Scalpsie Bay Geophysical Survey
Date 5 June 2010 - 12 June 2010
Event ID 963276
Category Project
Type Project
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/963276
An integrated geophysical survey was conducted in an area with a burial cairn (NS05NE 9) and a barrow (NS05NE 10) at Scalpsie Bay 5–12 June 2010. The general aim was to gain a better understanding of these structures, to collate data for a PhD research project and to help in the planning of an excavation at the barrow by the DBLPS (DES 2010, 49).
An extensive magnetic gradiometer survey was undertaken to determine the extent of the cairns and any other features. The survey was carried out at 0.5 x 0.13m intervals covering 3.56ha. Targeted magnetic susceptibility, earth resistance and ground penetrating radar surveys were carried out over the burial cairn to clarify its current shape and depth.
The gradiometer survey mapped the two cairns and their immediate environs. The detected remains of the burial cairn measured c 37m E–W, 33m N–S and 48m NE–SW. The dimensions of the barrow were c15m N–S by 16m NE–SW. The presence of a metal fence to the E of the barrow prevented a full survey in that direction.
The multi-technique geophysical survey revealed anomalies associated with the cairns. Distinctive dipolar anomalies were detected in front of a possible entrance and surrounding the burial cairn. Low resistance anomalies around the burial cairn suggest a possible truncated ditch. Other trends and circular anomalies were detected inside the burial cairn. The GPR data recorded reflections of interest underlying the structure to a depth of 1m. The survey also detected features related to historical periods (eg old field boundaries and evidence of cultivation marks) as well as areas of disturbance in the burial cairn and geological features within the surveyed area. No remains suggesting the presence of the building which is mentioned in the RCAHMS database were identified.
Archive: DBLPS project (deposited) and RCAHMS (intended)
Funder: NERC and Discover Bute Landscape Partnership Scheme
University of Glasgow 2010
