1S88-89.] Kintail and Glenelg, with Notices of the Brochs. 241 



of the two walls ; but as both Gordon and Pennant take par- 

 ticular notice of this coping-like arrangement, and the latter 

 states his theory of its use, it is pardonable to suppose that 

 some definite purpose was intended by the builders. Upon 

 what this was it would be imprudent to speculate. It may 

 be as well to mention, however, a suggestion often made, that 

 those stones were the supports of a temporary roof ; but as our 

 most eminent archaeologists seem now to be pretty well agreed 

 upon the point that those buildings never had a top covering, 

 probably the first-named theory may be correct, especially as 

 the upper parts would be considerably strengthened by such 

 a disposal of the flags. Two rows of internal window open- 

 ings for the admission of light and air into the galleries are 

 still visible, and the complete circular foundation may yet be 

 traced. There is a popular notion that part of this broch was 

 utilised to build the neighbouring barracks of Bernera, erected 

 by the Hanoverian Government in 1722 to quell the Jacobite 

 clans, — whether true or not would be hard to say.^ The state- 

 ment seems open to doubt, as plenty material could be got 

 nearer hand ; but on one point there need be no dubiety — 

 viz., the stones must have been purloined for some object, as 

 they are not found in a fallen state close by, and considering 

 the compact and solid nature of the structure, there was little 

 chance of its crumbling away if left unharmed. In neigh- 

 bouring cottages, dykes, drains, and probably in road-metal, 

 we may seek for the stones that were once incorporated in 

 this ancient erection. About a quarter of a mile farther up 

 the glen, on a slight eminence close to the road, stands 

 " Caisteal Troddan " (see Plate No. 3), more interesting perhaps 

 than the other from its being in better condition, and strong 

 enough to admit of passage through the three galleries. The 

 part containing the doorway and guard-chamber has disap- 



^ Logan, quoting the "learned Mr Grant of Corritnony," perpetuates tins tale, 

 but there seems to be confusion on the point, as the two which he says were 

 destroyed for the purpose would seem to be Clialamine and Chonil, the first and 

 last in order, so that the builders of the barracks put themselves to a deal of 

 unnecessary trouble in passing two other towers to lift material from Chonil, 

 the most inaccessible of all. If there is any truth whatever in the account, it 

 is more than likely that, in addition to Chalamine, the supposed one in Glen 

 More supplied the masonrj', its proximity to the site of the barracks being too 

 tempting to be overlooked. 



