Monument record 506 - ST KILDA VILLAGE, CLEIT 142

NF19NW 21.20 1002 9954.

This drystone building, which lies outside the head dyke close to Tobar Childa, is of particular interest because it is linked to a ruined cell; compared with a regular cleit it is also of unusual width and height, and has two entrances, one of which is now blocked. Part of the structure forms the W end of an enclosure which abuts the E side-wall. Externally, the walls are battered, and they are also revetted on the E and S, where the ground falls away. Internally, the main structure is 3.66m long and 2.06m wide. The walls are corbelled and ceiled by large slabs at a height of 2.29m above floor-level. The doorway now in use is near the middle of the W side-wall and its outer lintels are two stout timbers containing a series of wooden pegs. Towards the N end of the opposite wall there is another blocked doorway which contains an immured timber jamb and lintel. A wall has been added in this area probably in order to discourage stock from entering the adjacent enclosure.
At the N end of the cleit there is a narrow passage 0.36m high, 0.38m wide, and 0.81m long. It leads into a sub-circular cell, which is represented only by foundations and measures 2.29m in maximum diameter. K Williamson and J Boyd 1960; G P Stell and M Harman 1988.

K and J M Williamson and Boyd, 1960, St Kilda Summer, 61 (Bibliographic reference). SWE12816.

G P and M Stell and Harman, 1988, Buildings of St Kilda, 47, no. 20 (Bibliographic reference). SWE8255.