Burray, Bu Sand Quarry

ND49NE 39 ND 4854 9709

Human remains ND 4854 9709 Human bones were exposed during sand quarrying, and were investigated in October 2005 at the request of Northern Constabulary. The bones were part-buried in a block of sand and anthropogenic horizons, still capped by turf, which had collapsed down the quarry face. Careful excavation around the bones identified the sand layer within which the bones had been buried. This could be related to the horizons visible at the top of the quarry face, which were not physically accessible due to the danger of collapse. It was clear that the remains were from

a broad horizon of peaty sand containing midden material that abutted a ruined drystone wall that was most similar to construction techniques of the Norse or prehistoric periods. The wall and the peaty sand horizon were sealed by a layer of shelly black peat, which lay below the ruined corner of a rectangular drystone structure of Norse or later appearance.

The bones were in a tightly packed group, positioned in such a way to show that they must have been deposited after there was no flesh left on them. Not all of the skeleton remained in situ and more remains were found on the sand extraction spoil heap. Initial examination indicates that the remains were probably those of a female, aged 17-21 years old.

Archive to be deposited in Orkney SMR.

Sponsor: Northern Constabulary.

P Sharman 2005