A drystone dyke and shell midden, part of a deserted pre-crofting settlement comprising a blackhouse, sheep pens, a shorter possible blackhouse structure and the footings of several further similar buildings. These were recorded as either roofed buildings or unroofed ruins on the 1st edition OS map.
Lies within the Scheduled area of the Tigh nan Cailleachan Dubha settlement at Mealista. Local tradition describes this site as a Dominican nunnery, and it was included in a research project on chapel sites on Lewis (Barrowman 2005) but this study concluded that this interpretation of the site is highly unlikely.
ShoreUPDATE 10/05/2016
Eroded coast edge with remains of tumbled stone structures, stone and turf dyke running along the coast edge, now partly eroded. Also midden deposits c.1m deep containing shell, animal bone and pottery. Coastal exposures relate to associated extensive settlement in the hinterland.
July 2021. The eroding part of the section in the south end of the settlement appears as unstable as in 2016, although the condition has not changed much. Sheep and rabbits continue to be an issue. Rabbit burrows appeared active. The settlement occupies a small bay of blown sand in an otherwise rocky shore. The beach in front of the sand dune is of large rounded boulders, and obviously very high energy.
Location
99061.13
924052.52
27700
58.1027799
-7.1104040
Submitted photographs
Image
Date
Caption
User
11/07/2021
Detail of wall and midden half way down the section.
calanaisczas
11/07/2021
Detail of boundary (?) wall in lower part of section.
calanaisczas
11/07/2021
Looking west from the settlement remains, north edge of eroding area in the foreground
calanaisczas
11/07/2021
Looking west across eroding section and boulder beach
calanaisczas
11/07/2021
Looking north
calanaisczas
11/07/2021
Looking south
calanaisczas
11/07/2021
Looking north
calanaisczas
11/07/2021
Walling in upper part of section looking east. Note sheep and rabbit burrows
calanaisczas
11/07/2021
Whole span of eroding part of section looking east
calanaisczas
10/05/2016
General view of eroded coast edge
training1
10/05/2016
Coastal exposure showing structures and midden
training1
Submitted updates
Update id
Date
User
3620
11/07/2021
joannahambly
Tidal state
Mid
Proximity to coast edge
Coast edge
Coastally eroding?
active sea erosion; active wind erosion (in dunes only); has eroded in the past
Other threats
Rabbits, livestock
Access
easily accessible - no restrictions
Local knowledge
is well visited; has local associations/history
Description
July 2021. The eroding part of the section in the south end of the settlement appears more unstable, probably due to dry weather, sheep and rabbits. Rabbit burrows appeared active. The settlement occupies a small bay of blown sand in an otherwise rocky shore. The beach in front of the sand dune is of large rounded boulders, obviously very high energy.
Only a small part of this extensive multi-period settlement is eroding, but this part is particularly vulnerable because it is blown sand in a high energy marine environment.
Monitor regularly.
Comments
July 2021. Drone survey carried out of the coastal part of the settlement.
2676
10/05/2016
training1
Tidal state
Low
Site located?
Yes
Proximity to coast edge
Coast edge
Coastally eroding?
active sea erosion; has eroded in the past
Threats
animal burrows
Visibility above ground
Limited visibility (partial remains)
Visibility in section
Clearly visible in section
Access
easily accessible - no restrictions
Local knowledge
has local associations/history
Description
A drystone dyke and shell midden, part of a deserted pre-crofting settlement comprising a blackhouse, sheep pens, a shorter possible blackhouse structure and the footings of several further similar buildings. These were recorded as either roofed buildings or unroofed ruins on the 1st edition OS map.
Lies within the Scheduled area of the Tigh nan Cailleachan Dubha settlement at Mealista. Local tradition describes this site as a Dominican nunnery, and it was included in a research project on chapel sites on Lewis (Barrowman 2005) but this study concluded that this interpretation of the site is highly unlikely.
ShoreUPDATE 10/05/2016
Eroded coast edge with remains of tumbled stone structures, stone and turf dyke running along the coast edge, now partly eroded. Also midden deposits c.1m deep containing shell, animal bone and pottery. Coastal exposures relate to associated extensive settlement in the hinterland.