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Field Visit

Date 18 June 2008 - 21 June 2008

Event ID 579261

Category Recording

Type Field Visit

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/579261

NF 7310 7502 A survey of the causeway was carried out 18–21 June 2008 for Access Archaeology as part of a wider project, supported by Archaeology Scotland’s Adopt-a-Monument scheme, to conserve the tower and make the site accessible as a visitor attraction.

Scolpaig Tower is a 19th-century folly situated on a small islet within Loch Scolpaig, Uist. It is likely that the folly overlies the remains of an earlier historic and/or later prehistoric dun. A 1:20 plan, a photographic record and a detailed description of the remains were produced prior to restoration work.

The survey confirmed that the remains of two short sections of a stone causeway (c18m and 8m) connect the islet in Loch Scolpaig to the shore via a small rocky outcrop covered with dense vegetation. The remains of the causeway were insubstantial and had been heavily eroded. The causeway consisted of some blocks of unworked stone, the largest 0.8 x 0.8m, which were visible above the current water line. Below water the causeway was constructed of loosely packed smaller stones (c0.2 x 0.2m), possibly sitting above a layer of gravel. Only one area of the causeway formed a continuous and compact surface. There was no firm evidence of multiple construction phases. No finds were recovered.

Archive: RCAHMS (intended). Report: local authority Archaeological Officer (intended)

Funder: Historic Scotland

Rebecca Rennell (Access Archaeology), 2008

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