Hebridean Archaeological Sites
Dùn Chàrlabhaigh, Lewis
Main Article
Museum nan Eilean
NB 191 412
This is the best preserved and most visited broch in the Outer Hebrides. It occupies a low hilltop with commanding views across the seaways to the south and west. It is entered by a single low heavily-defended doorway with a guard chamber to one side. There are two further chambers at ground level within the massive thickness of the walls, and a stone-built staircase which rises between the inner and outer walls, giving access to the upper levels.
Limited excavation in one of the intramural chambers uncovered hearths, pottery and a quern stone from re-occupation of the cell in the later Iron Age. Although the broch appears to have been long roofless and uninhabited, a well-known local story demonstrates that it remained an important landmark and place of refuge. The Morrisons had stolen cattle from the MacAulays in a raid, and took refuge in the broch until the danger of reprisal had passed.
However, they met a fearful end when Donald Cam MacAulay managed to climb the sheer outer face of the drystone tower by inserting his dirks between the stones, and throwing burning heather down on them.
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SMR Database Entries
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has an extensive online Sites and Monuments Records database, with in-depth details about the historical, cultural and archaeological sites and monuments in the Hebrides. This site is featured in this database, and the list below gives links to read more. These links will open in a new browser window / tab.
