The Torbreck Longhouse, Loch Buidhe, Sutherland

An archaeological excavation was undertaken in order to record evidence of a long-house complex near Loch Buidhe, Sutherland. This site is to be impacted by the development of connections to a new electricity sub-station. The excavation revealed a long-house complex of dry-stone and turf structures consisting of three phases of construction, these included two distinct house structures with associated animal byres and a small ancillary building. The structures had obvious partitions. Both of the house structures revealed in-tact floor deposits together with several internal architectural features. A quantity of small finds were recovered from within the buildings, together with the remains of an iron cauldron and two copper buttons. Initial examination of the pottery indicates that it is of early 19th century date. This correlates well with the known historical evidence for the site.