Blackhouse History

Our Blackhouse was built as the feature of the Dry Stone Wall Associations' festival in 2009. During the festival we had 30 students taking courses, learning how to build walls. We also had 15 experienced Dry Stone Wallers building the Blackhouse. We had three renowned teachers from across the world teaching the students. Each bringing their own experience to the event. Our Blackhouse is a replica of a Scottish Blackhouse. Visit the Dry Stone Canada's website for current events. 

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What is a Blackhouse?

"A blackhouse was a small, traditional stone-built house, found most commonly in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
The structure was generally a double dry stone wall, wooden rafters, packed earth floor and thatched roof made of turf with straw. There was no chimney. The blackhouse was home to both people and their livestock.
The origin of the name is unsure. Some believe the ‘black’ is a simple contrast with the later ‘white’ houses, while others believe that the Gaelic term for ‘black’ sounds very like the Gaelic word for ‘thatch’, and the correct meaning was lost in translation." Quoted from Education Scotland's Website. 

What is dry stone walling?

Dry Stone walling is a method of building with stone without the use of mortar.  As with any dry stone construction, the structural integrity arises from compressional forces and the interlocking of the stones.