NMRS no: NH70SE 6.02
National Grid Reference: NH 777 023
site location [click here for a road map]

Park in Lynchat village on the B9152, and walk through the tunnel under the A9, following the track to the left. Pass through the gate at the top of the track and follow the track up the field to the second field gate on the right. Go through this and the township is in front of you. Waterproof footwear.

The village of Easter Raitts was cleared in the early 19th century by its then landlord, James MacPherson (the translator of 'Ossian'). The footings of several houses and other buildings, as well as a hollowed roadway, can be clearly seen in the grass. The walls would have been built up using foundation courses of stone, and then slabs of turf to the height of the eaves. The roofs were supported by wooden A-frames, known as "crucks". Excavations are taking place here every summer, the results of which are being used to reconstruct a typical local township at the Highland Folk Museum at Newtonmore. It appears that although the visible remains date to the 18th and early 19th centuries, the site had by then been occupied for many hundreds of years. There are medieval references to Raitts and prehistoric pottery has been found. Visitors to the excavations are welcome - but please check dates and other details with the Highland Archaeology Unit or the Folk Museum.

For more information on this site see CANMORE or go to the Highland Archaeology Service website.