Site Report

WoSASPIN 7901
NS47SW 29 4050 7328.

(NS 4050 7328) Langbank East Crannog: Shows clearly on air photographs with a causeway leading from it to the mainland on the E side. Piles can sometimes be seen protruding through the sand.
Information from J Hunter, Paisley Museum, 3 November 1972

Site scheduled 11/02/11
Entered WoSAS (MO'H) 16/03/2011

NS 40495 73175
Visible at low tide, the monument appears as conspicuous oval mound of seaweed-covered stones, measuring approximately 45m E-W by 30m transversely. The core of the site is a raised central area where there are traces of a rectangular construction some 20m long and 15m wide. Running between the shore and the monument is a double row of stones, variously interpreted as evidence for a causeway or possibly a later land boundary. Appearing as a low but conspicuous mound of stones, the crannog survives in good condition. Additionally there are several possible features visible on the crannog's northern side. These take the form of several sub-rectangular or circular stone pools. No timbers are readily visible at the site.

Associated with the crannog are two parallel rows of stones, running from the shore to the mound's south-eastern arc. Initially interpreted as evidence for a causeway, recent re-survey of the crannog suggested they may be a later feature, possibly marking an area between the shore and the monument. The stone rows are, at present, unique to this crannog site.

Most Scottish crannogs are found in freshwater lochs and rivers, with a distribution spread from the Hebrides to southern Scotland. At present, only nine marine crannogs are known. Many crannogs date to the later prehistoric and early historic periods, a span of time from roughly 1000BC to about 1000AD. Some crannog sites appear to have been built and occupied as late as the 14th century.

Recent academic research suggests that marine crannogs served a different purpose to those found in freshwater lochs and rivers, although there are similarities in their construction and, in some cases, their date. Instead these sites are presently regarded as crossing points or staging posts for larger, coastal boats and for smaller craft used on the upper reaches of the Clyde.
Information from Historic Scotland Scheduling documentation.

This site appears to be marked as an elongated irregular island just below the high water mark on General Roy's Military Survey of Scotland (1747-55).
Entered WoSAS (HMcB) 18/02/2013