Excavation

Date 9 July 2011 - 24 July 2011

Event ID 963856

Category Recording

Type Excavation

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/963856

NH 58878 63950 The Road through Ross-shire and Pathways into the Past projects have been investigating a possible early routeway through Easter Ross. As part of this research a number of sites in the vicinity of the routeway have been investigated. At many points along the route there appears to be a confluence of castles/grand houses and chapels/religious sites, often near river crossing points. One example of this can be seen at Foulis, where a river crossing and the current site of Foulis Castle are located close to a flat-topped mound. This has been interpreted as a possible motte and the religious site of Cnoc an Teampuill.

A topographic survey and excavation of the possible motte was undertaken 9–24 July 2011, in conjunction with the excavation of a nearby linear cropmark, which was thought to be part of the routeway. The excavations at the possible motte recorded a series of stony spreads that possibly related to a collapsed structure. The full extent of this feature will be investigated in 2012.

The work was undertaken by community volunteers. By assisting local people to research, record and present this site the project has tapped into a wealth of local knowledge, which has been an essential resource. By training local communities in excavation and surveying techniques the project aims to leave a legacy of individuals who are well suited to exploring and recording their local heritage beyond the scope of this excavation.

Archive: Highland HER and RCAHMS (intended)

Funder: HLF, Highland LEADER and Highland Council

Archaeology for Communities in the Highlands (ARCH), 2011