Monument record MWE150216 - Uidh, Taransay

Balds Map of Harris depicts a settlement running along the foot of the hillside from the bay, however they are depicted in two distinct groupings. The 6" OS map sheet (1878) shows the unroofed later settlement of Uidh (SMR.2385) to the south and only shows part of the ruined enclosure boundary of this settlement.
This settlement may represent two distinct phases, given the appearance of the structures on current AP's. It comprises of two attached enclosures, the northern most is circular and incorparates five structures which are of square and rectangular plan (blackhouse?), one appears oval shaped. All features in this enclosure appear to be turf and stone. Two other structures of blackhouse appearance are situated in isolation just to the north. The second enclosure is of an irregular shape and enclosures the area around the southern foot of a rocky outcrop. This enclosure is bisected by a stream running east / west. The enclosed southern portion does not appear to have any features in it. The area north of the stream contains five structures, all but one are entirely grass covered. Three of these structures are rectangular in plan, the other features are oval shaped.
While this multi phased settlement is likely to have a medieval / (earlier) post medieval date, its form and location hint that its origins maybe earlier and that there may be an association with the cross incised stone Clach an Teampuill (SMR.44).
This site would benefit from a detailed survey.
K.Murphy (Archaeologist CnES) 07/09/2021

William Bald, 1805, Map of Harris (Cartographic materials). SWE41213.