Condition

6
Structure
1311
SMR 656
Shetland

Description

Previously interpreted as a Neolithic/Bronze Age house, this site has since been damaged by the insertion of a chicken coop and by coastal erosion. Dish querns, stone implements and peat ash deposits have been noted in the vicinity (Calder, 1958, 370, no. 29) The remains currently visible appear more likely to be a Viking/Norse or Medieval longhouse. A sub-rectangular structure is aligned NW-SE along the slope, at 90o to the coast. It measures 7m in width by at least 16m in length; the seaward end has been truncated by coastal erosion. It is internally divided by a cross-wall. The grass-covered footings stand to 1m high and at least1m wide. At the NW end, where the remains are better preserved, the wall comprises a double face of stone with an earthen core. A large edge-set or orthostatic stone protruding through the grass to the W side of the building may mark the entrance. Further investigation will be required to confirm the nature and condition of the remains. 23 May 2015: As described though does not appear to have been truncated by erosion. The wall on the seaward side of the structure runs parallel to the coast less than a metre behind the coast edge, which is vegetated and stable here. Further to the south small patches of erosion of the coast edge caused by animal burrowing contain deep cultivation soil. The chicken coop noted in the original survey does not appear to have truncated the structure but sits to the north.

Location

455170.00
1165380.00
27700
60.3686409
-1.0015686

Submitted photographs

Image Date Caption User
Landward edge of site looking S 23/05/2015 Landward edge of site looking S training1
Landward edge of site looking S
Site looking SSE 23/05/2015 Site looking SSE training1
Site looking SSE

Submitted updates

Update id Date User
2071 23/05/2015 training1
Tidal state Mid
Site located? Yes
Proximity to coast edge < 10m
Coastally eroding? not eroding
Visibility above ground Limited visibility (partial remains)
Visibility in section Not visible
Access accessible on foot (no footpath)
Local knowledge don't know
Description Previously interpreted as a Neolithic/Bronze Age house, this site has since been damaged by the insertion of a chicken coop and by coastal erosion. Dish querns, stone implements and peat ash deposits have been noted in the vicinity (Calder, 1958, 370, no. 29) The remains currently visible appear more likely to be a Viking/Norse or Medieval longhouse. A sub-rectangular structure is aligned NW-SE along the slope, at 90o to the coast. It measures 7m in width by at least 16m in length; the seaward end has been truncated by coastal erosion. It is internally divided by a cross-wall. The grass-covered footings stand to 1m high and at least1m wide. At the NW end, where the remains are better preserved, the wall comprises a double face of stone with an earthen core. A large edge-set or orthostatic stone protruding through the grass to the W side of the building may mark the entrance. Further investigation will be required to confirm the nature and condition of the remains. 23 May 2015 As described though does not appear to have been truncated by erosion. The wall on the seaward side of the structure runs parallel to the coast less than a metre behind the coast edge, which is vegetated and stable here. Further to the south small patches of erosion of the coast edge caused by animal burrowing contain deep cultivation soil. The chicken coop noted in the original survey does not appear to have truncated the structure but sits to the north.
No active erosion of the site, remove from priorities

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