The Evelix Valley

The archaeology of the Evelix Valley was extensively studied by Dr Struan Robertson and the late Jimmie Bell, members of the Dornoch Heritage Society.

The museum has an large collection of documents, maps, sketches and photographs, many of which were displayed at Heritage Society exhibitions and presentations. Only a flavour of the data and images can be provided here.

The title page of one folder, compiled by Jimmie Bell and Struan Robertson, states that the contents are "the fieldwork study of the Dornoch Heritage Society over the past three years culminating in an exhibition and display for the Dornoch Cathedral 750th celebration of consecration, 1989". The collection of documents, clipped into a brown medical records folder, includes handwritten text, maps and plans, organised in sections:

An example of a typical survey diagram contained in the Evelix Valley archaeology papers is that of the crask dwelling at the south east border of Creich Parish Boundary (Grid Ref: NH 724931) (Museum catalogue DNHHL 2001.005.002 )

An associated photograph (Museum catalogue DNHHL 2001.005.009) shows the interior of the larger Crask house. An explanatory note indicates that, on the left side of the photograph, there is evidence of a small rear doorway into the building with the comment that back doors to such crofting buildings were by no manner of means a common feature – especially in such high and exposed sites.

It has been recognised that the extensive field work conducted in the Evelix Valley should be used to good effect and it is hoped that a guidebook, compiled by Historylinks Trustee Chairman Graham Park, will be published in late 2007 or early 2008.

The museum has a personal computer for public access to the catalogue and to view slide shows, including one dedicated to the Evelix Valley.

Last updated: 15 February, 2007