Dun Anlaimh Crannog, Loch Cinneachan

 

Surveyed May 7, 1995

NGR: NM 1883 5682

This site was labelled as an insular dun by Feachem (1963, 180) but listed in RCAHMS Inventory (1980 No. 239) as a crannog. Dun Anlaimh is located 26m from the E shore of the N end of Loch Cinneachan. The site is accessed by a substantial stone causeway, 28m in length, comprised mainly of large blocks of stone. The causeway has two defensive features: a 25 degree bend at its midpoint and a rocking stone which tilts under pressure. The water surrounding the islet is 1 - 1.5 m in depth, with the deeper water to the W. The surrounding lochbed is heavily silted to a depth of at least 2m obscuring the bottom of the islet and any potential exposed timers.

The island is a stone covered mound roughly oval in shape and measuring 28 by 35m at its base. The site is composed of 80% medium sized stone and 20% large boulders. The upper platform is also oval in plan, measuring 15m x 19.5m; it stands 2.2m above the surrounding loch bed. The slight remains of a perimeter wall can be seen in the N and S, just below the edge of the upper platform. A mass of stone tumble lies across most sections this wall indicating that it may be an early feature of the site.

The summit of the islet is crowned by the remains of three conjoined subrectangular buildings. All three are dry-stone structures which have rounded corners and are aligned with their long axis N-S, parallel to the closest shore. Building A measures 3.8m by 5.9m internally, and has walls which average between 1.2 m and 2 m in thickness. This building is accessed by a door 1m wide, situated towards the north end of the rear of the structure, away from the near shore. Building B is located just to the north of ,and shares its south wall with, building A. This building measures 3m by 5m and has walls varying between 1.5m and 1.8m in thickness. The building is accessed by a splayed doorway located in its NW corner, also to the rear of the structure. Building C measures 1.5m by 3m internally and shares its east wall with A and B. This structure is entered through its south end. No other submerged features or timbers were found.

 


A Reconstruction of Dun Anlaimh Crannog