Waterland–People: On Structure and Origin of Crannogs ...

3.2. SITES CHAPTER 3. SITES ASSESSMENT
2004).
Burrian (HY 395 334) (the name derives (Childe 1938) from old Norge ’borg–in’=
the broch) was examined and has a large walled structure of unknown date on it, which
is divided into two by a cross wall. The larger one is overgrown by salmon berry. The
underwater examinations culminated in the discovery of a largely artificial appearing
sub-structure, due to the appearance of the stones from which it is formed. There is also
an enlcosure which follows the shoreline and the stones inside the water consist of large
slabs which have been interpreted as differing from the material the enclosure was made
of. Although the edge of the mound, where the stones meet the seabed, could not be
found, due to weeds growing on the loch bed. Similar large slabs were used to build a
substantial causeway that suddenly breaks off, just before reaching the present [2004]
shore. A number of features along the shoreline and close to the causeway can be seen
on an aerial photography, but again, no underwater evidence of such could be established
(Dixon and Forbes 2004).
Loch of Swannay
The geological O. S. map from 1932 indicates Boulder Clay, Upper Stromness Flags in
the East and in the West of the loch (Wilson 1932).
The 1753 map sheet of Greenville Collins shows one islet on the west shore of the Loch
of ’Swona’ (Swannay) (Collins 1753).
There is one island in the Admiralty Chart of 1850 (BHO 1850).
The Royal Commission shows three islands (RCAHMS 1892) in that loch.
There are three islets on the geological O. S. map in the Loch of Swannay (Wilson 1932).
Stoney Holm (HY 3113 2731) has a rectangular structure of some 37 ft by 23 ft on it,
with a major axis lying ENE/WSW, which occupies most of the exposed surface. It is
reduced to the foundation but in the SE corner the lowest course of masonry is preserved
while elsewhere the outline is obscured. The wall–thickness cannot be detemined and
there is no evidence of a causeway. Nevertheless wading to it is possible and easy
(RCAHMS 1946).
In 1967 the vegetation and tumble obscured the structure very much and only the SE wall
was visible, no classification was possible (RCAHMS 1967).
Loch of Hundland
Nothing is indicated in the loch on any map in the Orkney Library and Archives but there
is evidence on modern O. S. maps.
Isbister
Boulder Clay and Lower Stromness Flags underly this loch (Wilson 1932).
There are two or three islets on the Royal Commission map (RCAHMS 1892).
On Wilson’s map there are two ’Broughs’ depicted on top of two islets (Wilson 1932).
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