Hebridean Archaeological Sites
Dùn Èisdean, Lewis
Main Article
Location: NB 519 665
Dùn Èistean is traditionally known as the stronghold of the Clan Morrison and archaeological excavation and survey work has found evidence for a defended medieval settlement on the island, with dwellings, storage buildings, a defensive wall and a tower. The settlement replaced earlier buildings which were dismantled to build it, and after the settlement had been abandoned the site was re-used centuries later when small temporary turf shelters were built into its ruins.
The Dùn Èistean Archaeology Project is a community project managed by GUARD, at Glasgow University. Professional archaeologists worked alongside local and student volunteers on the excavations, and environmental processing and other tasks were undertaken locally at the Comunn Eachdraidh Nis whilst the excavation was ongoing. Archaeological survey work undertaken in Ness as part of the project has identified a rich diversity of heritage sites in the area, dating from the earliest prehistoric periods to the 1950s AD.
Dun Eistean student volunteers planning
To visit the site, follow the main road (A857) from Stornoway to Port of Ness. At Habost the road passes the Comunn Eachdraidh Nis where there are displays of local artefacts and archives of photographs and croft histories for Ness. From here, continue to follow the A857 towards Port of Ness. Dùn Èistean is signposted left at the turn-off to Fivepenny and Knockaird (B8013), then right near the top of the hill where a track will lead you to the site. Access is possible by car but the track is very rough. Please leave all gates as you find them and bear in mind that Dùn Èistean is surrounded by high cliffs and children must be supervised at all times on the site.
Related Events
Some important events in Hebridean history happened at this location. For more details on these events, see the list below, or go to the Interactive Explorer.
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.
