31578: LSFH 45.12 Loch Seaforth Head – BLACKHOUSE

Summary:

HOUSE (Post Medieval – 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
BLACK HOUSE (Post Medieval – 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
SMOKE HOUSE? (Post Medieval – 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
Blackhouse

Location:

NB 28020 16623

Full description:

"Located at the eastern side of a small bay and natural harbour on the north shore of Loch Seaforth Head, the remains of this blackhouse measure 10 metres from west to east and 4 metres from north to south. The walls are stone faced with an earth core and stand to a maximum height of 1 metre and for the most part are less than 0.5 metres high. The house has a single entrance at the eastern end of its northern wall, and both of its end walls (east and west) are apsoidal. Features such as these suggest an early date, perhaps the end of the 18th or start of the 19th century and the pre-crofting period. An alternate interpretation for this structure is that it may relate to marine industry, situated as it is on the immediate shore of a natural bay and harbour of Loch Seaforth Head. It is possible that this house is a smoke house, though only excavation will confirm definitely the function of the structure." (Burgess 2004, 53)

References:

Chris Burgess, Northamptonshire Archaeology. 2004. Northamptonshire Archaeology Archaeological Survey and Evaluation of Eilean Chalium Chille and the Putative Site of the Seaforth Head Castle. Part No Loch Seaforth Head Gazeteer.

Acknowledgement:

Information provided by Western Isles Council Sites & Monuments Record, January 2006.