This appeared to be a good example of a crannog, albeit a fair distance away from the wooded picnic area at the western end of Loch Achilty. According to the Highland HER (MHG7791) it is:
‘...a tree-covered, artificial island about 80 yards from south shore of Loch Achilty. It measures 54’ – 60’ by 34’ – 42’ and stands about 2’ above normal water level. It is built of evenly coursed stones, and has a regular batter, foundations measuring 79’ by 59’. Timber projects from the NW, SW and east sides. [O Blundell 1913; D MacDonald, A Polson and D Brown 1931].‘
The other island within the loch, Eilean Mhielidh (NH 43485702) is ‘undoubtedly natural and no trace of buildings could be found on it [OS (R D) 12 July 1965]’. It is apparently not clear whether this island or the crannog is associated with a gentlemen known as MacLea Mor.
NOTE: don’t forget to check out the nearby henge Achilty.
I have heard it said that this is not a particularly old Crannog but I am not sure where that source came from, I will do my best to find out!! One surprising thing is the water depth at this location, I have tried to swim to the bottom of the loch about 4 meters from the crannog and it is surprising how deep it is, is certainly more than 4 meters deep in this area. Why would the builder choose such a deep place to build this since the rest of the loch is relatively shallow?
Now swimming out to submerged crannogs is something I'd really like to do...