Hebridean Archaeological Sites
Stac a' Chaisteal, Lewis
Main Article
NB 202 454
Stac a' Chaisteal is is a dramatic, pinnacle shaped stack, surmounted by a plateau complete with what has clearly been a substantial building, joined to the adjacent cliffs by a knife edge of rock. The stack is too dangerous to access, but all buildings can be seen with binoculars from the adjacent cliffs.
When accurate plans were created as part of the STAC project, it became clear that the building is virtually identical to the "blockhouse" structures hitherto found in Caithness, Sutherland, Orkney and Shetland. This type of structure usually consists of a massive sub rectangular wall with intra mural galleries built across barring promontories, with a central defended entrance and less substantial buildings behind. It is thought to be a fore-runner of the broch; their design eventually being adapted to form massive walls in a complete circle. Although none have been excavated, it is thought to be of the period.200BC-200AD.
The survey also found evidence of earlier oval buildings running underneath the blockhouse, and a bee-hive shieling built over them.
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.
