Rubh' an DUnain: a multi-period maritime landscape on the Isle of Skye, Inner Hebrides, Scotland

A non-intrusive survey of this headland on Scotland's western seaboard reveals evidence of maritime activity from prehistory until the recent past. The siting of an Iron Age dun appears to have exploited a natural creek to bring boats to a secure landing-place. Access was enhanced by a cleared channel, and two docks with adjacent nousts constructed. A stone-revetted canal was later driven to the loch beyond, and quays built on either side of the entry. A 12th-century boat-timber was found in the loch. Later the canal was widened, and finally blocked. The sequence of development, and associated dating, merits further research. (c) 2017 The Authors