Monument record 512 - ST KILDA, BLACK HOUSE

NF19NW 8 10 99.

When Thomas visited St Kilda c 1866, only one house of the old 'black-house', or 'Tigh Dubh', type remained occupied. This had a 'crub' (ie. sleeping accommodation recessed into the wall) but except for this feature, which was typical of 'black-houses', this example had all those of the newer style of building (F W L Thomas 1870). 'Black-houses' (17-18th century in date) were the natural successors of the 'beehive-annexe' type (K Williamson and J M Boyd 1960)
F W L Thomas 1870; K Williamson and J M Boyd 1960.

This specific 'black-house' was not found during perambulation of the village, but it would appear to be almost certainly one of the village group, many of which have had their walls restored, thus covering any 'crubs' which may have existed. Two houses 'with beds in wall' are noted on Sharban's plan (H Sharban, NMAS Mss, {plan of St Kilda village 1860}) Visited by OS (J L D) 7 August 1967.

F W L Thomas, 1866-8, Proc Soc Antiq Scot, 158 plan (Bibliographic reference). SWE7733.

K and J M Williamson and Boyd, 1960, St Kilda Summer, 64 (Bibliographic reference). SWE12816.