project ref : 016
location : Longa island, Loch Gairloch
grid ref : An Raon township NG 74319 78112
category : partially cultivated island with deserted pre-improvement township
features : township, field system, cultivation rigs, field walls, millstone quarry

Longa

The island of Longa lies just off the coast of Big Sand at the mouth of Loch Gairloch.

The deserted township of An Raon, at the NE corner of the island, once had a population of 35 in 1841 (6 houses).

The island is mainly rough grazing with enclosed areas of rig and furrow cultivation.

Evidence of peat cutting can be found to the west of the township.

There is another small cluster of ruined buildings and enclosures at Creagan Ruadh, at the south of the island.

Although there are two safe anchorages, at Camas na Rainich and at Eag Mhòr there are no buildings at these locations.

There is a millstone quarry (NG 73710 77125) near Uamh nan Gabhar (cave).

The island was briefly visited in April 2018, but requires a more detailed survey, especially of the buildings.

The millstone quarry still has one millstone almost completed. This stone is 1.3m in diameter with the central hole partially drilled but not completely removed.