Going through the records after a survey is always a pleasure and is often when the true significance of a place is revealed. Borosdale Bay near Rodel on the Isle of Harris is a great example.
The falling tide uncovered an array of stone structures across the intertidal zone, which we were lucky enough to see and record at a very low tide in perfect weather conditions for getting an aerial view. We were privileged to be helped and guided by local historian John Maclean of the South Harris Historical Society. John pointed out key features, such as the beach where there is a tradition of boat building and the local football pitch, notable for its uneven and non-rectangular layout, and shared stories of some of the former residents.

An aerial view of Dun Stuaidh, a possible prehistoric or early medieval promontory site.
The oldest site that is recorded in the bay is Dun Stuaidh, a possible prehistoric or early medieval promontory site that juts out into Loch Roghadail, and which can only be accessed at low tide. The top of the promontory is reached by scrambling up a steep cliff that is enclosed by an earthwork on its landward side, and the site commands extensive views over the bay and beyond, suggesting that it was an important place in the past.

Looking across to Dun Stuaidh with the football pitch below
Most sites in the area relate to the maritime use of the Bay. One interesting collection of structures recorded on the south side of the bay during the survey was the remains of Tobhtaichean Mhic Aidh (the ruins of Mackay’s houses). Mackay was a successful merchant, who milled and sold flour brought from the mainland to local communities in South Harris. Jetties where Mackay landed his goods and were also associated with Mackay’s herring-curing operations still stand on the shore in front of his house. Four small rectangular stone structures constructed on the low water mark may have been used for storing bait or seafood before being processed or shipped to market.

Mackay’s houses, with jetties and fish pens/tanks visible along the shore.
Another interesting feature associated with fishing that was recorded in the bay was a possible cairdh (fish trap), that can be clearly seen from drone pictures, captured during the survey. The fish trap has been created by constructing a wall between the seaward ends of two intertidal boundary walls.

The fish trap is located between natural outcrops and boundary walls.
On the north shore of the bay, there are the remains of a series of structures and enclosures. Many of these sites are recorded on historic maps dating to the late 19th century, though the maps do not include the numerous names and stories tied to the ruins and enclosures, told by John.

Second Edition Ordnance Survey map of Inverness-shire – Hebrides Sheet XXVIII, Date revised: 1901, Date Published: 1903 (Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland CC-BY)
According to John, the township of Borrisdale/Borghasdal was divided into crofts or fishermen’s holdings by 1914, forming a fishing community that relied on the Sound of Harris and beyond for its livelihood. Wooden boats were constructed at An Fhaoilinn on the shingle beach in the bay’s northeast corner, and several of the structures and buildings recorded there possibly relate to this activity.

A view looking south across An Fhaoilinn, where boats used to be built.

A building, being partially eroded by the sea, that may once have been used by people building boats on An Fhaoilinn.

Several jetties, slips, cleared slipways and moorings are located in the bay, including this collection at the head of the loch.
Numerous jetties and slips along the shore further indicate the bay’s historical use as a harbour, which continues to serve locals, who anchor small boats there for the fishing of mackerel and langoustine.
Like much of the south coast of Harris, Borosdale Bay reflects the island’s rich maritime heritage, brought to life in the stories shared by local residents, like John.

An aerial view of Borosdale Bay, looking south to Loch Roghadail and the Sound of Harris.
Really interesting, What a fantastic sight it must have been when properly working, thank you
Fascinating information on this bay, often visited but never before seen at low tide.