Monument record MWE157523 - Ormiclate, Loch Ceann a’ Bhaig

Investigated as a potentail crannog site. An artificial islet in this loch was communicated to Blundell (1913, 294-95); however, an inspection in 1965 had previously failed to locate the islet (Canmore). The site location on Canmore is incorrect, but UCAG surveysuggested its location to be at NF 76165 30298. This islet was included in the survey given its overall resemblance to Loch Arnish, a Neolithic crannog investigated in Lewis in 2016 (Garrow et al. 2017), along with the potential to resolve its actual location. The island is located in the western portion of the loch amongst numerous other rocky islands and boulder outcrops. It is oblong (c. 9 x 19m) and covered in dense vegetation, obscuring any understanding of potential surface modifications. Although the loch itself is filled with weed, underwater inspection revealed the island to be completely natural residing on bedrock with no evidence for modification. A second island located to the far west of loch was also inspected but also found to be natural. No material remains were observed in association with either one. As the island is clearly natural and does not contain a causeway it is possible that this is not the site mentioned by Blundell. Further, an artificial channel has been constructed between this loch and Loch Eynort, a sea loch that connects to the Minch. The suggests substantial changes in loch levels since prehistory (or even since the time of Blundell’s notice). It is thus possible that the islet of interest is now submerged. This would require further environmental and geophysical work to resolve.
Blankshein.S et al (2022)
KM (Arch Service) 09/05/2025

Stephanie Blankshein, Angela Gannon, Duncan Garrow, Fraser Sturt, 2022, UIST CRANNOG SURVEY (Monograph). SWE41375.