Northlight Heritage was commissioned by Clan Macfarlane Worldwide to undertake a walkover survey of Arrochar parish, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, in the spring of 2016 in order to shed light on the history and archaeology of their traditional clan territory. The survey was undertaken by members of the local community, the Association of Certificated Field Archaeologists (ACFA) and students from the University of Glasgow and was led by Northlight Heritage.
A total of 88 sites were identified, the majority of which were new. The new sites were rapidly recorded and included 22 single house/barn/byre sites, 21 single shielings or groups of shielings, 9 farmsteads consisting of groups of more than one structure, four earth or stone banks, three possible mills, three building platforms, three clearance cairns, two enclosures, two concrete platforms, two kilns, two bridges, two knocking stones and two sheepfolds. Earth banks and areas of rig and furrow were common features in the landscape but were generally not recorded unless they were associated with a structure.
Preston McFarland
Heritage Committee
Clan MacFarlane Worldwide
1st April, 2016
MacFarlane Family and Friends
Dear Reader,
Clan MacFarlane Worldwide is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that’s committed to connecting the living representatives of Clan MacFarlane with their heritage. We endeavour to discover, document, preserve, and share the History of Clan MacFarlane with all descendants and friends.
It’s with great pleasure we ask for your support in this year’s archaeological project. Enclosed you will find additional information explaining the objectives and scope of the project. We are asking that you consider a donation of $100 or whatever amount you feel is appropriate. All donations are tax deductible and will be used explicitly for the stated purpose. Receipts will be provided for your records.
Clan MacFarlane Worldwide relies on the generous donations of it’s members to fund these projects. Donors will be recognized in the project’s final report and publication Loch Sloy!.
I thank you for your consideration of our request and look forward to your participation in the project.
Sincerely,
Preston McFarland
Clan MacFarlane Survey and Excavation Project 2016
Summary
For hundreds of years our ancestors called the area between Loch Long and Loch Lomond home. A simple drive through the area teases at their existence as some of the old ruins are still visible. If one were to stop and take a deeper look, one that goes below the surface, a fuller story of our ancestors begins to appear.
As with all things, time has taken its toll and has covered their labors and accomplishments. We want to rediscover what time has hidden and history has forgot. To accomplish this, we have teamed up with Northlight Heritage, a well respected archaeological group, to survey and document several important Clan MacFarlane sites. The 2016 season will culminate with a dig on the most promising site. This project will literally unearth our history and provide more information to our incomplete past.
The Black Village (Stuckievoulich) Tarbet, overlooking Loch Lomond (©Sue Furness)