Monument record 1997 - GLAC NA BUIDHE, BARRA

NL69NE 23 6863 9746

S6: Three, possibly four, raised platforms covered in ferns. The largest (A) appears to be either trapezoidal or irregular in shape, and measures 17m x 8m (at its broadest, seaward end). At its broad end at least two courses of stone walling are visible for length of c.5m, overlain by a deposit of dryish, slow-growing peat c.20cms deep. Platform B measures c.9m x 3m, and platform C c.16m x 5m. Along the south side of platform C there are traces of stones and rock outcrops. These appear to be the sites of 3 buildings forming a complex, and possibly of relative antiquity to judge from the peat formation over the wall of building A, but this interpretation is tentative. Mediaeval or earlier?
NMRS MS/595/6, 4

14. Ru-fear-Vatersay (S6)
Site type: building platforms?
...There are some old peat cuts in the area, and it is possible that these platforms are the accidental products of this activity, but on balance we think it more likely the mounds pre-date the peat cutting. The short stretch of wall at the front of mound A is covered by about 20 cms of peat.
Branigan and Grattan 1998, 23

Also in Branigan and Foster 2000, 19

Keith Branigan & John Grattan, 1998, Coastal Assessment Survey Barra and Vatersay, 23 (Bibliographic reference). SWE41024.

Keith Branigan & Patrick Foster, 2000, From Barra to Berneray: Archaeological Survey and Excavation in the Southern Isles ..., 19 (Bibliographic reference). SWE41033.