Monument record 10390 - ECC 55.3 Torastay

Summary

Structure and enclosures

Location

Grid reference NB 38822 20100 (point)
Map sheet NB32SE
Island Lewis
Parish LOCHS, Western Isles

Map

Type and Period (2)

Full Description

"Situated above the north-western shore of Tob na Muilne at its entrance to Loch Erisort, this group of three interconnecting enclosures cover an area measuring 22 x 13 metres and are orientated from west to east. Constructed of drystone the walls stand to a maximum height of 1.5 metres, but are heavily denuded in some places. The most westerly of these enclosures measures 13 metres from west to east and 7 metres from north to south and has an entrance at the centre of its west wall. Internally three small circular 'beds' are defined by a single course of stones, these measure between 1 and 1.5 metres in diameter. A second opening in the northern end of the east wall gives access to the second enclosure. The second enclosure measures 6 metres from west to east and 13 metres from north to south and is accessible only from the enclosure to the west. Internally there is a single circular 'bed' similar to those seen in the enclosure to the west. The third enclosure measures 9 x 3 metres and is orientated from north to south. Located on the eastern side of the second enclosure this smaller structure has a single entrance in the centre of its eastern wall. Under the walls of this third enclosure and under other parts of this complex there is some evidence of earlier structures, possibly blackhouses, though the remains are too fragmentary to define. These structures are thought generally to date to the crofting phase and represent a period of overflow where small scale apportionments were made defining a specific area of cultivation outwith the extent of the ordinary apportionments. The remains of a small blackhouse may be seen immediately to the south-west (56.4) and a larger field enclosing lazybeds (50.2) is attached to the north and eastern side of this complex." (Burgess 2004, 139)

The earlier structures indentified above are depicted on the 6" 1st edition map (1854); showing a roofed 'L' shaped house seemingly overlieing a rectangular ruin. These structures are located within a head dyke that contains the small peninsula. The 2nd edition map sheet indicates the rest of the existing later features.
KM (Arch Service CnES)


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

Feb 27 2023 3:25PM

Comments and Feedback

Do you have any questions or more information about this record? Please feel free to comment below with your name and email address. All comments are submitted to the website maintainers for moderation, and we aim to respond/publish as soon as possible. Comments, questions and answers that may be helpful to other users will be retained and displayed along with the name you supply. The email address you supply will never be displayed or shared.