Ancient Times - Neolithic and Bronze Age Traces

 

In terms of earlier archaeological remains, the surrounding limestone grasslands are particularly rich. Neolithic and Bronze Age cairns and standing stones have been recorded about 1.5 km to the south, with the main cluster on Cnoc na Mòine, centred at NC 389 662. The same ridge supports extensive prehistoric roundhouse settlements and field systems. Around Loch Croispol itself, archaeological survey in 2001 identified an extensive prehistoric cairnfield on the high ground between it and Loch Borralie, prehistoric roundhouses and field systems above the western shore of Loch Croispol and further prehistoric settlement remains on the higher ground to the west (Lelong & MacGregor 2001).

 

Medieval to Early Modern

 

The dykes, lane and footpath leading out from the schoolhouse illustrate its close links with townships in the surrounding landscape and with the minister resident in Balnakeil Manse. Some of these, particularly the footpath that climbs the limestone terrace to the west, may be much older relics of landscape use.

 

Elements such as the turf dyke above the lochside to the west probably relate to post-Medieval settlement and agriculture pre-dating the schoolhouse construction. The evidence for attempts to control the burn and drain the marshy ground farther south may date to late in the life of the schoolhouse or even postdate its abandonment.