A low three-bay cottage preserves the curved corners, battered rubble walls and roof position associated with older Hebridean building practice.
Quick facts
- Date
- Probably 19th century and built before 1878
- Architect / designer
- Unknown
- Type
- Single-storey Hebridean cottage or blackhouse
- Designation
- Listed building, Category C (LB5900)
- OS grid reference
- NL 65905 98095
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
Slightly battered rubble walls with rounded angles enclose a single-storey, three-bay plan. A central door and small sash windows sit beneath a hipped felt roof set back to the inner wallhead, retaining the geometry of an earlier thatched roof.
Its story
The cottage predates the first Ordnance Survey of 1878 and belongs to a vernacular tradition shaped by wind, available stone and thatch. Later felt replaced the original covering. A detailed 2026 application proposed substantial repair and renewed external elements.
Why it is included
Category C listing recognises a clear and increasingly uncommon example of a traditional Hebridean cottage whose fabric reveals how roofing and thick masonry responded to island conditions.
What to notice
- Rounded wall corners reducing exposed sharp edges.
- The roof set inside the broad wallhead rather than overhanging it.
- A compact doorway centred between small sash windows.
Reading the surroundings
This is private property. View only from lawful public routes, do not enter the curtilage or disturb works, and consult the planning authority for the application's current status.
Timeline
- Before 1878 The cottage appeared by the first Ordnance Survey of Barra.
- Later period Felt replaced the original thatch while retaining the recessed roof form.
- 17 July 2026 A detailed refurbishment application entered the council's current list.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The official address uses Horogh while the 2026 application uses Horve; their matching number and location strongly indicate the same property, but this is an inference.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: 87 Horogh, LB5900 — Designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Comhairle nan Eilean Siar: current planning applications — Current 2026 refurbishment proposal for 87 Horve and its private residential context.
Location
OS grid reference NL 65905 98095 · Location confidence: High: the national designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference; an additional source confirms the Place relationship, history or current identity. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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