Condition

2
SETTLEMENT, dyke, shell midden
Medieval, Post-Medieval
3983
MWE140117
Na h-Eileanan Siar

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.
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
Detail of wall and midden half way down the section. 11/07/2021 Detail of wall and midden half way down the section. calanaisczas
Detail of wall and midden half way down the section.
Detail of boundary (?) wall in lower part of section. 11/07/2021 Detail of boundary (?) wall in lower part of section. calanaisczas
Detail of boundary (?) wall in lower part of section.
Looking west from the settlement remains, north edge of eroding area in the foreground 11/07/2021 Looking west from the settlement remains, north edge of eroding area in the foreground calanaisczas
Looking west from the settlement remains, north edge of eroding area in the foreground
Looking west across eroding section and boulder beach 11/07/2021 Looking west across eroding section and boulder beach calanaisczas
Looking west across eroding section and boulder beach
Looking north 11/07/2021 Looking north calanaisczas
Looking north
Looking south 11/07/2021 Looking south calanaisczas
Looking south
Looking north 11/07/2021 Looking north calanaisczas
Looking north
Walling in upper part of section looking east. Note sheep and rabbit burrows 11/07/2021 Walling in upper part of section looking east. Note sheep and rabbit burrows calanaisczas
Walling in upper part of section looking east. Note sheep and rabbit burrows
Whole span of eroding part of section looking east 11/07/2021 Whole span of eroding part of section looking east calanaisczas
Whole span of eroding part of section looking east
General view of eroded coast edge 10/05/2016 General view of eroded coast edge training1
General view of eroded coast edge
Coastal exposure showing structures and midden 10/05/2016 Coastal exposure showing structures and midden training1
Coastal exposure showing structures and midden

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.
Reassign priority 2

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