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Loch Gille-Ghoid [Overview]

Outer Hebrides, North Uist, Invernessshire.

Generic. A group of at least 3 sites one to the north-west of Loch Gille-Ghoid, one to the west of Aghainn Loch Gille-Ghoid and one to the north-west of Loch Maighdein.

The cave [at Loch Gille-ghoid] lies well above the loch in a rocky gap between two knolls, its entrance facing north, and consisting of two openings which evidently communicated within. The access to the east occupied the lower position and formed the main branch of the cave. The floor revealed kitchen midden remains; bones, pottery, shells, etc. The western access led to a floor with ashes and shells more abundant, together with pottery. Complete 'craggans' (hand made clay pots) are said to have been found here. (E Beveridge 1911.)

The cave [possibly Loch Maighein] is described as facing north, beside the north-west side of the loch, and too small to stand upright in (Information from A S Henshall (NMAS) to OS, 5 May 1965).

The lower cave is a cleft, 1.5m high, 1.0 - 2.0m wide, and at least 8.0m deep; while the upper cave is tent-shaped, 2.4m high, 2.0m wide and 5.0m deep. Profuse midden remains can be seen in both caves.

Alternative Names: Loch Gille-Ghoid Caves

Notes: (Area NF 956 716) Occupational evidence has been found in a cave immediately to the NW of Loch Gille-Ghoid, Portain. Fragments of very dubious late IA pottery found on, or just below, the floor of a cave beside Loch na Maighdeir, were donated to the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland (NMAS) by Mr Neil Whitton (N Whitton, 36 Bryce Rd, Currie, Midlothian ) 8th Sept. 1964.

It is obvious from the description given by Mrs Gunn (Mrs Gunn, Bank House, Lochmaddy), that the siting of this cave to Loch Maighdeir is in error. Visited by OS (J T T) 28 May 1965.