Scheduled MonumentsScotlandRhoail, depopulated settlement
Depopulated settlement

Rhoail, depopulated settlement

Scotland
HES SM10692
Site type
Depopulated settlement
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Rhoail is a depopulated settlement located in Argyllshire, Scotland, representing the archaeological remains of a former rural community whose occupation and abandonment reflect broader patterns of settlement change in the Highlands and Islands. The site contains structural evidence of domestic habitation typical of post-medieval Highland settlements, with the physical remains providing insights into everyday life and land use practices during its period of occupation. Like many similar depopulated settlements across Argyllshire, Rhoail was likely abandoned during the period of significant social and economic upheaval that affected rural Scottish communities, particularly from the eighteenth century onwards, when shifting agricultural practices, clearances, and emigration transformed the region's settlement patterns.

Rhoail, depopulated settlement is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM10692. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rhoail, depopulated settlement?

Rhoail is a depopulated settlement located in Argyllshire, Scotland, representing the archaeological remains of a former rural community whose occupation and abandonment reflect broader patterns of settlement change in the Highlands and Islands. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM10692.

Who is responsible for protecting Rhoail, depopulated settlement?

Rhoail, depopulated settlement is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM10692.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rhoail, depopulated settlement?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Pennygown, chapel, cross-shaft and graveyard (6.5 km), Caisteal Eoghainn a' Chinn Bhig, crannog (6.7 km), Ardness, cairn 550m S of (7.7 km).

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