Monument record 12903 - Tom Ta and Mhaol Mor, Leurbost

Just outside the area to be forested the survey discovered a defended settlement, probably dating from the iron age. This will not effect the forestry project in any way and was recorded for the sake of providing context for the other sites found and for the completeness of the Western Isles archaeological record. The settlement occupies a small outcropping ridge by the shore of Loch Grunavat and is approx. 100m long by 20m wide, and in some 10-15m higher than the surrounding land. An artificially enhanced plateau area running the length of this ridge has the remains of defensive wall skirting its edge, and possible defended enterance nearest the loch. Traces of yet another track, presumably running around the loch, are also visible at this end.The whole is markedly different in vegetation colour than the surrounding land, being a vivid and healthy green. A patch of nettles can be foundgrowing near an outcropping rock within the enclosure, which can be indicative of high phosphate levels associated with settlement activity.

Ian McHardy, 2006, The Archaeology of the Tom Ta and Mhaol Mhor area, Leurbost (Unpublished document). SWE41104.