Protection plan for isles village

A number of black houses were renovated in the 1980s

A village could be given Conservation Area status to preserve historic ruins, byres and field patterns.

Residents of Gearranan on Lewis will be consulted on a suggestion to extend the protection from a group of black houses to include the wider community.

The black houses - thatched single-storey buildings - were renovated in the late 1980s.

Council officials said enlarging the Conservation Area would protect other ruined black houses from demolition.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the islands council, will consult residents on the proposal.

Black houses were once found across the isles, Highlands and Perthshire.

The thatch was made from grass, heather, straw or rushes.

According to Gaelic culture website, Am Baile, families believed in never locking the house door and that they had an obligation to welcome strangers.