Reference

Date 1992

Event ID 932309

Category Documentary Reference

Type Reference

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/932309

The remains of a small shipwreck close to the shore were located by John Dadd in 1979, and some recoveries of material subsequently took place. The most recent, in 1992, was by members of the Dumfries and Galloway Branch of the Scottish Sub-aqua Club. Acting on Mr Dadd's information, the site was visited in 1991 by the Archaeological Diving Unit, as a result of which it was designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act (1973) by Historic Scotland. Because of perceived environmental destabilisation the Archaeological Diving Unit (ADU), on Historic Scotland's behalf and after a pre-disturbance survey, recovered in June 1992 some material considered to be under immediate threat. These recoveries, together with those made by the Dumfries and Galloway Sub-Aqua Club and some items from John Dadd's collection, are now in the possession of the National Museum of Scotland.

The wreck is that of a small armed ship, with various elements of timber structure, stone ballast, and seven cast-iron guns so far identified. Several pieces of decorative carving, including part of the Arms of the Prince of Wales have been recovered. Small finds indicate a mid-17th century date, and include part of a schnaphaunce pistol lock, a pocket watch, a sword hilt, clay pipes, a leather shoe, and domestic items of treen. Some of the finds indicate the presence on board of high-status individuals, and human remains have been noted on the site. No historical context for the wreck has yet been established. Colin Martin now holds an excavation licence for the site from Historic Scotland and investigation is proceeding by way of a consortium which includes the Scottish Institute of Maritime Studies at St Andrews University, the NMS and the Scottish Sub-Aqua Club.

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

C J M Martin 1992.