Archaeology Notes

Event ID 677566

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/677566

HY31SW 112 3029 1285

HY 303 128 A large, unusually notched and rebated stone was found during ploughing. A geophysical survey undertaken in 2002 (DES 2002, 88) had indicated considerable archaeological activity, especially in the southern portion of the field. Circular, rectangular and linear features were recorded which form part of a settlement complex continuing S into the adjoining property of Lochview. Also of importance is the generally increased magnetic response of the majority of the field. The opening of a 34.5m² trench in April 2003 revealed the presence of an arc of stones set on edge outlining part of a structure. Within the arc were the remains of a double-faced coursed wall forming two rectangular recesses or arms of a cruciform interior space. The building has been identified as a Late Neolithic building similar in form to others excavated at Barnhouse, barely 0.5km to the SE.

The trench exposed midden deposits which also lay between and around the building. These deposits were traced as a continuous feature in the southern extension of the trench. At its southern end, the midden was interrupted by stones forming part of another structure. These stones were similar to the notched stone and it is likely that this stone originated from this stonework or from the structure it represents.

The site is well placed on high ground between the lochs of Stenness and Harray, close to the monuments of the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, and lies within the Inner Buffer Zone to the World Heritage Site of The Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

Report lodged with Orkney SMR and the NMRS.

Sponsor: HS

B Ballin Smith and G Petersen 2003

HY 303 129 Following exploratory excavation in April 2003 (see above), a resistivity survey in October 2003 both clarified the extent and nature of the anomalies shown by the previous magnetometry survey (DES 2002, 88) and also defined several new structures and features.

Report to be lodged with Orkney SMR and the NMRS.

Sponsor: Orkney Archaeology Trust.

N Card, A Mackintosh and D Damianoff 2003

HY 303 129 In light of discoveries on the Ness of Brodgar in recent years of a large prehistoric complex (DES 2003, 102-3), further evaluation and assessment of the site was undertaken in June 2004. Eight trial trenches were opened, showing that the dense concentration of features revealed by the geophysical surveys was only the 'tip of the iceberg'. Although the trenches were deliberately located away from significant geophysical anomalies, in only one trench was it possible to reach natural without structural archaeology being encountered.

The preliminary results appear to indicate that much of this substantial mound is artificial, comprising structures, middens and deep midden-enhanced soils dating to the Neolithic. In one trench part of a previously unrecorded chambered cairn was revealed. A substantial double linear feature revealed by resistivity, and thought prior to excavation to be probably medieval, now appears to be prehistoric and probably relates to other Neolithic activity on the site.

Soil samples were also obtained for research looking at wider issues, such as early land management, palaeoenvironments and other significant information relevant to the interpretation of the World Heritage Site.

Report lodged with Orkney SMR and the NMRS.

Sponsors: Orkney Islands Council, Orkney Archaeological Trust.

N Card and J Cluett 2004