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Archaeological notes on Loch Sgadavagh Isle and accompanying sketch, c1869

 Item
Identifier: Coll-97/CW150/69

Scope and Contents

Archaeological notes on Loch Sgadavagh Isle [Loch Sgadabhagh, Uibhist a Tuath/North Uist] including a sketch plan of the ruins there with their dimensions, noting that there is a place for the boat at the door an destimating the age [of ruins] to be two or three hundred years old. Carmichael states that the loch is named after the island of Scadabhagh which is 'low, green & flat' and notes that thick heather or eilteach grows there. He adds that there is a pillar about five feet high at Eilean-du-mor [Eilean Dubh Mòr] where the late Lord MacDonald killed his first stag and in celebration a gallon of whisky was drunk. Airi na gaoithe and Airi nan seilicheag [Airigh na Gaoithe and Airigh nan Seilicheag] are described as like an egg in shape and about fifty by twenty yards in size. 'All round this soli[d] stone shore plac[ed] in order by man'. A cromleac [cromlech] is described as comprising of a circle of rude stones and a large stone in the centre. On one of the stones in the circle is a 'natural St Andrews cross the full length of the stone - a vein of hard trapped [-]'. Lying around are other larger and smaller stones and other smaller cromlechs. Also noted is a 'Recess[ed] room for a man under a stone lying on top of other at the back of the flag cont[ainin]g the cross'. The dimensions of other stones and crosses are given and Carmichael observes that the foundations are still traceable on the top side, while on the south side are a number of airidhean or folds.

Dates

  • Creation: c1869

Language of Materials

Gaelic English

Conditions Governing Access

This material is unrestricted.

Extent

From the Series: 64 folios ; 17 x 20.3 cm