Condition

2
MIDDEN
9762
Na h-Eileanan Siar

Description

Traced up to 80m from the beach line and for a length of about 100m. Pottery, slag, shell and fishbone found in 1978. A large shell midden was visible at this location as pockets along the dune front. It measures c.3m thick and extends for a length of c.50m. It appears to continue into the hinterland where is it visible on the surface as opposed to in section. A lot of stone is visible eroding on to the beach with some upstanding segments c.2m thick with peat ash lenses. Update September 2014: Midden type deposits about 30m long and 1m deep located c 0.5m below the surface. Burnt stone, charcoal, limpet and whelk shells, stone walling(?) eroding out of dune face. Update visit December 2015: This extensive site appears to be still deteriorating on the shoreline escarpment, mostly due to storm damage and grazing cows causing slippage. IA pottery fragments were visible in many sections and some sections of exposed masonry walling. Update August 2019: As described. More walling visible including possible wall remnants on foreshore in front of eroding section. Lichen growth on exposed walling in section suggests they have been exposed for not more than 2-3 years, supporting observation that this stretch of the section is actively eroding, although generally coast edge is currently stable and vegetated.

Location

69713.00
871002.00
27700
57.6076317
-7.5325766

Submitted photographs

Image Date Caption User
Sept 2014: General view of site and current condition 23/09/2014 Sept 2014: General view of site and current condition DavidNewman
Sept 2014: General view of site and current condition
Aug 2019: Detail of section with midden and wall at north end 23/09/2014 Aug 2019: Detail of section with midden and wall at north end training1
Aug 2019: Detail of section with midden and wall at north end
Aug 2019: Detail of section with midden and wall at south end 23/09/2014 Aug 2019: Detail of section with midden and wall at south end training1
Aug 2019: Detail of section with midden and wall at south end
Aug 2019: General view of site location and current condition. 23/09/2014 Aug 2019: General view of site location and current condition. training1
Aug 2019: General view of site location and current condition.
2. General view 23/09/2014 2. General view richardG
2. General view
1.close up of midden face. 23/09/2014 1.close up of midden face. richardG
1.close up of midden face.
2015: A more substantial section of walling 15/12/2015 2015: A more substantial section of walling Smilemaker
2015: A more substantial section of walling

Submitted updates

Update id Date User
2558 23/09/2014 richardG
Tidal state Low
Site located? Yes
Proximity to coast edge Coast edge
Coastally eroding? active sea erosion; has eroded in the past
Visibility above ground Limited visibility (partial remains)
Visibility in section Clearly visible in section
Access easily accessible - no restrictions
Local knowledge don't know
Description Traced up to 80m from the beach line and for a length of about 100m. Pottery, slag, shell and fishbone found in 1978. A large shell midden was visible at this location as pockets along the dune front. It measures c.3m thick and extends for a length of c.50m. It appears to continue into the hinterland where is it visible on the surface as opposed to in section. A lot of stone is visible eroding on to the beach with some upstanding segments c.2m thick with peat ash lenses.
none
Comments site is as previously described but continues to erode.
2320 15/12/2015 Smilemaker
Tidal state Low
Site located? Yes
Proximity to coast edge Coast edge
Coastally eroding? active sea erosion; active wind erosion (in dunes only); has eroded in the past
Threats stock erosion; visitor erosion
Visibility above ground Not visible
Visibility in section Clearly visible in section
Access easily accessible - no restrictions; accessible - difficult terrain; accessible on foot (no footpath)
Local knowledge is well visited
Description Traced up to 80m from the beach line and for a length of about 100m. Pottery, slag, shell and fishbone found in 1978. A large shell midden was visible at this location as pockets along the dune front. It measures c.3m thick and extends for a length of c.50m. It appears to continue into the hinterland where is it visible on the surface as opposed to in section. A lot of stone is visible eroding on to the beach with some upstanding segments c.2m thick with peat ash lenses. Update visit December 2015 This extensive site appears to be still deteriorating on the shoreline escarpment, mostly due to storm damage and grazing cows causing slippage. IA pottery fragments were visible in many sections and some sections of exposed masonry walling. There were no apparent traces of the site in the hinterland area which is now well covered in vegetation, affording the site some much needed protection.
A watching brief to monitor future exposures. If there is significant further erosion, consideration could be given to intervene.

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