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Bone Cave

Assynt, Alt Nan Uamh, Sutherland.

The 3rd from the west of 8 entrances collectively called the Bone Caves, initially excavated by Peach & Horne, in 1889 (no man-made artefacts found). Animal bones included lynx, reindeer, otter, fox, badger and many amphibians.

In 1825, Callander, Cree & Ritchie were advised by Ben Horne that Bone Cave 'was completely dug out to the back wall and most of the material ... thrown outside the cave onto the scree'.

From the 3 m high entrance, a 9 m long chamber ends at a t-unction. To the right, a tightening crawl (Connecting Passage) leads to a tight hole through into Reindeer Cave. To the left, a narrow fissure contains standing water and rapidly closes down to impenetrable dimensions.

Alternate Names: Creag nan Uamh Bone Cave [3]

Notes: See also Creag nan Uamh Bone Caves.

A narrow passage connects Reindeer Cave and Bone Cave. The lowest level of gravel deposits in the outer chamber of Reindeer Cave was shown by James Cree to be glacial meltwater which entered the cave through this side passage.

The Bone Caves (including Reindeer Cave are a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Digging is not permitted without the written permission of Historic Environment Scotland, Nature Scot (previously Scottish Natural Heritage) AND the local landowner.

Hydrographic Feeds: A small amount of water seeping in from above.

Hydrographic Resurgences: Not known (probably to grotto off Great Northern Time Machine).