Go to the Main Scottish Cave and Mine Database Search Page

Drumnahoy Souterrain

Netherton of Drumnahoy, Sauchen, Aberdeenshire.

Site of souterrain, discovered before 1854.

"Believed to be at Netherton Drumnahoy, immediately east of farmhouse and steading, where the terrain fits Stuart's description, as there are no similar sites elsewhere in the Drumnahoy area. Described as similar to that at Culsh Earth House.

Colonel Fraser described the souterrain as having a narrow sloping ditch or path leading down to the entrance, of 3 ft (0.9 m) high by 2 ft (0.6 m) wide, the sides of which were formed by stone posts. There were rough steps, for about nine feet, to where there was a notch in the wall for door posts. The souterrain was about 51 ft (15.55 m) long, 4 ft (1.22 m) wide and 6 ft (1.83 m) high. It terminated in a circular chamber of about 6 ft (1.83 m) diameter.

At the time of the discovery there was only 12 ft (3.66 m) of the roofing in situ. This was circa 1 ft (0.3 m) below the surface. It was sited on a spur with commanding views to the southeast and west.

Alternative Names: Sauchen Souterrain, Netherton of Drumnahoy Souterrain

Notes: Jervise records that plague victims were buried here in 1666 and Colonel Fraser confirmed to Stuart that on an estate plan of 1789 the area is marked 'Pest Graves' and was left uncultivated and bones have subsequently been found at this location.