Excavation

Date 2 August 2010 - 22 August 2010

Event ID 881327

Category Recording

Type Excavation

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/881327

NO 0534 1690 Two areas of the large palisaded enclosure were investigated 2–22 August 2010. One trench, 40 x 10m, revealed an alignment of six postholes in the SE end of the enclosure. These substantial postholes, some up to 1m in diameter and over 1m deep, were similar to those found during the excavation of the avenue in 2007. In most cases ramps were found with the postholes. The fills of each of the postholes were distinct, suggesting differing treatments of individual posts over time. To the E of this alignment were the remains of a much later road, recorded on the 1st Edition OS map.

The second trench explored an area between the avenue and the NW perimeter of the enclosure. As recorded

elsewhere, the palisade was defined by large postholes, many with traces of ramps. A single fragment of possibly Neolithic pottery was recovered from one of the postholes. A large but shallow clay-lined pit was recorded at the junction between the avenue and the interior of the enclosure. This pit may have contained water and if contemporary with the enclosure would have affected access into the interior.

Archive: Currently University of Glasgow and RCAHMS (intended)

Funder: Historic Scotland, University of Glasgow and University of Aberdeen