Garvald Burn

NT14NW 50 101 486

NT 101 486 Fieldwalking was undertaken as part of the Lithic Scatters Project. The field was walked in lines 20m apart (extensive systematic) and several chert flakes and chunks were uncovered across the whole field. A concentration area of around 100 chert flakes was rewalked completely. Some microliths suggest Mesolithic activity.

Future geophysics and test-pitting of the concentration is planned.

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

C Barrowman 1997

NT 101 486 Geophysics (magnetometry and magnetic susceptibility), phosphate analysis and test-pitting were carried out on a large chert scatter (over 100 pieces). Eleven test-pits (2 x 2m) were dug and sieved. Just over 1000 lithics were recovered; 660 pieces made up of cores, flakes, blades, microliths and debitage came from one test-pit. A burnt area (possible hearth) was exposed and recorded from an adjacent test-pit. Analysis of the lithics suggests a knapping floor and the production of blades and microliths, possibly Late Mesolithic.

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

C S Barrowman 1998.

NT 101 486 This lithic surface scatter site indicates mesolithic activity along an indeterminate riverine feature of post glacial age, at the eastern end of the South Medwin Valley. Barrowman states that it is a site of National importance. For more information, see NMRS MS/670/6.

NMRS MS/670/6

NT 101 486 A three week excavation of a surface lithic scatter at Garvald Burn (NMRS NT14NW 50) was carried out in August 2000. A combination of magnetic susceptibility and resistivity surveys were carried out, and a total of six excavation trenches were opened.

Test pitting in 1997 (DES 1998, 80) had uncovered a possible hearth, but no related features. The linear morphology of the scatter suggested that there might be more hearths situated along the edge of a marshy area, which may have been flooded in early prehistory.

The magnetic susceptibility survey showed many well-defined anomalies, some of which were interpreted as possible features. On excavation, however (Trenches 1 and 2), these were not located, and it was concluded that the anomalies related to geological features. The resistivity survey also showed clear geological features, and no archaeological anomalies.

The excavation recovered approximately 1000 lithics of a similar nature to previous assemblages found through fieldwalking and test pitting. These include microliths, blades, waste flakes and chunks related to the knapping of lithics in situ. The original hearth spot was recovered in Trench 4, as well as two possible post-holes and four smaller stake-holes in a line, directly adjacent to where the hearth had been. These may have represented the remains of a small structure such as a wind break or cooking frame associated with the fire.

On initial analysis, it appears that the knapping floor was situated directly to the S of the hearth spot, and that subsequent ploughing has moved the lithics to the N and W. The form of the lithic scatter as it lies now is a linear strip along the bottom of the field. This morphology, therefore, relates directly to tillage activity. The results of the excavation reinforce the idea that the lithic scatter represents minimal archaeological activity. It is likely that a small campsite was present at the site, perhaps of a very short duration.

Sponsors: Historic Scotland, University of Glasgow.

C Barrowman 2000