ARCHAEOLOGY

A leading archaeologist stayed in one of our cottages recently in order to make an archaeological survey of the area. His comment was that he does not know of anywhere else that has such a large amount and wide variety of archaeological interest. Visible and easily found remains of early Norse defences are to be seen at Stronefield. Castle Torr and the inter-visible system of forts (there are three other forts on Ellary and Castle Sween Estates) closely associated with early Dalriadan Kings at Dunadd. Early 13th century Castle Sween itself is of unique interest being the oldest example of this kind of castle in Scotland and though ruined is still remarkably well preserved.

Clabh a'Bhile is an example of a burial ground which certainly dates back to pre-Christian times, and St Columba's Cave has been described as "the most important Christian Site in Scotland second only to Iona." More recent, and of equal interest to the industrial archaeologist is the Mill at Stronefield with its Mill Lade, Dam and Aqueduct. The Jacobites cave, high in the cliffs above Loch Caolisport is where many Jacobites concealed themselves waiting for a ship to take them to safety and exile in France. Ellary and Castle Sween Estates are covered with dykes, fanks and shielings of earlier farming systems, and the many ruined cottages indicate times long ago when the district was very much more heavily populated.

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