Monument record 11545 - LEWIS, CUL A' CHLEIT

NB23SW 64 2467 3038

What may be a single unroofed shieling-hut and a sheepfold are depicted (at NB 2310 2828) on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Island of Lewis, Ross-shire 1853, sheet 25). This site lies within a system of head-dykes associated with the township NB23SW 49.
One unroofed building which may be a shieling-hut and one unroofed structure of three compartments which may be the sheepfold are shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1974).
Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 29 September 1997.
REPORT DATE: 05/02/2002

This is a farmstead. This site is located on a small but prominent rock outcrop with standing stones (SMR.217) on its highest piont. The north side of this outcrop comprises of a house and a square shaped enclosure, a later larger rectangular enclosure is super imposed on part of the original sheepfold. These features are set within a system of lazy beds which are predominant along the easten slopes. Further cultivation ridging is evident to the south, along either bank of the Amhuinn Dhubh. The building comprises of a sub oval turf and stone constructed house, orientated E-W with an entrance to the north elevation. Dimensions are 11m x 5m, 0.70m height. There is an attached byre to the west end 2m x 3m and the possible remains of a curved turf structure (wind break / wall?) attached to the south of this.
At the southern end of the outcrop there are the remains of a smaller sub oval structure 6m x3m (NB2463930298) , comprising predominantly of stone with gaps between each, possibly the remains of a cleit. Beyond this to the east a small revetted levelled area leads into a short section of curvilinear walling comprising of large stones; the purpose of which is unclear.
K.Murphy (Archaeologist CnES) 04/01/2021