Crannog Island Dwellings Kilmartin

Crannogs are a type of ancient loch dwelling found throughout Scotland and Ireland. They were built out in the water as defensive homesteads, secure from potential invaders. People began living in these island homes as early as 5,000 years ago, and continued to do so up until the 17^th century AD.

Twenty crannogs, or artificial islands, are situated in Loch Awe and these four lie at the Southern end. The largest is built on one end of a submerged spine of rock and measures 37m by 27m. This crannog, and another with a stone causeway, are usually visible above the water level. Underwater survey in 1972 revealed worked timbers and a rotary and saddle quern. Some of the wood was radiocarbon dated to 370BC!.

The crannog now appears as a pile of rocks colonised by vegetation. It would be have originally been a round stilted building, elevated on timber piles with a thatched roof, designed to be accessed by canoe or currach. Nowadays, boats can be hired or in the summer one can easily swim out.

Access / Ownership
This site is on private land and permission should be sought.

Loch Leathan
This is a natural island, used as a refuge in the 17^th century. Local reports of underwater timbers suggest it may be a crannog, possibly built and used much earlier.

Admission
This site is on private land and permission should be sought.

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