project ref : 013

  • location : Talladale, Loch Maree

  • grid ref : various locations (building NG 91151 7013, activity site NG 9107 7004)

  • category : post-medieval farming landscape + prehistoric roundhouse

  • features : roundhouse, shieling, field system, enclosure, walls, dykes, longhouse, still

Talladale

An assortment of sites:

1 oak woodland with extensive & substantial stone walls and various indistinct features.

2 possible longhouse.

3 possible illicit still.

4 possible shieling site with field system.

 

The oak woodland contains substantial stone walls and other indistinct stone features, completely smothered in a layer of moss.

Beside the River Talladale a prehistoric roundhouse was recorded in 2014 by Anne MacInnes.

Heading west over a flat, boggy area the remains of a possible longhouse (16m x 4m) is situated on a natural raised mound. There is also a small enclosure nearby (hidden among trees). 

Continuing uphill there is a secluded ‘activity’ site beside the small river (Allt a’ Choire Sliabh). There is evidence of a kiln or a furnace, but most likely an illicit still, as water has been diverted from the river to the site.

Slightly further up the sloping hillside there is a field system, probably part of a shieling.

 
 
 

A sketch of the platform where activity has taken place

 

A longhouse is a term used to describe a long, rectangular building accommodating humans and animals under one roof (with or without internal sub-divisions). Sometimes referred to as a byre dwelling.