Condition

2
Chambered cairn
Neolithic
10161
MWE10161
Na h-Eileanan Siar

Description

The remains of a much disturbed stony mound, sited on the coast edge, may represent a Neolithic chambered cairn. The site stands on the edge of a tidal islet, which at times is entirely cut off by the sea. The visible remains comprise of a low mound, measuring some 11m in diameter and standing up to 1m high. The seaward edge (north) of the mound is actively eroding and stony cairn material can be seen in the coastal exposures. Towards the center of the mound, the tops of two rows of large stones, probably representing the side walls of a passage, protrude through the turf. These are orientated east-west. Further large stones at the eastern tip of the mound may be part of a facade. There is no longer any trace of the surrounding kerb, noted previously by Henshall (see RCAHMS Canmore entry). In addition to coastal erosion, this site is being undermined by rabbit burrowing. It is recommended that a survey and/or rescue excavation be undertaken without delay. Update October 2014: In terms of the active erosion reported, it is felt this is of old surface deposits of soil and turf formed by sea-washed/windblown seaweed and sand and sheep grazing rather than the original cairn structure, which, if it followed the Uist model, would have been made entirely of rock stones, boulders and slabs. (see photo 1) No active rabbit burrowing was observed and this seems unlikely given that the whole site is probably inundated at extreme high tides. The 'holes' are more likely to be washed out cavities between the stone structure. (see photo 2)
Site visit at April high spring tide to observe 'normal' inundation - see April 2022 photos

Location

80981.82
845480.25
27700
57.3874771
-7.3114707

Submitted photographs

Image Date Caption User
High resolution stitched panorama of the chambered cairn at high spring tide, viewed from the east 17/04/2022 High resolution stitched panorama of the chambered cairn at high spring tide, viewed from the east Smilemaker
High resolution stitched panorama of the chambered cairn at high spring tide, viewed from the east
The chambered cairn at high spring tide, viewed from the south 17/04/2022 The chambered cairn at high spring tide, viewed from the south Smilemaker
The chambered cairn at high spring tide, viewed from the south
Cairn and islet 28/10/2014 Cairn and islet DavidNewman
Cairn and islet
Aerial view from NE 28/10/2014 Aerial view from NE DavidNewman
Aerial view from NE
Aerial plan view 28/10/2014 Aerial plan view DavidNewman
Aerial plan view
Rubha Ghaisinis, Carnan, Sig More. Holes 25/10/2014 Rubha Ghaisinis, Carnan, Sig More. Holes DavidNewman
Rubha Ghaisinis, Carnan, Sig More. Holes
Rubha Ghaisinis, Carnan, Sig More. View from north 25/10/2014 Rubha Ghaisinis, Carnan, Sig More. View from north DavidNewman
Rubha Ghaisinis, Carnan, Sig More. View from north

Submitted updates

Update id Date User
3737 17/04/2022 Smilemaker
Tidal state High
Site located? Yes
Proximity to coast edge Coast edge
Description Site visit at April high spring tide to observe 'normal' inundation - photos taken (below)
1827 25/10/2014 DavidNewman
Tidal state Low
Site located? Yes
Proximity to coast edge Intertidal
Coastally eroding? has eroded in the past
Visibility above ground Highly visible (substantial remains)
Visibility in section Limited visibility in section
Access accessible on foot (no footpath)
Local knowledge don't know
Description The remains of a much disturbed stony mound, sited on the coast edge, may represent a Neolithic chambered cairn. The site stands on the edge of a tidal islet, which at times is entirely cut off by the sea. The visible remains comprise of a low mound, measuring some 11m in diameter and standing up to 1m high. The seaward edge (north) of the mound is actively eroding and stony cairn material can be seen in the coastal exposures. Towards the center of the mound, the tops of two rows of large stones, probably representing the side walls of a passage, protrude through the turf. These are orientated east-west. Further large stones at the eastern tip of the mound may be part of a facade. There is no longer any trace of the surrounding kerb, noted previously by Henshall (see RCAHMS Canmore entry). In addition to coastal erosion, this site is being undermined by rabbit burrowing. It is recommended that a survey and/or rescue excavation be undertaken without delay. Update October 2014: In terms of the active erosion reported, it is felt this is of old surface deposits of soil and turf formed by sea-washed/windblown seaweed and sand and sheep grazing rather than the original cairn structure, which, if it followed the Uist model, would have been made entirely of rock stones, boulders and slabs. (see photo 1) No active rabbit burrowing was observed and this seems unlikely given that the whole site is probably inundated at extreme high tides. The 'holes' are more likely to be washed out cavities between the stone structure. (see photo 2)
An up to date aerial survey would be useful to record the existing structures and monitor future erosion patterns. It is hoped to carry this out before the end of 2014. Demote to priority 3
Comments Relative to coastal sites on the west side of Uist, this location is very sheltered, and taking all these factors into account, and the fact that the main cause of degradation to date - robbing - has now ceased, this structure feels to be less of a priority than others.

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