Monument record 2080 - ALLT CHRISAL, BARRA

NL69NW 7.41 6429 9772

For comparable kiln situated immediately to the SW, see NL69NW 7.42.

T28 is an elongated sub-rectangular structure (0.7m wide and 2.1m long) in the form of an open-ended shallow channel oriented NE-SW, the SW end being open.
The sides of the channel are defined by small slabs and blocks of stone (up to 0.4m in size), some of which are set on edge and slightly embedded into the topsoil, while other, thicker ones are laid flat. The structure is cut slightly into the slope at its NE end so that the open SW end is only slightly lower than the normal ground surface; a slight step at the NE end forms a small raised platform. The depth of the channel varies from a maximum of 0.2m at the centre and 0.1m at the step to being almost flush with the surface at the open end; the bottom is paved with flat stones.
The interior of the kiln was filled with a very dark brown loam soil. There were no significant inclusions or contaminants such as sea shells or charcoal deposits. Although the kiln may have been used a number of times, no modifications to its structure could be detected and its infill appeared to be a single unmodified deposit. It is suggested that this kiln may have been used for burning kelp.
P Foster 1989; Branigan and Foster 1995; NMRS, MSS. 595/3 and 595/6.

P Foster, 1989, Discovery and Excavation, Scotland, 69 (Bibliographic reference). SWE10416.

K. Brannigan & P. Foster, 1995, Barra: archaeological research on Ben Tangaval from the end of the Ice Age to the Crofting Commissio, 37, 49, 51, 94-6 fig. 4.1 (Bibliographic reference). SWE33223.