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Starts: 10:00
Ends: 15:30
Dunmaglass, near Struy, in Strathglass
Roland Spencer-Jones has organised a visit to the Shieling Project at Dunmaglass, near Struy, in Strathglass. Meet at 10am at the steading of Struy Lodge NH 3980 4019 (where we met in Jan 2017 for the Erchless outing). Please contact Roland if you plan to come – roland.spencerjones@gmail.com.
Directions: Travelling W down the A831 from Beauly to Cannich, after the Struy hump-back bridge, take the second track on the right. This is after the Struy Inn and almost opposite the road to the left signposted Eskadale and Kiltarlity. There’s a sign saying Shieling Project. Go along the track and stop near the tall concrete tower. We’ll collect together and then share cars to drive along the track to Dunmaglass NH 3838 4049.
This project has been running for more than two years, funded (mainly) by the HLF, and run by Dr Sam Harrison, who has researched shielings over many years. The project is an ambitious attempt to engage young people in the outdoors, and in particular with the life, lore and physical characteristics of this characteristically Scottish version of transhumance. This outdoor training component runs side-by-side with a research and archaeological component, which is focussed on the shieling ground on the hill above Dunmaglass. AOC have conducted an extensive preliminary excavation of the shieling ground, see AOC website http://www.aocarchaeology.com/news/article/allt-moraig-shieling/ and a full report. The next phase of the project will involve ecology and palynology of the shieling ground, in particular trying to identify the ecological impact of cows and people over time. That’s an ambitious plan.
The timetable for the day will include tea/coffee/cakes on arrival, a presentation by Sam about the project, a tour of the facilities at Dunmaglass, and then a walk to the shieling grounds up the hill. If there’s time, we can do some “fossicking” to see if we can identify further shieling huts, and also explore the deserted settlement of Blar Mor.
