Hebrides Archaeological Interpretation Programme

About

Dùn Èistean is a small, cliff-bound island that until recently could only be reached at low tide by climbing a steep cliff path. It is recorded in oral tradition as the stronghold of the Clan Morrison, who raised enough money in 2002 to build a footbridge across to the island. The ruins on Dùn Èistean date to a time following the demise of Norse political control of the Hebrides in the 13th century, when Lewis underwent a period of unrest and lawlessness. At this time the influential Lewis clans competed with each other and the Scottish Crown for control. The local traditions relating to Dùn Èistean and the Morrisons emerge from this volatile and often violent period in Lewis’ history, when the MacLeods came to dominate Ness, and appointed the Morrisons as the ‘brieves’ or judges for Lewis. Dùn Èistean is one of several defensive sites around the Western Isles dating from this period. There is also earlier evidence from these sites of activity in the Iron Age or earlier prehistoric periods, and it may be that early evidence is awaiting discovery at Dùn Èistean below the later stone and turf buildings.

DEAP

The Dùn Èistean Archaeology Project (DEAP) is a multi-disciplinary project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Historic Scotland, the Clan Morrison Society, Comunn Eachdraidh Nis and the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, with contributions from Glasgow University. The project includes an archaeological survey of the north of Ness (the Ness Archaeological Landscape Survey, NALS) and excavations at Dùn Èistean, all undertaken by Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division (GUARD). DEAP seeks to enhance our understanding of Dùn Èistean and the surrounding landscape of Ness, from the earliest prehistoric settlement to the medieval and later crofting townships. It follows on from the results of separately funded projects, including documentary research, place-name analysis and the collection of oral gaelic traditions.

The 2007 excavation is the final season of the DEAP fieldwork, and will be followed by two years of analysis and further research. There are opportunities for volunteers to become involved in all aspects of the project, including the excavations and survey work during the spring and summer.

Excavation

The 2007 season excavation trenches have been opened to investigate Structures C, D, F and H (see overleaf) and the ruined tower Structure G at the north-east end of the Dùn.

Previous excavations by GUARD in 2001-2 and 2005-6 have uncovered evidence for everyday life, and conflict, on the site. Excavations in the two dwellings at Structure A, and the three small storage cells and a larger dwelling house at Structure B, uncovered peat hearths, broken pottery, pistol shot and coins dating to the 16^th-17^th centuries. Structure B is thought to be a gatehouse controlling access onto the site as it is situated between two access points onto the island, up a rocky ramp on the south west side, and a steep cliff path to the east.

Excavations in Structure D to the east of the bridge have revealed two phases of buildings. Evidence for the repair and re-use of these buildings may suggest that the site was only occupied when it was needed during times of trouble. Imported and locally-made pottery of 16^th-17^th century date has been found, and there is some evidence for domestic metalworking.

At the highest point of the island, dominating the skyline, the tower (Structure G) commands a view of the seaways from the Butt of Lewis to the west, to the north around Cape Wrath and south and east across the Minch and down to mainland Scotland. The base of this tower can be seen, surviving to 2m high. Finds of musket balls and sherds of broken pottery have also been found here, although excavations in the 19^th century have removed all the evidence from the interior of the building.

Structure A: In 2005 excavations uncovered the stone and turf footings of two rectangular dwellings, built end to end and each with a central hearth. Finds of pottery and pistol shot date to the 16th-18th centuries AD.

Structure B: This building is on the south side of a triangular courtyard joined to A, adjacent to two entry points onto the island to the east and west of the structure, and it is thought that it may have been a gatehouse controlling entry to the site. Survey and excavation has identified five small stone and turf storage cells (2-6), and one larger rectangular dwelling (1), with a hearth, and finds dating to the 16th–17th centuries.

Structure C: This structure has up to four different rooms or dwellings and is being excavated in 2007.

Structure D: A large group of turf ‘cells’ (1-15) excavated last year. Glimpses of earlier rectangular dwellings, middens and a central hearth were found beneath the turf cells. It is being excavated again in 2007.
 
Structure E: An artificial pond used to collect fresh water. The clay dug from here may have been used to bond the walls of the tower Structure G. Samples are being taken from the lochan to study the pollen deposits.

Structure F: Two hollows at the top of Palla na Biorlinn, a natural ravine leading down to the sea where tradition records that the Morrisons hauled up their boats. One of the hollows is being excavated in 2007.

Structure G: The base of a rectangular tower, traditionally known as Tigh nan Arm commands an impressive view of the Minch, and is a dramatic landmark from the sea. This building is being excavated in 2007.

Structure H: A stone-faced turf defensive wall around the landward side of the island that once stood to 5 or 6 feet high, and is traditionally said to have had ‘loopholes’ through which to view the approach of the enemy.

Location

From Stornoway and the west side, follow the signs to Port of Ness. Dùn Èistean is sign posted left at the Knockaird turn-off, then right near the top of the hill where a track will lead you to the site. Access is possible by car but the track is very rough. Please leave all gates as you find them and bear in mind that Dùn Èistean is surrounded by high cliffs and children must be supervised at all times on the site.

 

 

The excavation in 2007 is running from the 25^th June to the 3^rd August, with visitors welcome from 10am to 4pm. To contact a member of the DEAP team, or if you would like to volunteer on the excavations, you can e-mail r.barrowman@archaeology.gla.ac.uk and we'll get back in touch as soon as possible. Alternatively, phone 01851 810377.

Links:

Dùn Èistean Archaeology Project