Raasay, Clachan, Old Harbour
Hearth (Period Unassigned)(Possible), Lithic Scatter (Prehistoric)
Site Name Raasay, Clachan, Old Harbour
Classification Hearth (Period Unassigned)(Possible), Lithic Scatter (Prehistoric)
Canmore ID 215148
Site Number NG53NW 70
NGR NG 5441 3640
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/215148
- Council Highland
- Parish Portree
- Former Region Highland
- Former District Skye And Lochalsh
- Former County Inverness-shire
NG53NW 70 5481 3997
The following sites were recorded in April and May 2001 as part of the Scotland's First Settlers Project (DES 2000, 44-45).
NG 5481 3997 Clachan, Old Harbour Lithic Scatter
Clachan, Old Harbour, Island of Raasay, is a peat exposure with submerged tree remains, lying in an intertidal zone within the Old Harbour. One baked mudstone flake was found within the peat deposit.
Full report lodged with the NMRS.
Sponsors: Historic Scotland, Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Society of Antiquaries of London, Prehistoric Society, University of Edinburgh.
K Hardy and C Wickham-Jones 2001
NG 54465 36404 An evaluation, excavation and palaeoenvironmental assessment of intertidal peat in Clachan Harbour, Churchton Bay, were required in advance of the construction of a new ferry terminal. The excavation in January/
February 2007 uncovered a lithic scatter below and in the peat layer, suggesting the site is of Mesolithic origin. A further survey and evaluation were carried out in advance of construction of an access road and associated works in June 2007. A previously unidentified hearth/stone setting was located during this survey, close to the current N/S fence line which separates the arable land and forested area S of Raasay House. It consisted of four upright slabs protruding from eroded areas of grass-covered topsoil; excavation showed it contained burnt coal and ash and had seen at least two phases of use. The evaluation of 5% of defined areas meant that a total of 349m² of trenches were excavated. No
features of archaeological significance were uncovered in any of the trenches. One trench was extended around the stone feature revealing a spread of dark burnt coal and ash immediately to the W.
Archive deposited with RCAHMS, Highland Council SMR.
Funder: Highland Council.
Archaeological Evaluation (2 June 2007 - 8 June 2007)
NG 54465 36404 An evaluation, excavation and palaeoenvironmental assessment of intertidal peat in Clachan Harbour, Churchton Bay, were required in advance of the construction of a new ferry terminal. The excavation in January/
February 2007 uncovered a lithic scatter below and in the peat layer, suggesting the site is of Mesolithic origin. A further survey and evaluation were carried out in advance of construction of an access road and associated works in June 2007. A previously unidentified hearth/stone setting was located during this survey, close to the current N/S fence line which separates the arable land and forested area S of Raasay House. It consisted of four upright slabs protruding from eroded areas of grass-covered topsoil; excavation showed it contained burnt coal and ash and had seen at least two phases of use. The evaluation of 5% of defined areas meant that a total of 349m² of trenches were excavated. No
features of archaeological significance were uncovered in any of the trenches. One trench was extended around the stone feature revealing a spread of dark burnt coal and ash immediately to the W.
Archive deposited with RCAHMS, Highland Council SMR.
Funder: Highland Council.
Watching Brief (February 2008 - September 2008)
NG 5440 3640 (centred on) A watching brief was carried out, February–September 2008, during land site works
and offshore dredging in Clachan Harbour in advance of a proposed ferry terminal and infrastructure development in Churchton Bay. Previous archaeological work identified an archaeological layer, most probably Mesolithic in date, beneath a raised beach. Three sondages were excavated in Area 3 and dredging was monitored in the harbour. The peat layer was not identified in the sondages or during the dredging. Topsoil stripping on land in four separate areas revealed no features of archaeological significance.
Archive: Highland HER and RCAHMS
Funder: Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd
Phil Richardson (CFA Archaeology Ltd), 2008
