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Old Scatness Geophysical and Topographic Survey
An assessment programme of topographic and geophysical survey was carried out at Easter 1995, to estimate how much of the broch existed within the settlement mound, to look for associated features and to differentiate between broch-period and other features. Four main methods were employed: conventional survey using EDM linked to a surveying package (Penmap), resistivity and conventional magnetometry, and a technique under development which creates a 'resistivity pseudosection' across the site.
The surveys located a large and deep circular feature, interpreted as the broch. The resistivity pseudosection indicated that this feature might stand several metres high. Both the resistance and magnetometer surveys located anomalies on the western flank of the mound suggesting deep deposits and a linear feature close to the mound's edge. Other features relate to the post-medieval/crofting period occupation of the site.
Three main excavation areas were opened; one over the supposed eastern edge of the broch (area B), one over the post-medieval buildings and the area thought to contain the western side of the broch (area C) and the last over the mound (area D).
Excavation of area B revealed a series of post-medieval walls and a deep topsoil over a layer of rubble and the top courses of a circular feature, corresponding to that noted in the geophysical surveys. this appears to be the surviving circuit of the broch wall. Many hundreds of fragments of pottery were recovered, as well as a fragment of decorated broch-period pottery, a bronze plain wire projecting ring-headed pin, several fragments of steatite vessel and what appear to be two steatite bakestones. A second structure to the E of the broch was built into the rubble and midden surrounding the tower.
Excavation on area C concentrated on the post-medieval building seen on the geophysical survey. Several phases of building are apparent. A robbed structure at the eastern end of the building appears to be the flue and part of the wall of a kiln. The western end of area B revealed midden layers containing prehistoric pottery and curvilinear walls.
Area D was the trench located on the anomaly suggesting a deep-soil feature on the edge of the mound. Excavation revealed that this feature was formed by in situ deep soil deposits, bordered by a stone boundary. To the W of the boundary was a buried soil with ardmarks. Pottery from this area included some of possibly Bronze Age date. Excavation in all areas will continue in 1996.
Field survey was carried out on the Scat Ness peninsula and in the Sumburgh head area. 130 hectares were systemically fieldwalked and then surveyed using an EDM and Grid Pad. The aim is to cover the area as far N as Eastshore, examining the hinterland between the brochs at Jarlshof, Scatness and Eastshore (and including the forts at Scat Ness, Ness of Burgi and Sumburgh Head). The fragmentary remains of field systems (dykes and lynchets) both of prehistoric and later periods were recorded, together with wartime remains in the area. The most unusual discovery was a possible stalled cairn near Sumburgh Head. The site is oval and divided into segments by slabs on edge. Further investigation of the site is proposed for 1996. If the site proves to be a burial cairn it will be the first Orcadian-type of Neolithic site found in Shetland.
Sponsors: (Preliminary Geophysical and Topographic Survey) BP Exploration Operating Company, Dunrossness Community Council and Russell Trust; (Excavation and Survey) British Academy, Bradford University, European Development Fund under the Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme, Shetland Amenity Trust, Shetland Enterprise Company, Shetland Islands Council, DITT, Farquahar and Jamieson, Wackenhut UK Ltd.
S J Dockrill, V E Turner and J M Bond 1995.
