Monument record 14215 - Loch na Cartach, Scarasta/Borve, Harris

Site 1, Shieling group
this site is marked upon the modern 1:10,000 OS map as one isolated shielling. Fieldwork established the presence of at least 5 small circular shielings surrounding this larger centrl example, spread out over an area of about 50m. The main shielling itself has also been rebuilt over an older shieling. The shielings overlook and are surrounded by flat marshy ground. Peat cuttings are evident around the area.
Shieling s A & B
This is the 'shieling' marked on the map, and the one from which the coordinate is taken. It is thought that this si in fact two shielings, one built on top of the other, but maintaining the use of the first, inplying a long period of use. This is not seen in the surrounding examples. They also contrast with the rest of the group in that they are sub-rectangular in plan, where all the others are circular. They occupy the summit of a rocky knoll 3-4m high, presently covered in bright green grass & reeds.
A has well built walls of drystone construction standing up to four courses high, using dressed blocks up to 0.4m in size of local gneiss. The walls are between 0.6-0.8m wide and although overgrown have well defined edges, having not collapsed very much. The walls clearly overly those of shieling B. Internally the shieling measures 2.6m north-sout and 2.5m east-west.
Shieling B is larger than A, being 3m east-west and 2.4m north-south internally, and having walls 1m thick. These walls stand two courses high only to the western extent and elsewhere have been reduced to rounded banks up to 0.5m high.
Shieling C
located at NG 04096 92386, 5m east of A & B, occupying another outcrop of rock, 4-5m above the flat land. It is circular, very small and insubstantial, but clearly visible, and measures at most 2m in diameter with walls of around 0.5m wide. It has an entrance to the south.
Shieling D.
Located at NG 04075 92380, approximately 6m west of A & B, and at the foot of that outcrop. It does occupy a very slight rise… again, it is circular, at most 2m in diameter, with walls c. 0.5m thich. Its entrance faces east.
Shieling E
located at NG 04068 92392, c. 8m NW of D. It has been built up against a low rock outcrop which forms its back wall. This shieling has approximately the same dimensions as C & D, but has an entrance facing west.
Shieling F
lcoated at NG 04102 92374, wouth and east of the others. It is more comparable to A & B in size, being 3m in diameter, but with the usual 0.5m thich circular plan walls. It is built up against a small rock face which forms its back wall, similar to E, but has an entrance opening to the south.
Shieling G
located at NG 04095 92358, at the southern foot of the long outcrop which C. is built upon. It is even smaller than the rest, being only 1.5m diameter, with the usual circular 0.4-0.5m htick walls. It is freestandinga couple of metres away from the rock. Its entrance faces west.
McHardy 2006, 4-7

Ian McHardy, 2006, Scarasta & Borve common Grazings Forestry Scheme, Loch na Cartach, Harris (Unpublished document). SWE41126.