped shellfish. It is likely that this group represents the remains of a fish processing industry." (Burgess 2004, 64 and 69-70)


Chris Burgess, Northamptonshire Archaeology, 2004, Archaeological Survey and Evaluation of Eilean Chalium Chille and the Putative Site of the Seaforth Head Castle (Unpublished document). SWE41054.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • --- Unpublished document: Chris Burgess, Northamptonshire Archaeology. 2004. Archaeological Survey and Evaluation of Eilean Chalium Chille and the Putative Site of the Seaforth Head Castle. Loch Seaforth Head Gazeteer.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (0)

Record last edited

Jul 19 2004 1:49PM

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