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previous visits by the Ordnance Survey in the mid-1960’s, and exacerbated bythe recent storm event.7.3.3 In consultation with the SCAPE Trust and Historic Scotland a programme ofarchaeological survey is recommended for the above sites. This could involvemeasuring and photographing the monuments and undertaking tapestryexcavation with the help of a newly formed Shorewatch team.7.3.4 It is suggested that tapestry excavation be carried out at selected sites, to providea detailed record of the eroding section. Tapestry excavation was carried outsuccessfully by Barber (2003) at a number of eroding midden sites on North andSouth Uist. It was also used by CFA to record exposed deposits and structuresat Galson Lewis (Neighbour et al, in preparation). This rapid method ofcleaning and recording erosion faces results in the excavation of a strip ofdeposits along the exposed face, and is useful in these situations as it does notexpose any more of the site to erosion than has already been exposed (Barber2003, 6). This method can provide a full history of the site along the exposedsection line.7.3.5 There are three particular concentrations of eroding prehistoric archaeologycomprising middens and structures which are recommended as primary targetsfor any excavation and recording work. The first of these, and probably themost damaged by recent erosion, is on Baleshare, Sites 637, 640, 645 and 646.The second is at Traigh nam Faoghailean, Site 415, where extensive midden isvisible in a large deflation area while structures are actively eroding out of thesand section. The Scheduled Ancient Monument at Foshigary (Site 360)continues to erode and revela further structures and deposits.7.3.6 A further 276 sites are recommended for routine monitoring due to their locationon the coast edge or intertidal zone and/or due to their condition being classed aspoor. These sites are not at immediate threat from costal erosion but have beenselected for monitoring as they may be at threat in the future. Their baselinecondition should be monitored on a regular basis to ensure no archaeologicalinformation is lost and to maintain an accurate record of their condition. Thesesites are identified in the gazetteer.7.3.7 In addition, two further recommendations are made, to carry outpalaeoenvironmental work at Loch Phaibeil and to record the rate of erosionoccurring along the west coast of Baleshare.Loch Phaibeil7.3.8 The peat and archaeological remains observed at the entrance to Loch Phaibeil(NGR 718 683) should be subjected to a programme of palaeoenvironmentalanalyses. This area of eroding peat provides a unique opportunity to establishthe chronology and changes to a former lacustrine basin and dune formationwhich has effectively inundated what appears to be a Bronze Age structure.Further survey work should be undertaken to establish whether a completebiostratigraphic profile exists below the dune sand.UISN/1051/0165CFA