Biruaslum
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Biruaslum or Bioruaslam is a stack in the Barra Isles of Scotland, to the west of Vatersay. Approximately {{convert|2.5|km|mi|frac=4|abbr=off}} from the nearest road, it reaches {{cvt|72|m|ft}} in height and there is a ruined prehistoric fort on the southern side. Francis G. Thompson characterizes it as "high and virtually inaccessible";[https://books.google.com/books?id=shMhAAAAMAAJ&q=Biruaslum Thompson (1974) p. 168] James Fisher mentions a "fulmar flying up and down its tiny cliff."Fisher p. 114.
Cliff-fort
File:Biruaslum.jpg in the foreground]]
The vertical cliffs on the east side of the islet that separate it from Vatersay protect the site from the sea and a well-constructed wall that is {{cvt|2|m|ft|frac=2}} wide and {{cvt|3|m|ft|frac=2}} high in places encloses a substantial semi-circular area. The wall is {{cvt|50|m|ft}} long and best preserved at the southeastern end. Attached to the uphill side of the wall are the remains of a small oval structure about {{cvt|19|m2|sqft}} in area. The style of the fort is similar to Iron Age structures known from Ireland but the only datable finds so far discovered are of Neolithic pottery.Branigan (2007) p. 67[http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/21396/details/vatersay+biruaslum/ "Vatsersay, Biruaslum"] CANMORE. Retrieved 13 Nov 2011.
See also
Notes
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References
- Keith Branigan (2007) Ancient Barra: exploring the Archaeology of the Outer Hebrides. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
- Francis G. Thompson (1974) The Uists and Barra. David and Charles.
- James Fisher Rockall: The Islet of Birds.
{{coord|56|56|2|N|7|34|36|W|region:GB_type:landmark|display=title}}
{{Barra Isles}}
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