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Allt a' Ghoirtein (souterrain)

Skye, N of Elgol, Invernessshire.

Souterrain / cave.

"On the southern slopes of the saddle linking Ben Cleat and Ben Meabost a promontory marks the confluence of two streams. Extensive traces of rig and furrow cultivation encircle the site, which is a natural cave with structural modifications. Remains of dwellings lie some 150m to the east where a modern water-tank stands. At the eastern edge of the promontory is the entrance to the cave, the opening narrowed to 0.7m in width by the construction of a blocking-wall to the west. A short downward incline opens into a chamber c.7m long (north-south) and 3m wide, with an earth and rock-debris floor containing recent midden material. To the west is a second gallery of similar dimensions. The two galleries are linked by a third, originally c.2m wide, but reduced to c. 1 m through the construction of a wall projecting from the south wall of the cave. Access to the inner gallery is currently restricted due to floor debris." [HHER]

Archaeological report of cave and/or souterrain.

Alternative Names: Alt a' Ghortein (souterrain), Alt A Ghoirtein

Notes: Gaelic name [Allt a' Ghoirtein, Burn of the Enclosure] misspelt in report.