The Modern Antiquarian. Stone Circles, Ancient Sites, Neolithic Monuments, Ancient Monuments, Prehistoric Sites, Megalithic MysteriesThe Modern Antiquarian

   

North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist

<b>North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist</b>Posted by BillmacAiridh na h-Aon Oidche © Billmac
Also known as:
  • Uibhist a' Tuath
  • Uibhist a' Deas

See individual sites for details

Added by TMA Ed


Discussion Topics0 discussions
Start a topic



Show  |  Hide
Web searches for North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist

Sites in this group:

6 posts
Aird a' Mhorain Cup Marked Stone
12 posts
Airidhan An T-sruthain Ghairbh Chambered Cairn
7 posts
Airidh na h-Aon Oidche Chambered Cairn
7 posts
Ardnamonie Cairn(s)
3 posts
Askernish, Loch An Eilein Stone Fort / Dun
11 posts
Balla Cairn(s)
59 posts
Barpa Langass Chambered Cairn
2 posts
Barpa Nam Feannag Chambered Cairn
16 posts
Beinn A'Charra Standing Stone / Menhir
12 posts
Beinn A' Charra (North Uist) Standing Stone / Menhir
Beinn Bhreac Cairn(s)
9 posts
Ben Scrien Kerbed Cairn
6 sites
Berneray
Cailleacha Dubha Chambered Cairn
9 posts
Caolas Fhlodaigh Promontory Fort
14 posts
Caravat Barp Chambered Cairn
14 posts
Carinish Stone Circle
10 posts
Carnan Buidhe Cairn(s)
10 posts
Carnan Nan Long Chambered Cairn
6 posts
Cill Donnain Ancient Village / Settlement / Misc. Earthwork
10 posts
Clach An T-sagairt Natural Rock Feature
10 posts
Clach Mhor A'che Standing Stone / Menhir
28 posts
Cladh Hallan Round Houses Ancient Village / Settlement / Misc. Earthwork
10 posts
Cleitreabhal A Tuath Chambered Cairn
26 posts
1 site
Clettraval Chambered Cairn
6 posts
Cnoc A' Chaisteal Souterrain
10 posts
Corary Cairn(s)
5 posts
Craig Hasten Natural Rock Feature
12 posts
Craonaval Chambered Cairn
21 posts
Craonaval North Chambered Cairn
9 posts
1 site
Cringravel Cairn(s)
15 posts
Crois Chnoca Breaca Standing Stone / Menhir
12 posts
Crois Mhic Jamain Standing Stones
11 posts
Dun Altabrug Stone Fort / Dun
4 posts
Dun An Duichal Stone Fort / Dun
29 posts
Dun an Sticir Broch
5 posts
Dun Aonais Stone Fort / Dun
3 posts
Dun Ban Stone Fort / Dun
5 posts
Dun Ban (Grimsay) Stone Fort / Dun
8 posts
Dun Buidhe Broch
3 posts
Dun Fhearchair Stone Fort / Dun
3 posts
Dun Grogary Stone Fort / Dun
6 posts
Dun Mor, Baleshare Stone Fort / Dun
9 posts
Dun Na Carnaich Chambered Tomb
3 posts
Dun Na Dise Stone Fort / Dun
4 posts
Dun Nighean Righ Lochlainn Stone Fort / Dun
5 posts
Dun Olavat Stone Fort / Dun
6 posts
Dun Rosail Stone Fort / Dun
6 posts
Dun Ruadh Stone Fort / Dun
3 posts
Dun Scarie Stone Fort / Dun
4 posts
Dun Scolpaig Stone Fort / Dun
3 posts
Dun Scor Stone Fort / Dun
9 posts
Dun Skellor Stone Fort / Dun
4 posts
Dun Thomaidh Stone Fort / Dun
2 posts
Dun Torcuill Broch
10 posts
Dun Trossary Chambered Cairn
10 posts
Dun Vulan Broch
3 posts
Eilean A'Ghallain Stone Fort / Dun
9 posts
Eilean Chreamh Stone Fort / Dun
13 posts
Geirisclett chambered cairn Chambered Cairn
24 posts
Grimsay Wheelhouse Ancient Village / Settlement / Misc. Earthwork
3 posts
Gunisary Bay Stone Fort / Dun
6 posts
Kildonan Crannog
2 posts
Kilpheder Wheelhouse Ancient Village / Settlement / Misc. Earthwork
4 posts
Layaval Standing Stones
Leac Nan Cailleachan Dubha Standing Stones
5 posts
1 site
Loch An Daill Stone Fort / Dun
4 posts
Loch An Eilean Crannog
5 posts
Loch Bornish Cairn(s)
3 posts
Loch Cnoc A' Buidhe Stone Fort / Dun
12 posts
Loch Glen Na Feannag Chambered Cairn
3 posts
Loch Hornary (Grimsay) Stone Fort / Dun
4 posts
Loch Kildonan Stone Circle
5 posts
Loch Nam Faoileann Stone Fort / Dun
5 posts
Loch Nan Gearrachan Stone Fort / Dun
5 posts
Loch Nan Struban Stone Fort / Dun
6 posts
Loch Na Caiginn Stone Fort / Dun
2 posts
Maari Standing Stone / Menhir
2 posts
Na Fir Bhreige Standing Stones
11 posts
Oban Nam Fiadh Chambered Cairn
3 posts
Oban Trumisgarry Stone Fort / Dun
43 posts
Pobuill Fhinn Stone Circle
10 posts
Pollachar Standing Stone / Menhir
24 posts
Reineval Chambered Tomb
12 posts
Rubha Bhidein Stone Circle
5 posts
Rubha Na Moine Cairn(s)
22 posts
Sig More Chambered Cairn
6 posts
Sloc Sabhaidh Wheelhouse Ancient Village / Settlement / Misc. Earthwork
13 posts
Sornach a' Phobuill Stone Circle
5 posts
South Baghasdal Crannog
12 posts
South Clettraval Standing Stone / Menhir
4 posts
Stiaraval Chambered Cairn
6 posts
Striachclete Chambered Cairn
12 posts
Suidheachadh Sealg Stone Circle
1 post
Tigh a Ghearrhaidh Cist
17 posts
Tigh Cloiche Chambered Cairn
10 posts
Tigh Cloiche (South Uist) Cairn(s)
2 posts
Toroghas Standing Stones
3 posts
Ultach Fhinn Standing Stone / Menhir
19 posts
Uneval Chambered Cairn
13 posts
Upper Loch Bornish Stone Fort / Dun
3 posts
Vallay Strand Cairn(s)
3 posts
West Loch Ollay Crannog
9 posts
The Witches Grave Chambered Cairn
Sites of disputed antiquity:
3 posts
Leac A' Mhiosachan Burial Chamber

News

Add news Add news
'Incredibly rare' find in Western Isles prehistoric forest

Archaeologists have found evidence of early human activity at a submerged prehistoric forest in the Western Isles.

More info :

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-46890793
drewbhoy Posted by drewbhoy
16th January 2019ce

3,500-year-old basket excavated at North Uist beach


From the BBC...

"An artefact thought to be 3,500 years old that was uncovered by the tide on a Western Isles beach has been excavated before being washed away.

The prehistoric basket was discovered in an area of shoreline where the sea has been eroding the land at Baleshare in North Uist... continues...
1speed Posted by 1speed
14th November 2014ce

History Dig Debris An Eyesore No More

Uist volunteers clear up former archaelogy site.

With the offering thread in full swing, archeaologists sometimes leave things lying about as well.

http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1760165

Published 1/06/2010.
drewbhoy Posted by drewbhoy
1st June 2010ce

Dig at Ruins Uncovered by Storm


Archaeologists are excavating the remains of houses believed to date back 2,000 years after they were uncovered by a ferocious storm.
Fife-based charity Scottish Coastal Archaeology and the Problem of Erosion (Scape) is leading a community project at the site on North Uist... continues...
The Eternal Posted by The Eternal
27th June 2007ce
Edited 27th June 2007ce

Iron Age chamber found under tractor

An underground chamber undisturbed since the Iron Age was revealed on North Uist when a 10ft hole opened beneath the wheel of a tractor.

Full article can be seen at The Herald's website.
Hob Posted by Hob
4th September 2006ce
Edited 4th September 2006ce

'Mummies' found at Cladh Hallan


Robin McKie, science editor
Sunday March 16, 2003
The Observer

Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of two embalmed humans, providing the first proof that ancient Britons made mummies of their kings and queens... continues...
Rhiannon Posted by Rhiannon
17th March 2003ce
Edited 30th August 2007ce

Folklore

Add folklore Add folklore
There are several big Kairnes of Stone on the East-side this Island [ South Uist ], and the Vulgar retain the antient Custom of making a Religious Tour round them on Sundays and Holidays.
From 'A description of the Western Islands of Scotland' by M. Martin, 2nd edition, 1716.
Rhiannon Posted by Rhiannon
15th December 2016ce

Folklore connecting the stones with the Fianna: I'm not sure which particular sites might be referred to but you may know specifically?
Here in S. Uist are places which we call 'Sorrachd Choire Fhinn.' Up yonder on the hillside are four great stones upon which they set their great kettle, and there are plenty of other places of the same kind. (The square is made with four large flat stones on edge, the sides being set N.S.E.W., five feet by three, inside the oblong. Near this monument are several fallen menhir, tall standing stones.)

The standing stones which you may see in these islands we call Ord Mhaoraich or Ord Bharnaich, bait hammers or limpet hammers. People say that they used these to knock off limpets and pound shells, as we use stones now; but that I do not believe. They say that one of them threw one from the shore up to the hillside near the north end of South Uist, but that cannot be true.
From 'The Fionn Saga' by George Henderson, in 'The Celtic Review' July 15th 1905.
Rhiannon Posted by Rhiannon
15th December 2009ce
Edited 15th December 2009ce

This folklore refers to South Uist, and is from Martin's 'Description of the Western Isles of Scotland' (a tour which he undertook in 1695). It's a shame but I cannot work out where Gleann 'Slyte' must be.
There are several big cairns of stone on the east side this island, and the vulgar retain the ancient custom of making a religious tour round them on Sundays and holidays.

There is a valley between two mountains on the east side called Glenslyte, which affords good pasturage. The natives who farm it come thither with their cattle in the summer time, and are possessed with a firm belief that this valley is haunted by spirits, who by the inhabitants are called the great men; and that whatsoever man or woman enters the valley without making first an entire resignation of themselves to the conduct of the great men will infallibly grow mad. The words by which he or she gives up himself to these men's conduct are comprehended in three sentences, wherein the glen is twice named, to which they add that it is inhabited by these great men, and that such as enter depend on their protection.

I told the natives that this was a piece of silly credulity as ever was imposed upon the most ignorant ages, and that their imaginary protectors deserved no such invocation. They answered that there had happened a late instance of a woman who went into that glen without resigning herself to the conduct of these men, and immediately after she became mad, which confirmed them in their unreasonable fancy.
The book is on line at the Appin Regiment site, here:
http://www.appins.org/martin.htm
Rhiannon Posted by Rhiannon
21st October 2007ce
Edited 21st October 2007ce

Latest posts for North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist

Showing 1-10 of 978 posts. Most recent first | Next 10

Sig More (Chambered Cairn) — Fieldnotes

Follow the same directions as Mark, and stop at the same place. The way over to the cairn was kinder to me, there was hardly any seaweed and in any case I'd had my troubles for the earlier at Ardnamonie.

Unlike the previous two sites I could get to this one and there is quite a lot to see. At 20m wide, damage by both humans and erosion has led to stones falling all around the site 13 in total, some of which might be capstones. Thanks to robbing the chamber can be seen and thanks to the robbing its difficult to tell if there are three areas / compartments. Two can be certainly seen, of the third only two stones remain standing.

One of the nicest 'what ifs' I've seen.

A great way to finish the trip.

Visited 13/08/2023
drewbhoy Posted by drewbhoy
5th January 2024ce

Dun Buidhe (Broch) — Fieldnotes

Slightly to the east Ardnamonie is the much more recognisable broch Dun Buidhe. I walked along the fence line until I reached the site, the ground looked drier so I jumped the fence, walked 8 or 9 paces to end up almost waist deep in the bog.

Sadly it appears that, on drier days, it looks like the site is used as a rubbish tip. Also later buildings have been attached to site, as at Ardnamonie. Even from where I stood or sank, you could see the circular shape of a broch despite being covered vegetation.

Luckily no washer-woman was washing or drying any shrouds on my visit, so all would be fine.

Worth a (re) visit when much, much drier conditions.

Visited 11/08/2023.
drewbhoy Posted by drewbhoy
5th January 2024ce

Dun Buidhe (Broch) — Links

Canmore


Superb aerial photography, and some hardy soul managed to get onto the site.
drewbhoy Posted by drewbhoy
5th January 2024ce

Ardnamonie (Cairn(s)) — Fieldnotes

From Loch an Daill we headed south on the A865 and took the first road heading west.

Similar to Loch an Daill Mary provided a parking space, or rather her shrine did, at the end of the road, or just before it headed south. From the shine I jumped the gate and headed south east, the site is easily spotted.

It has been a trip in which water levels have featured quite a bit, and this is a massive example of dropping water levels. What used to be loch has vanished and changed into a large marsh, perhaps you can get in from the south but looking at aerial photos on Canmore I'd suggest not trying.

However, I got as close as I could, before deciding it was unsafe.

What remains is a bit of a shambles, it appears to have been used for several functions, the outlines of buildings can be seen. It probably has been a cairn or a dun or a broch. Stones could easily have been recycled but as Canmore suggests a proper excavation is needed.

A bit of a what-if.

Visited 11/08/2023.
drewbhoy Posted by drewbhoy
5th January 2024ce

Loch An Daill (Promontory Fort) — Fieldnotes

Not much to see here, look for the promontory on the north east side of the shrine beside the telegraph poles.

There is a wall amongst the tall vegetation which I found very easily by tripping over it. Further towards the shore there is the remains of another small wall before you are in the fort proper.

Worth looking at it, if looking for the dun.

Visited 11/08/2023.
drewbhoy Posted by drewbhoy
5th January 2024ce

Loch An Daill (Stone Fort / Dun) — Fieldnotes

If there was a causeway here, reportedly seen in 1915 but well submerged - by 2003 it had vanished. By the time of my arrival with reports of water levels being quite a bit lower it would be safe to say it might never be found.

The actual dun is still there clearly visible by looking east from the shrine at Ardmore, if heading north from Daliburgh (South Uist) its just before the causeway to Benbecula, if heading south from Benbecula park at the first shrine.

Not much remains on the 'high crannog' except the usual fallen stones and what appears to some kind of standing stone.

Beinn Tairbeirt and Beinn A' Phortair provide dramatic backdrops to the south east.

Visited 11/08/2023.
drewbhoy Posted by drewbhoy
5th January 2024ce

Tigh Cloiche (South Uist) (Cairn(s)) — Fieldnotes

The cairn at Tigh Cloiche has seen a lot of damage done to it throughout the centuries. It still stands, grass covered, at 12m wide by 1m high. Stones can be seen in the middle, first thoughts, to me, it might be remains of a cist but more likely a small shelter of some kind. The site is surrounded in fairly marshy ground. It seems Canmore can't make their minds up also, they didn't declare if it was Neolithic or Bronze Age, perhaps it might even be an Iron Age Wheelhouse. I'd go for a robbed Bronze Age Round Cairn, an excavation would be interesting.

To the north of the cairn there is a minor road heading east, there is plenty pull over space a short distance from the A865. Not wishing to walk down the busy road I headed cross country, straight south via some marsh and the occasional dry bit.

A but of a what if, but worth a visit to speculate.

Visited 11/08/2023.
drewbhoy Posted by drewbhoy
5th January 2024ce

Dun Altabrug (Stone Fort / Dun) — Fieldnotes

We returned to West Loch Ollay from the standing stone at Crois Chnoca Breaca and took the car to Dun Altabrug.

Take the road that swings north, the road we came, and at the junction head west. Keep going, past a minor road, and as the road swings north east take the first minor road south, stopping at the road's end. We were given permission to park by the occupant at Peninerine.

Head south east up and over a wee hill and the dun will be clearly seen along with the causeway, the causeway being just over 30m in length.

Decent walls still exist on the 'high crannog' / dun with the entrance on the east. Most of the site is overgrown. The circular wall is over 1.2m, the island is slightly oval and measures 9.5m by 8m.

Once again it was explained that water levels are low here also, as they are over North and South Uist and Benbecula. The photos proved that when compared with photos taken from 5 years ago, vegetation had grown, the causeway is much more visible and the land from the farmhouse a lot les boggy.

Superb site.

Visited 10/08/2023.
drewbhoy Posted by drewbhoy
4th January 2024ce

Crois Chnoca Breaca (Standing Stone / Menhir) — Fieldnotes

A weird and wonderful stone which could easily be mistaken as a ruined Celtic Cross. Parking is easy as there is a car park at the Ardmichael Cemetery but we headed towards the coast, from West Loch Ollay, to follow the Hebridean Way which gave us a easy walk heading north, and more importantly it led straight to the site.

It stands on a wee mound at just over 2m tall, almost giving a middle finger to time and, perhaps, modernisation. Hopefully a gentle straighten up will save this stone falling as it sits at an precarious angle.

Fantastic site / sight with fantastic scenery.

Visited 10/08/2023.
drewbhoy Posted by drewbhoy
4th January 2024ce

West Loch Ollay (Crannog) — Fieldnotes

The following I was up bright breezy and picked up my 'water expert' friend for the first of two site visits.

North of the road to An Carra, on the A865, take the first road heading west, the the next road heading south before stopping at the first farm track that leads north.

Jump the gate then head straight north. When you reach the shore the 'high crannog' will be in front of you. Not much is left of any buildings that existed, but the tumble down proves that once upon a time something was there. Something that still is exists is a line of stones heading west, a possible mini naust.

Canmore also have a photograph that show this line of stones clearly, on my photographs, grass and weeds are growing and much more of the site can be seen.

It was explained to me that West Loch Ollay was gradually getting lower, vegetation was growing on parts of the loch. This site just highlighted it more accurately with more rocks and bedrock beginning to appear.

Not a lot to look at but interesting given someone had a knowledge of climate change.

Visited 10/08/2023.
drewbhoy Posted by drewbhoy
4th January 2024ce
Showing 1-10 of 978 posts. Most recent first | Next 10