Rock shelter in Meallis

Roughly rectangular area (int. dims. 2.25 NNE-SSW; 2.25m ENE-WSW) defined by a rock-scattered hillslope to NE & SE which supports a substantial, naturally deposited roofing stone (dims. 3.0m NNE-SSW; 2.53m ENE-WSW; max. T 0.5m, at S). This naturally formed rock shelter has been modified by the construction of a man-made stone prop (H 1.46m; max. Wth 0.78m at base) which supports the angled roofing stone at SW and also by the collapsed remains of a linear wall (dims. 3.8m NNE-SSW; max. T 1.1m; max. H 0.73m) along the NW-side. The roofing stone is set at an angle (long-axis NE-SW), much like the capstone of a wedge tomb. This large flag is partially covered by sod at the base, where it rests upon the natural hillslope at NE. The load of the roofing stone is also borne by a large boulder at S, which appears to be in a naturally deposited position. This naturally formed shelter would originally have been open SW->N->NNE. A definite man-made arrangement of four relatively small, irregular sandstones are piled on top of each other and act as a crude form of pillar to further prop the roofing slab at SW. Although appearing roughly constructed, these stones have been selected to fit the space between a large basal stone at ground level and the underside of the roof slab. There is also a small pinning stone on the inner side of the upper prop stone to further secure stability. The remains of the drystone wall enclosing the NW-side are defined by a row of stones which have been deliberately placed along this axis to form an enclosing element. This wall has collapsed and is presently a single stone in height. It is possible that these stones formed part of the natural rock scatter and were subsequently rolled out from under the roof slab in order to create space within the interior and to provide a barrier from the elements on this side. The interior (min. H 0.44m to NE; max. H 1.46m at SW) is small and cramped, as is typical of such features. There is a scatter of small stones, some pressed into the ground surface, indicating use of this space. Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 25 April 2017