Links for Noltland Geophysical Survey

Date June 2010 - July 2010

Event ID 881214

Category Project

Type Project

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/881214

HY 428 493 A geophysical survey was undertaken June– July 2010 across the Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements at the Links of Noltland. The survey aimed to investigate the extent and nature of archaeological features outside the Historic Scotland PIC designated area. Gradiometer and electromagnetic surveys were carried out across a 12ha area which included the site of Queena Howe, an eroding Iron Age broch, to the NW of the Links of Noltland. A georectified photographic survey was also undertaken of the coastal section N of Queena Howe. The gradiometer survey generally produced good results, although some areas were dominated by ferrous type responses caused by modern debris and disturbance. Some of the magnetic noise may also have related to past kelp burning activity. A large number of kelp pits were visible across the survey area. The magnetically quieter parts of the survey were partly due to higher ground levels and deeper deposits of sand, with the results showing the contrast of shallower overburden and less attenuated magnetic signals in other parts of the survey area. Across the mound of Queena Howe, results were dominated by a series of magnetically strong positive and negative linear anomalies, forming broadly concentric circles. These anomalies indicate the enclosing walls/ banks and ditches of the broch, while a contrastingly low magnetic response at the centre may relate to deep layers of stonework/rubble. The outer elements of the ditch system appear to form an opening slightly to the W of S, while some other trends and well defined anomalies in the data may be related to the occupation of this settlement beyond its enclosing boundaries. Substantial, magnetically strong anomalies eastwards along the coast from Queena Howe related to a prominent mound at the corner of the chain link fence enclosing the core of the scheduled area. The precise origin of the mound is unknown, but possible interpretations are either a burnt mound or debris from past industrial activity. A similarly strong and broadly circular anomaly was recorded immediately to the W of the mound. The intensity of the magnetic enhancement suggests industrial or intensive occupation activity. A series of substantial positive and negative linear anomalies, that may reflect a pattern of ancient polygonal field boundaries, were recorded to the S of the mound. These are consistent with anomalies previously detected within the HS designated area to the E. The negative anomalies represent collapsed walls and the positive responses are a result of magnetically enhanced soils that have accumulated along the wall lines. Areas of increased magnetic response

and possible it type anomalies have been identified within the enclosures formed by the boundaries. These may reflect occupation activity, although the level of response is much lower than those associated with buildings located by the previous gradiometer survey, within the HS designated

area. The results may therefore indicate the western limit of the settlement areas currently being investigated by EASE Archaeology.

A cluster of anomalies detected in the SE part of the survey area related to building remains partly visible as a platform and stone scatter. A distinct circular feature, c10–15m in diameter, with suggestions of internal divisions, was evident with a possible hearth at the centre. Other elements of archaeological interest extended to the S and could be part of a further building, again with a central hearth anomaly.

Archive: ORCA Geophysics

Funder: Historic Scotland