Monument record 11623 - NORTH UIST, BALABAN

NF77SW 41 7338 7437

Six structures, some of which may be shieling-huts, lying in the lee of a low knoll to the NE of Baleban, were recorded during a pre-afforestation survey of Beinn Riabhach, North Uist. The structures are predominantly turf-built. The larger building (NMRS MS899/145, no.9a) is subrectangular on plan and measures c.8m by 3m (widening to 4m at its N end). It is defined by 0.9m wide banks which stand up to 0.3m in height. The offset between the N and S end of the building is clearly visible in the W wall. The second building (NMRS MS899/145, no.9f) has two compartments and is subsquare with rounded corners with 0.7m wide grass-covered banks standing up to 0.5m in height. The larger compartment measures 4m across with a second, smaller, compartment measuring 3.5m by 2m on the SW. There are possible entrances in the E wall of the building as well as one in the partition wall.
The remaining four structures are quite small. Two of the structures are no more than small enclosures or pens, measuring 3m by 2m and 2m across respectively (NMRS MS899/145, nos.9b and 9e): the latter abuts a knoll on the W. The other two structures measure 3m and 4m across within heather-covered banks standing up to 0.8m in height (NMRS MS899/145, nos.9b and 9d). Entrances are not discernible in either structure.
C Lowe and M Dalland (Headland Archaeology) 16 December 1998; NMRS MS 889/145, no.9

REPORT DATE: 25/02/2000