Archaeological Evaluation

Date April 2015 - June 2015

Event ID 1026124

Category Recording

Type Archaeological Evaluation

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1026124

NH 756 608 (centred on) During April – June 2015, five test pits were excavated in three caves: one in Broad Cave, one in Three Peaks Cave, and three in Through and Through Cave. The results showed that there is good survival of archaeological deposits in the caves evaluated, with well stratified layers containing environmental material and animal bone. Radiocarbon dating results of mammal bone and birch/elm/hazel charcoal from Broad Cave and

Through and Through Cave indicate there was a sequence of occupation of the caves from the 10th–16th centuries. While in Three Peaks Cave, a well-built stone setting was uncovered in the evaluation trench. Hazel roundwood charcoal from behind the stonework provided a middle Iron Age date. The project results continue to show the excellent and intriguing archaeological potential of the caves.

Archive: Rosemarkie Caves Project (currently) and National

Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) intended

Funder: Highland Council, Cromarty Estate

Mary Peteranna and Simon Gunn – AOC Archaeology Group

(Source: DES, Volume 16)