Google Map

View Larger Map

This is taken from Google maps and shows a close-up view of the fields at the back of Grianan croft in Ormsaigmore. At the centre is the chambered cairn of Greadal Fhinn (see Diary entry of 29th November for details of this Viking-aged structure).

Around the cairn can be seen evidence of the intense farming activity that once supported a far larger population than this area now holds. There are the parallel lines that mark old lazy beds, there are walls, the rectangular arrangement of some suggesting either byres or small houses, and there are other structures which are difficult to decipher.

This area isn't unusual. All along the coastline from the entrance to Kilchoan to the last croft in Ormsaigbeg, there is clear evidence of intensive farming.

The area of Ormsaigmore shown lost many of its inhabitants during the Clearances, when it became part of the local estate. It was later returned to crofting use, but only three large crofts were created.

JH