Excavation
Date 20 August 2007 - 7 September 2007
Event ID 558284
Category Recording
Type Excavation
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/558284
HY 4375 2592 Two trenches and six test pits were excavated between 20 August–7 September 2007 to investigate prehistoric activity indicated by the results of the field-walking and gradiometry survey of 2006. The archaeological remains encountered across the site were found to be considerably plough-truncated, but have
nonetheless revealed occupation deposits and structural remains in association with early Neolithic pottery and flint technology.
Trench A was located over an area of high magnetic response which correlated with a high concentration of artefacts recovered during the 2006 field walking exercise. Although severely truncated, to the level of the natural glacial till in some places, several layers of charcoal-rich deposits and ashy spreads were exposed in this trench. In the final few days of excavation, a sondage across one of these spreads revealed a linear
arrangement of large, well-laid flagstones, overlain by secure deposits containing early Neolithic pottery.
Trench B was similarly positioned over an area of archaeological potential indicated by the 2006 survey. Occupation deposits were indicated by the presence of a rammed stone floor showing evidence of in situ burning and the incorporation of flint and cobble stone tools in the surface, which has been interpreted as a work area. Although the primary phases of this trench were not revealed, the working floor and short stretches of ruined coursed masonry show several episodes of activity with various stages of collapse, use and rebuild identified. Amongst the finds recovered from this trench were several pieces of worked flint, cobble stone tools and a decorated sherd of Unstan Ware pottery. Six 1m2 test pits were also excavated and all revealed evidence of human activity, including structural remains and ashy deposits. In addition, areas of considerable in situ burning were exposed in one of the test pits. This was subsequently extended to create Trench C. This small trench revealed negative features cut into the natural glacial till; these have been interpreted as representing internal structural elements and several phases of hearth settings, in association with early Neolithic pottery. It is likely, therefore, that this trench contains the remains of an early Neolithic dwelling, although the truncated nature of the features prohibits the identification of distinct phases of occupation at this stage. With the exception of Trench C, the test pits were not further investigated.
Report to be deposited with the Orkney SMR and RCAHMS.
Funder: Orkney Islands Council, Society of Antiquaries Scotland, Orkney Archaeological Trust, Orkney College, the Flaws family.
