C14 Radiocarbon Dating - Sample - AA-49626

A charred alder twig (Sample T18B) from a level of charcoal and finely mixed cremated bone (Context 580) on the truncated surface of the hill beneath the monument. There was no buried soil at this point. The extent of this deposit corresponds to an area of enhanced magnetic susceptability, and there is also evidence of burnt stones in the soil thin sections taken at this point. The most likely interpretation is that this was the site of a cremation pyre, from which the more substantial fragments of burnt bone have been removed for deposition elsewhere. The sample was taken where this deposit was sealed by the inner edge of the stone platform/ring cairn and well beyond the area disturbed during the excavation of the secondary pit. The freshness of the charcoal - and its direct association with the central area of the monument - suggest that this material is not residual.

Canmore ID 17006

Map Number NJ40SE

Site type Recumbent Stone Circle (Neolithic) - (Bronze Age)

Site number 1

NGR 348650 803490

Council 110

County 01

Parish COULL

Lab Analysis ID AA-49626

Material Dated Charcoal (Alnus)

Sponsor HS

Uncalibrated date bp +/- error 410 bp +/-30

Uncalibrated date ad/bc +/- error ad 1540 +/-30

Delta -26.7

Calibration program used No

Calibration curve used No