Monument record 2002 - AIRD PABBACH, SANDRAY

NL69NE 25 640 906

SY 35: NL 6403 9058 Remains of oblong blackhouse, 7 x 3m internally. internal partition. A second blackhouse (SY38) is situated to NE, at NL 6404 9062. It measures 5 x 4m, with traces of related structures around it. Also in the area is a roundhouse (SY39) at NL 6405 9060. It is 8m in diameter, entrance to S. Wall stands 0.5m high in parts. Adjacent to the roundhouse is a cairn of largish stones (SY 40), 5m in diameter.
NMRS MS 595/6, 10

SY35 (NL64039058) Blackhouse.
Location: Coastal valley floor.
Description: Unimproved blackhouse of subrectangular, 7 x 3.5 m, shape with very rounded external corners. Entrance to north and internal division built south from doorway. The back wall is a revetment against higher flat ground to the north. The single wall lines of vertically set stones suggests that the bulk of the superstructure was of turf, which would be unusual for a blackhouse of this time. As an alternative this building may be considered a shieling.
Brannigan and Foster 2000, 71

SY38 (NL64049062) Complex of blackhouse and shelter.
Location: Coastal valley floor.
Description: Subrectangular unimproved blackhouse on platform with small later circular shelter to one side off the platform.
Brannigan and Foster 2000, 71

SY38a (NL64049062) Blackhouse.
Location: As above.
Description: Very rounded subrectangular, 5 x 4 m, single cell unimproved blackhouse. No internal divisions or entrance visible. Walls stone-faced, earth-filled, 0.8 m wide, using stones up to 0.9 m in size.
Note: Platform visible around northern edge with piles of stone against its lip.
Brannigan and Foster 2000, 71

SY38b (NL64049062) Shelter.
Location: As above.
Description: Circular, 2 m diam., single cell built five courses high.
Note: Surviving height suggests very recent date.
Brannigan and Foster 2000, 71

SY39 (NL64059059) Shieling.
Location: Coastal valley floor.
Description: Oval, 12 x 8 m, single cell of stones. 0.3 - 0.7 m size range, piled 0.5 m high in places. Entrance to the south.
Brannigan and Foster 2000, 71

SY40 (NL64079060) Shelter.
Location: Coastal valley floor.
Description: Single oval, 5 x 3 m, cell with stones in 0.2 - 0.9 m size range. Internal divisions suggested, but uncertain due to mass of collapsed and displaced stonework.
Note: Possible shieling?

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