Ceud mile failte gu Diuranais

DURNESS
Highlands of Scotland

 A hundred thousand welcomes to Durness

 

Archeology

Archeology click map

Durness area is rich in archaeological features dating from pre-historic times (circa 3000BC) to post-war military installations. This map shows details of sites and monuments as listed in the NMRS and/or SMR and located either on the Durness Estate or close to its boundaries.

Our main source in drawing up an inventory of archaeological features in the area was the National Monuments Record Scotland (NMRS) operated by the Royal Commission for Ancient and Historic Monuments in Scotland (RCAHMS).  This was supplemented by reference to the Highland Council’s Sites and Monuments Record (SMR).  A check against the sites listed in What to see around Durness[1] was also undertaken.

  • The information contained in  the NMRS and the SMR, although a good starting point, should be treated with some caution as:
  • many of these sites listed have not been surveyed in detail since originally recorded (often in the 1960s and 1970s)
  • descriptions may not be entirely accurate and/or current archaeological thinking may interpret them differently from the way they were originally described
  • sites may not now be as visible as when originally recorded – either due to seasonal vegetation  growth or because of damage through erosion or disturbance
  • Last – but by no means least – the number of features recorded is likely to be only a fraction  of the features actually present due to the fact that very little formal archaeological surveying has been carried out in the Durness area.

 

 

Two archaeological surveys have been made recently of sites in and around Durness, as follows:

  • Durness Archaeological Interpretation Project Report[2], which includes details of sites recorded during walkover surveys of the settlement at Ceannabeinne cleared in 1842 (scene of the Durness Riots) and of the hillside west of Loch Croispol, where extensive, easily-visible features can be seen, ranging from Bronze Age burial cairns and hut circles to 18th Century “improved” agricultural landscape features. The majority of features at both sites were previously unrecorded in the NMRS and SMR.  Appendix One shows a summary of the sites recorded in the Rowan Tree Consulting report.
  • GUARD walkover survey of Loch Croispol and Loch Borralie[3].  This survey identified over 2,000 features, of which the vast majority are not recorded in the NMRS or SMR. A GUARD excavation of some of these features is planned for Summer 2004. 
  • Extracts from Elizabeth Beaton’s Sutherland – An Illustrated Architectural Guide[4] have been added to the NMRS/SMR extracts 
  1. What to see around Durness – Local history, archaeology, geology, Kevin J O’Reilly and Ashley Crockford, Cheltenham, 2001 
  2. Durness Archaeological Interpretation Project, undertaken by Rowan Tree Consulting for the Durness Development Group Ltd, February 2003 
  3. Loch Borralie, Kyle of Durness- Project 950, GUARD, Glasgow University , 
  4. Sutherland – An Illustrated Guide, Elizabeth Beaton, The Rutland Press, Edinburgh, 1995 2003
Site no. 1  Durness Limekiln  NMRS Number: NC45NW 19 Location: NC 4163 5908 SMR No. NC45NW0044 Site Type: Limekiln  Description: None Back to Top
Site no. 2  Allt An Lagain NMRS Number: NC45NW 23 Location: NC 4115 5915 Site Type: Building Description: The footings of a crudely-constructed building 6.5m by 3.5m. Early modern. Back to Top
Site no. 3   Allt An Lagain NMRS Number: NC45NW 22 Location: NC 4060 5970 Site Type: Enclosure Description: A probable early modern cattle pound in a shallow natural gorge. It measures 17 ft by 15 ft and the stones are piled, not built. Letter from K Reid to Ordnance Survey, 25 September 1978. Back to Top

Site no. 4  Loch Eriboll   NMRS Number: NC46SW 1 Location: NC 4049 6102 Site Type: Wheel House SMR Number: NC46SW0001  Scheduled Ancient Monument Description: An enigmatic structure known as Tigh na Fiarnain - House of the Fingalians - and set in an uncultivable area of almost bare rock at a height of over 900ft. It measures 5.5m NE-SW by 5m NW-SE within its dry-built wall, 1.1m thick and 1.4m high, with the entrance in the E.

Wheelhouse
In the interior is a circle of seven orthostats set at a distance of about 1m from the wall, one of which is lintelled, another partially so, and possible roofing slabs lie about.  On the W, an annexe, 8.5m long and 3m broad, defined by erect slabs bedded in the peat, curves round the structure. The peat in the inerior has been scooped out. To the N are traces of an outer wall which appear to curve in towards the annexe wall; and to the SW are vague traces of yet another enclosure formed by erect slabs, now collapsed, and bounded by rock outcrops on the S.
J Mathieson 1925; Information from Dr C S Sandeman, 2nd March 1959; Visited by Ordnance Survey, 5th April 1959.
An unusually well-preserved example of a wheelhouse, as described and illustrated by the previous authorities. Tumble has been added to the wall accentuating its height, and the S side of the entrance has been buttressed against collapse. Some of the internal lintels appear to be re-erections.
Visited by Ordnance Survey, 12th May 1980.
This structure is more akin to the round aisled-houses or 'wags' of the Latheron district of Caithness, having free-standing orthostats as opposed to radial walls or slabs of the true Hebridean wheel-house, and should be considered as a homestead for publication. Its remote location and being so distant from the main group far to the east, is puzzling.
Visited by Ordnance Survey, 1st February 1983 The SMR notes that Historic Scotland had suggested that this site would benefit from some management works to enhance its visitor interest. It was noted that some rebuilt elements of the structure looked precarious. To ensure visitor safety, stabilisation of the worst sections was recommended, and it was suggested that a Historic Scotland architect be consulted. It is understood that Laid Grazings Committee is interested in including this site in a proposed Laid Heritage and Geology Trail. Back to Top
Site no. 5 Portnancon   NMRS Number: NC46SW 5.01  Location: NC 4271 6031 Site Type: Fishing Station  Description: For Portnancon township (centred NC 426 606), see NC46SW 5.00. (Location cited as NC 427 603). Portnancon, pier, store etc. Mid 19th Century. A long coursed-rubble pier with a ramp on one side, with a wood-piled extension at right-angles. There is a two-storey and attic storehouse with external stair to the first floor and the characteriestic Sutherland Estates projecting eaves. A small cottage next door is in similar style. There is also a small smoking house of wooden construction on a stone base.  J R Hume 1977. Back to Top

Port Na Con
Site no. 6  Portnancon NMRS Number: NC46SW 5.00  Location: NC 426 606 Site Type: Township Description: A township comprising two unroofed and seven roofed buildings is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Sutherland 1878, sheet xv). The township contains four unroofed and five roofed buildings and several enclosures on the current OS 1:10,560 map (1961). Three of the roofed buildings on the 1st edition OS 6-inch are part of Portnancon Fishing Station at NC 427 603 (NC46SW 5.01). Information from RCAHMS, 14 August 1995. Back to Top  

Port na Con
Site no. 7  Port Chamuill  NMRS Number: NC46SW 11  Location: NC 4312 6094 Site Type: Longhouse Description: Longhouse, 25m by 5m. Back to Top

Port Chammell
Site no. 8  Port Chamuill  NMRS Number: NC46SW 12   Location: NC 429 611 Site Type: Township  Description: Footings of three buildings, measuring from 14m by 4m to 21m by 4m, of 18th-19th century date and remains of accompanying enclosures. Lazy-bed cultivation is present. Visited by Ordnance Survey, 17th April 1980.
A township comprising two unroofed buildings and an area of cultivated ground is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Sutherland 1878, sheet xv). The township is depicted as seven unroofed buildings on the current edition OS 1:10,560 map (1961). Information from RCAHMS, 15th August 1995. Back to Top
Site no. 9  Portnancon South  NMRS Number: NC46SW 3   Location: NC 427 611 Site Type: Souterrain (Possible)  SMR Number: NC46SW0003 Scheduled Ancient Monument Description: NC 427 611. This possible souterrain is a mound within 10.0m E of the road, with stonework in the base of the lower (E) side; it sounds hollow when jumped on. Visited by A L F Rivet, Assistant. Archaeological Officer, 21st August 1964.
The SMR record goes on to note that “there is no evidence of a souterrain at the map reference given or in the vicinity. The only mound located is natural”. Back to Top

 

Site no. 10  Portnancon  NMRS Number: NC46SW 2 Location: NC 4282 6129 Site Type: Souterrain; Hut-Circle  SMR number: NC46SW0002  Scheduled Ancient Monument Description:  An Leabaidh-fholaich' - the Hiding Place (Name Book 1874) - or 'An Tigh Fo Thalaidh' (OS 6"map, 2nd ed., 1908) - an apparently meaningless name, which may be for 'An Tigh Fo Thalaimh' - the House below the Ground - is a souterrain which was cleared and drained by Buxton between 1927 and 1935. 

Souterain
The entrance was blocked by a slab 3ft 6ins long and 2ft 6ins high which now lies beside it, and the flight of twelve stone steps which led down into the gallery had been infilled by earth and stones. The gallery itself was 27ft long and 4ft 4ins to 5ft 5ins high; and the walls of undressed stone rose in an outward curve so that the width across the floor was 4ft 3ins, half-way up it was 5ft and at the roof, where it was spanned by stone lintels, it was 3ft 5ins. The end chamber was 4ft 9ins high and 5ft 7ins wide and at the NE corner was a hollow in the floor 4ft in diameter and about 2ft deep, which may have been used to drain the gallery. No relics were found but, after draining, the floor deposit yielded fragments of bone which were, however, too small for identification.
The entrance passage to the souterrain measures 3m long and 0.8m wide. The gallery could not be examined as the floor is again flooded but it could be seen that the walls and roof were in good condition. A mound, 1m high, covers the souterrain. Visited by Ordnance Survey, 5th April 1960.
The souterrain is as described in the preceding reports. It has been entered from within a hut circle in the SE arc but all that remains of the latter is an arc of walling extending for about 4.5m on either side of the entrance to the souterrain. The wall is overlaid by debris (presumably cleared from the souterrain) but it appears to have been about 2.0m wide, with five or six large stones on edge defining the inner face. The majority of the hut has been destroyed by the road and a ruinous field wall parallel to the road. Visited by Ordnance Survey, 12th May 1980.

The SMR notes that it has been suggested by Historic Scotland that this site would benefit from some management works to enhance its visitor interest. The souterrain is hidden by dense bracken in high summer and autumn. It is recommended that the bracken should be controlled to allow easier access, and to reveal the remains of the associated hut-circle. Again, it is understood that Laid Grazings Committee is interested in including this site in a proposed Laid Heritage and Geology Trail

 

From Souterrains in Sutherland by Alex Morrison

Portnacon is noted as having been entered from what was originally the south-east arc of a hut circle. Describing the eirde house at Eriboll , Arthur Mitchell (1866) noted that other underground structures in the district were known as leabidh fholaich ('hiding beds'). Wainwright (1963. 14) dismissed the 'refuge' theory, noting the impossibility of defending such a structure from the inside and particularly that their location would not be unknown to a potential attacker. It would also be unlikely if, as suggested above, the roofing were visible on the surface. The Sutherland sites are even less likely, on account of their narrowness and lower roofing, to have offered safe refuge in times of trouble. By contrast, many of the Irish souterrains, with their elaborate air vents, angled passages, hidden chambers, drop holes and 'creeps', seem to be constructed for defence or protection rather than storage (Warner 1979). A bronze spiral finger ring and a bronze spherical object “showing numerous small hammer-marks', were said to have been found in the souterrain at Eriboll  Back to Top
Site no. 11 Coire Na Creubhaich  NMRS Number: NC36SE 27 Location: NC 399 619 Site Type: Shieling-Huts (Possible)  Description: Three unroofed structures which are depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Sutherland 1878, sheet xiv) may be shieling-huts. On the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1988) there are three unroofed structures shown, one of which is depicted as a ruin. Information from RCAHMS, 10th August 1995. Back to Top  
Site no. 12  Meall Meadhonach   NMRS Number: NC46SW 16  Location: NC 411 635 Site Type: Shieling-Huts (Possible)  Description: What may be two unroofed shieling-huts are depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Sutherland 1878, sheet xv). They are not depicted on the current edition OS 1:10,560 map (1961).
Information from RCAHMS, 15th August 1995. Back to Top
Site no. 13 Beinn Ceannabeinne    NMRS Number: NC46SW 4  Location: NC 432 644   Site Type: Shieling-Huts  Description: Steading, 6.0m by 4.0m, with spring and enclosures; on the 550ft contour. T C Welsh 1972. Centred NC 432 644, on a shelf on a hillside, are the earth and stone footings of at least six shieling bothies, dimensions ranging between 4.0m to 5.0m long by 2.0m to 3.0m broad, and the ruins of a later dry-stone building, 6.0m by 4.0m. Visited by Ordnance Survey, 16th April 1980. Back to Top
Site no. 14  Allt Chailgeag  NMRS Number: NC46SW 13  Location: NC 4351 6471 Site Type: Shieling-Hut  Description: Turf and stone footings, approximately 6m by 4m, of a shieling bothy; 20m to the N a linked series of small, crudely-built structures are probably lambing pens.  Visited by Ordnance Survey, 17th April 1980. Back to Top
Site no. 15  Rispond   NMRS Number: NC46NW 13  Location: NC 449 652 Site Type: Township  Description: NC 448 653: Three longhouses, 14m by 19m long by 5m across, with associated enclosures, etc, lie on the N side of the road. Also, at NC 450 652 are two longhouses, one with an enclosure, two ovals 9m by 4m and 7m by 4m, and two rectangles 9m by 5m and 8m by 5m. T C Welsh 1972ab.

Rispond
Corrected to NC 449 652. Deserted crofting township abandoned in 18th-19th century, on W side of Rispond Bay . Landward extent delimited by a head dyke in part renovated and incorporated in the line of a later wall. There are remains of five longhouses, dimensions between 11m to 18m long by 4.5m, with accompanying enclosures and field walls Visited by Ordnance Survey, 11th April 1980.
Footings of longhouse, 26m by 4m, on the N side of the road. Visited by Ordnance Survey, 11th April 1980.
A township comprising seven roofed buildings and one unroofed building is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Sutherland 1878, sheet vi), but not one of the buildings noted by the OS and by Welsh (1972) are shown. One of the roofed buildings is part of Rispond fishing station (see NC46NE 1). Five roofed buildings are shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10,560 map (1961). Information from RCAHMS, 14th August 1995. Back to Top
Site no. 16  Allt Chailgeag   NMRS Number: NC46NW 12  Location: NC 442 652 Site Type: Buildings  Description: NC 442 652. Steading, 9.5m by 4m, with enclosures. TC Welsh 1972.
NC 4423 6524 and NC 4429 6529. Ruins of two dry stone buildings, 10m by 3m and 7m by 4m, one with an adjoining enclosure. Visited by Ordnance Survey, 11th April 1980. Back to Top
Site no. 17  Rispond Road End, Bridge NMRS Number: NC46NW 24 Location: NC 44416528 Site Type: Bridge  Description: None Back to Top
Site no. 18  Clais Charnach NMRS Number: NC46NW 19  Location: NC 4409 6542 Site Type: Building  Description: One unroofed building is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-ich map (Sutherland 1878, sheet vi). There are no buildings shown at this location on the current edition OS 1:10,560 (1961). Information from RCAHMS, 8th August 1995. Back to Top
Site no. 19 Ceannabeinne  NMRS Number: NC46NW 20 Location: NC 4397 6570 Site Type: Enclosure  Description: A single enclosure is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Sutherland 1878, sheet vi). What may be a wall of the enclosure is shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10,560 map (1961).
Information from RCAHMS, 14th August 1995. Note: a walk-over survey of this site which provides much more detailed information on its archaeological features was undertaken by Rowan Tree Consulting for the Durness Development Group Back to Top

Ceannabeinne Township
Site no. 20 Traigh Na H'Uamhag  NMRS Number: NC46NW 4 Location: NC 4415 6599 Site Type: Monastery (Possible)  Description: (NC 4415 6599) Over a natural arch is a causeway defended by two lines of boulders. On the promontory are two buildings - rectangular. The SW edge of the promontory may have been delimited by a wall.
Information from Dr C S Sandeman, Durness, 14th March 1967.

Ceannabeinne monastry
The promontory is approached by a natural causeway about 15ft wide over a natural arch. At the W end six boulders have been set upright in the earth. Sixteen feet to the E of the boulders the causeway is 9ft wide. On the promontory is a sub-rectangular structure, with a rectangular structure about 33ft to the E.
Information contained in letter and field notes from K Reid to Ordnance Survey, 25th September 1978.
A cliff-girt promontory accessible from the landward side by a natural causeway over a natural arch. A line of earthfast angular boulders block the approach, and on the causeway itself an embedded, transverse slab may indicate a further blocking wall. On the promontory are footings of a rectangular structure measuring an estimated 8.5m by 5.0m within a wall 1.2m thick; a short distance to the E among rock outcrops are traces of a small, possibly circular structure. Along the SW side of the promontory and round the NW, stone showing in an eroded scarp indicates a skirting wall. It is unlikely that this is a fort in view of vulnerability from the NE where the cliffs give way to shelving rock. This could well be a monastic settlement and it may not be coincidental that a monastic site (NC46NW 5) is clearly viewed to the W.
Visited by Ordance Survey, 23rd April 1980. Back to Top
Site no. 21  Cnoc Nan Uamhag  NMRS Number: NC46NW 18 Location: NC 438 658 Site Type: Farmstead  Description: This farmstead which comprises two unroofed buildings and one enclosure is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Sutherland 1878, sheet vi). The site comprises two unroofed buildings and three enclosures as depicted on the current edition OS 1:10,560 map (1961). Information from RCAHMS, 8th August 1995. Back to Top
Site no. 22 Sangobeg   NMRS Number: NC46NW 17 Location: NC 427 661 Site Type: Township  Description: A township, comprising five unroofed, twenty-four roofed buildings, one partially roofed building and seventeen enclosures is depicted on the 1st edition OS 6-inch map (Sutherland 1878, sheet vi). The township has sixteen unroofed and nine roofed buildings on the current edition OS map (1961). Information from RCAHMS. 9th August 1995. Back to Top  

Sangobeg
Site no. 23  Leirinmore   NMRS Number: NC46NW 16 Location: NC 421 669 Site Type: Crofting Township   Description: A township, comprising one unroofed and twelve roofed buildings is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Sutherland 1878, sheet vi). The township has six unroofed and seventeen roofed buildings on the current OS 1:10,560 map (1961). Information from RCAHMS, 9th August 1995. Back to Top  
Site no. 24    Leirinmore NMRS Number: NC46NW 23 Location: NC 4215 6716 Site Type: Radar Station  Description: The transmitter block for a Chain Home radar station is situated approximately 70m N of the Smoo Cave Hotel within an area annotated Leirinmore on the current chart copy edition of the OS 1:10560 map (1967). The radar station, which lies to the E of Sango, Smoo radar station (NC46NW 22.00), is visible on vertical air photographs (CPE/Scot/UK/185: 3161-62, flown 1946). Two masts, the transmitter block and the bases of at least two huts are visible on the photographs. Information from RCAHMS, February 1999.
This is possibly a Gee rather than a Chain Home Station, for radio direction of bombers. Information from C Latham and A Stobbs, 1997. Back to Top
Site no. 25  Smoo Cave    NMRS Number: NC46NW 6    Location: NC 4188 6714 Site Type: Caves - settlement site SMR Number: NC46NW0006  Scheduled Ancient Monument . Description: Excavated by GUARD – copy reports available from   Highland Council Archaeology Unit. Back to Top  

Smoo cave
Site no. 26 Smoo  NMRS Number: NC46NW 15 Location: NC 417 669 Site Type: Crofting Township Description: A township, comprising eighteen roofed and two unroofed buildings is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Sutherland 1878, sheet vi). The township has 16 roofed and 2 unroofed buildings on the current edition OS 1:10,560 map (1961). Information from RCAHMS, 9th August 1995. Back to Top
Site no. 27  Sango Radar Station  NMRS Number: NC46NW22.01  Location: NC 4170 6685   Site Type: Military Camp Description: The accommodation camp and what may be the remote reserve generator house for the radar station are situated to the S of Smoo Lodge. The buildings are visible on vertical air photographs CPE/Scot/UK/185: 3160-61, flown 1946). Information from RCAHMS, February 1999. Back to Top  
Site no. 28  Smoo Lodge   NMRS Number: NC46NW 7     Location: NC 4165 6720 Site Type: Gatepiers  Description: Smoo Lodge – Gate piers. Sutherland: An Illustrated Architectural Guide: Smoo Lodge - 18th Century and later.  Wide crow-stepped house said to incorporate the 17th Century house of Murdo Lowe. Lowe was an Orkney merchant who traded out of the geo (inlet) of Smoo and is reputed to have employed local women to carry sacks of meal up the steep track from beach to clifftop in return for an oatmeal biscuit.  Back to Top  

Smoo Lodge
Site no. 29  Leirinbeg, Sango Radar Station  NMRS Number: NC46NW Location: NC 4153 6750 Site Type: Radar Station  Description: Sango or Smoo, Chain Home Low Radar Station occupies much of the area annotated Leirinbeg on the current chart copy edition of the OS 1:10560 map, (1967). Several of the buildings, including the transmitter/receiver block (NC 4150 6780), with tracks and bunkers connected with the radar station are depicted on the map. The Radar Station, with at least five upstanding masts (NC c.4189 6770, NC c.4159 6749, NC c.4148 6754, NC c.4136 6754 and NC c.4127 6756) and a further two mast bases 

Smoo radar Station from Sangomore

A picture from during the second world war period showing the masts of the Radar station at Smoo in the background
(NC c.4175 6764 and NC c.4180 6755), is visible on vertical air photographs (CPE/Scot/UK/185, 3160-61, flown 1946). Many accommodation buildings are also visible, with what may be the remote reserve generator (NC46NW 22.01). Information from RCAHMS and Mr I Brown, February 1999Situated to the N and S side of the A 838 public road, just E of Durness (NC46NW 8). Many buildings are extant connected with the radar and accommodation sites. J Guy 2000; NMRS MS 810/10, Part.1, 4, Vol.3, 4-8 Back to Top  
Site no. 30  Geodha Smoo    NMRS Number: NC46NW 10  Location: NC 420 677 Site Type: Landing-Place  Description: None. Back to Top Smoo Geo
Site no. 31 Leirinbeg House  NMRS Number: NC46NW 9.00 Location: NC 4108 6741 Site Type: Residential  Description: None. Alexander Coupar.  Simple, dignified regularly fronted two-storey whitewashed house built for the Sutherland Estate Ground Officer, the datestone enriched with the Stafford arms.  It is said that masons who worked on Cape Wrath Lighthouse were at Leirinbeg when bad weather kept them from the lighthouse.  Sutherland: An Illustrated Architectural Guide. Back to Top Lerinbeg House

LERINBEG HOUSE built in 1830 over looking Sango Bay .  Lived in now as a private home.

Site no. 32  Church of Scotland   NMRS Number: NC46NW 27   Location: NC 4041 6693 Site Type: Church  Description: None. Sutherland: An Illustrated Architectural Guide. Sangomore, 1844.  William Henderson, remodelled 1891.  White-harled, plain former Free Church with entry in north-facing gable crowned with bellcote. Back to Top

Church
Site no. 33  The Old Manse   NMRS Number: NC46NW 26  Location: NC 4038 6688 Site Type: Manse  Description: None. Sutherland: An Illustrated Architectural Guide: 1885-86 and1830; drawing- and dining-room addition 1865.  Plain house with mural sundial.  Re-used moulded doorpiece dated 1727 inscribed MMD (Murdoch MacDonald) and God sees you.  The Revd Murdoch macDonald (1969-1763) became Minster of Durness in 1726; an accomplished musician, he was well-known as a most melodious and powerful singer and as a supported of the local Gaelic poet, Rob Donn, who composed an elegy in his memory.  (Note: this is an extract from a more detailed entry about the Old Manse contained in the book). Back to Top

Site no. 34  Durine School/Schoolhouse   NMRS Number: NC46NW 25    Location: NC 4031 6760 Site Type: School  Description: None. Back to Top

School and school house
Site no. 35   Durness Inn  NMRS Number: NC46NW 21   Location: NC 403 677 Site Type: Inn Description: None. Back to Top

Inn Village Square old
Site no. 36 Durness Durine NMRS Number: NC46NW 8    Location: NC 4031 6775 Site Type: Crofting Township  Description: Dr Close-Brooks notes the generally older houses gable-end on to road, newer houses side-on. Narrow crofts run back from houses. Information from Dr J Close-Brooks, 1986 Back to Top

Old Durine
Site no. 37  Balvolich, Durness   NMRS Number: NC36NE 82  Location: NC 3982 6783 Site Type: Building (possible)  Description: What may be an unroofed building is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Sutherland 1878, sheet v) and is shown as unroofed on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1991). Information from RCAHMS, 14th August 1995. Back to Top

Balvoolich
Site no. 38  Durine, Durness   NMRS Number: NC36NE 81 Location: NC 399 673 Site Type: Crofting Township  Description: A crofting township containing seventeen roofed and two unroofed buildings is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map    (Sutherland 1878, sheet v). The township has eight roofed and five  unroofed buildings on the current OS 1:10,000 maps: NC46NW (1961). Information from RCAHMS, 14th August 1995. Back to Top
Site no. 39  Durness   NMRS Number: NC46NW 3 Location: NC 40 67 Site Type: Find spot SMR Number: NC46NW0003 Description: In Dunrobin Castle Museum is a 'Bronze swivel, about 2,000 years old, from Durness' (NC 40 67). Visited by Ordnance Survey, 1st July 1960.
A sketch of the swivel is given in a letter from J M Joass, Golspie, to Dr J Anderson, National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland (NMAS), which suggests that it had been found shortly before. He says in a second letter that the keeper of the Ashmolean Museum, after seeing a sketch of it, calls it Late Celtic and believes that it might be from horse gear or a dog collar, although too heavy for the jesses of a falcon. Joass adds that its Celtic character suggests a local origin although Durness was a Viking station. Letters from J M Joass, 10 December 1894 and 20 February 1895.
A bronze swivel, total length 1.8ins, consisting of two cast hemispheres connected by a ball and socket joint, each having a similar loop, 1.85ins across, swelling into animal heads where they are attached to the hemispheres. Surface much worn (Accession No: 109). Information from TS catalogue of Dunrobin Museum (A S Henshall to Ordnance Survey). Back to Top