Scheduled MonumentsScotlandSmoo Cave,prehistoric occupation site
Prehistoric occupation site

Smoo Cave,prehistoric occupation site

Scotland
HES SM5482
Site type
Prehistoric occupation site
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Smoo Cave is a limestone sea cave located near Durness in Sutherland, in the far northwest of Scotland. The cave shows evidence of human occupation spanning from the Mesolithic period through to the Iron Age, making it an important site for understanding long-term settlement patterns in northern Scotland. The cave's considerable size and natural shelter, formed through coastal erosion of the limestone bedrock, made it an attractive location for successive periods of habitation. Archaeological investigation has recovered material culture and faunal remains that document the exploitation of marine and terrestrial resources by prehistoric communities occupying this remote coastal location.

Smoo Cave,prehistoric occupation site is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM5482. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Smoo Cave,prehistoric occupation site?

Smoo Cave is a limestone sea cave located near Durness in Sutherland, in the far northwest of Scotland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM5482.

Who is responsible for protecting Smoo Cave,prehistoric occupation site?

Smoo Cave,prehistoric occupation site 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 SM5482.

What other scheduled monuments are near Smoo Cave,prehistoric occupation site?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Cape Wrath Hotel,cairn 670m SSW of (3.7 km), Cape Wrath Hotel, dun 930m SSE of (3.8 km), Kyle of Durness,cairn 350m NNE of Sarsgrum (4.8 km).

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