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Allathasdal

Borve, Isle Of Barra, Outer Hebrides, HS9 5XR

Type:Monuments & Ruins

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About

The site has been occupied by prehistoric people throughout the Bronze and Iron Ages, from almost 2000 BC until the early centuries of the first millennium AD. The earlier phase was revealed to have been a settlement of stone-built round houses, with central hearths, earth floors and, quite fascinatingly, ritual foundation deposits of animal burials. There were also faint traces of ancient ploughing in the underlying soil, telling us something of the lives of these early Hebridean farmers.

Ground-penetrating radar had picked up a strong signal nearby, showing a massive circular building of about 10 meters diameter. Trenches were immediately opened there, and the visiting archaeologists were impressed to see a well-preserved Hebridean wheelhouse emerging from the sand, with its circular interior divided into segments by radial stone walls, and a large open hearth in the centre of the building. This house also had a long entrance passage wa, and a well-defended threshold with bar-holes in the walls. Whalebone ribs were found lying on the floor, which caused speculation that they might have been used as roof "timbers" on this largely treeless island. The geophysics team did manage to dispel a local rumour, however, that a nearby dune contained a Viking ship burial.

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What's Nearby

  1. Watch the seals laze on the rocks off shore - you may even catch them coming for a cheeky…

    0.87 miles away
  2. A well preserved iron age galleried dun situated on hill to the east of Cuier cemetery

    0.94 miles away
  3. Built in 2000 for Barra & Vatersay Housing Association (now part of HHP) by Ben Tindall…

    1.29 miles away
  1. A great beach for all the family or a quiet walk. At low tide there are caves to explore…

    1.89 miles away
  2. Heaval is the highest point on the Isle of Barra at 383 metres

    2.29 miles away
  3. A path leads into the interior of Barra with views over Heaval, the islands highest peak.…

    2.37 miles away
  4. Award winning Bunting Project bringing people together with connections to Barra and…

    2.47 miles away
  5. Community local produce shop selling quality products from Barra & Vatersay including…

    2.53 miles away
  6. Kisimul Castle sits on a rocky islet just off the coast of Barra at Castlebay

    2.58 miles away
  7. Bog bean (Menyanthes Triolaiata). This lovely flower, often overlooked, can be found in…

    2.72 miles away
  8. Our Lady, Star of the Sea, designed by G. Woulfe Brenan and completed in 1888, is perched…

    2.74 miles away
  9. This medieval castle was the seat of the Clan Macneil. Built in the 15th century it was…

    2.74 miles away
  10. Drosera intermedia. - Insectivorous plant found in marshy ground

    2.85 miles away
  11. This is the only standing stone of any size still erect on Barra.

    2.87 miles away
  12. Neolithic people settled here around 4000 BC and built an artificial platform behind a…

    2.87 miles away
  13. This beautiful beach is the spectacular site of Barra’s amazing airport – but only at low…

    3.48 miles away
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