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For several years there has been an ongoing effort to excavate the ruins of the ancient stronghold of clan Morrison (septs Gilmore, Brieve and MacBrieve) near the Butt of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. The site of the dig appears to reveal an existence led by my ancestors that contrasts somewhat with that of some of the wealthier, more prominent Highland clans.

The site of the ruins shown below, is a small island that was, when in use, only reachable during low tide (as shown on the left).

..

Clearly it was an easily defensible site, hence it's use. The ruins though, seem to indicate a comparatively meager existence when compared to clan castles and fortifications of larger mainland Highland clans.


Facilitating the archeological efforts is a new foot bridge constructed with the help of the Clan Morrison Society of North America.


How they used to get there:

The digs started a few years ago and have continued each summer since. The current dig is just underway. The ruins appear to be mostly medieval or later, but some elements may be of prehistoric origin.

What stood out to me when reading about this though was the modest nature of the structures excavated. There was a relatively simple fortified structure (the "dun"), extensive protective earthworks and some accessory structures - all of which have been almost completely covered over either by nature, man, or both.

"The upper layers of the stronghold excavated at Dun Eistean have proved to be from the Medieval period. Far from being circular, as suggested by the mound now apparent on the site, the indications suggest a square tower, or keep, constructed from well-built clay-bonded walling." It goes on to say that "the variety of structures constructed in different ways suggests activity from different periods, perhaps extending back into the Iron Age."

It was not far from this spot that a patch of tartan was found back in the 1930s wrapped around a bible bricked in behind the fireplace of an old house being renovated. The bible was inscribed with the name Morrison, and dated 1748 - just after the Proscription Act forbad the wearing of tartan.

There are two variants of this red tartan. One is dated 1745 and the other 1747. The only significant difference is that the older sett has a double green central tramline; however, considering that there are only two known samples of cloth from this time, I would conjecture that if more remnants turned up, other variations - possibly entirely different tartans - would be found.

Regards,
Scott Gilmore