Monument record MWE149892 - Balivanich

18th - 19th century remains of likely blackhouse(s) and associated structures identified & recorded during watching brief.
Interpreted as later structures than the features identified in the main excavation for Balivanich Primary School.

Structure 6 comprises two walls and an area of cobbled flooring. A substantial drystone wall is thought to represent the external wall whilst the second wall which is smaller and less substantial in construction likely represents an internal partition. An area of cobbling may represent an internal floor surface.

Structure 7 was located at the northern end of structure 6, and comprised three walls, of which 2 appear to be of dry stone construction. It was built directly above the beach deposits and no windblown sand was found within the interior. A possible door-way was identified, No internal floors or features were found associated with this building.

Structure 8 survived as a shallow curved foundation trench, and whilst only a limited extent of the building was exposed during these works it seems that it differed from the typical blackhouse layout of Structure 1. The remains may represent those of a later style of crofter’s cottage, having fire places at both gable ends and likely a purely domestic function

AOC Archaeology Group, EXCAVATIONS OF A POST-MEDIEVAL BLACKHOUSE AND ASSOCIATED STRUCTURES, BALIVANICH, BENBECULA, WESTERN ISLES. (Unpublished document). SWE41208.