High Pasture Cave


(Uamh An Ard Achadh)

A cave complex within Strath Suardal on the Isle of Skye, High Pasture Cave (Gael: Uamh An Ard Achadh or 'Cave of the High Field') is located on the northern slopes of Beinn an Dubhaich, a mile (1.5 km) southeast of Torrin. Discovered in 1972 by students from the University of London Speleological Society, the cave is also of significant archaeological interest, with pottery evidence suggesting occupation in the Late Bronze Age / Iron Age period (from around 1000 BC until at least 275 BC).

The complex has been carved by water into the Durness Limestone of Cambrian age and comprises around 320m (1050 feet) of accessible passages making it the second longest cave complex on Skye, next only to the nearby Valley Head Cave. The Tertiary granite intrusion which comprises Beinn an Dubhaich has guided its shape.

There are also associated anthropogenic structures on the hillside around the cave, including the Fiskavaig Rock Shelter. Detailed archaeological investigation began in 2002 and has revealed a significant amount of pig, cattle and deer bone fragments, together with shellfish remains, charcoal, fire-cracked pebbles, coarse pebble tools and pottery sherds.


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