Description

The monument consists of a souterrain, a prehistoric store-house or hiding place, situated on the W shore of Loch Hacklett.

The souterrain is unusually sited, only just above the winter level of a loch. It consists of a long passage roofed with very large slabs, with the confused remains of a collapsed structure either forming part of, or overlying, the central portion. The souterrain has three entrances: two from the shore of the loch and one further upslope.

The last is at the S end of a branch passage under a very large flat slab, which may be a natural feature incorporated by the builders. The ruined structure in the central part of the souterrain has either been an oval-plan, corbelled, expansion of the passage or (less likely) an overlying beehive-type structure which has collapsed at the same time as the roof of the souterrain below.

The area to be scheduled consists of a small cliffed promontory, at the foot of which the souterrain is situated and into which it runs. The area is irregular on plan, measuring at maximum 60m N-S by 40m E- W, to include the souterrain, ruined structure and an area around in which further remains may lie concealed, as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as an example of a well-preserved souterrain with associated structures. The unusual plan and location of the monument, and the fact that the surrounding area has not subsequently been disturbed, offer the possibility of retrieving important information relating to a little understood aspect of the Iron Age.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NF 97 SW 3.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland