Dornoch North

NH 79712 90220 An evaluation was carried out at a residential development site from 15 April to 3 May 2019. Forty-two trenches were excavated, and twelve archaeological features were identified, comprising several pits and linear features, a large pit or ditch and the remains of two cists that had been previously excavated in 1938.

Four small pits and two linear features proved to be inconclusive and some may be related to relatively recent agricultural practices. A possible fire-pit and posthole on the west side of the site contained no diagnostic material, but have the potential to be prehistoric.

A large pit or ditch, which could not be fully exposed due to the proximity of overhead power lines, contained finds of shell, bone and medieval pottery. While its function and nature were not clear, it is a definite indication of human activity, possibly from the medieval period.

A small excavation was carried out at the site of the previously known two cists (Canmore ID: 14836). These had been previously excavated in 1938 by J M Davidson, who recovered a Food Vessel, a barbed and tanged arrowhead and bronze pin; these were left in the care of Dunrobin Museum. No further artefacts or human remains were found during the 2019 excavation, but the nature and extent of the surviving structures were exposed and recorded. The sites will be dismantled under supervision ahead of development.

Archive: NRHE

Funder: Springfield Properties PLC

Lindsey Stirling - AOC Archaeology

(Source: DES Vol 20)

NH 7971 9022 A watching brief and associated excavation was carried out at Dornoch North, (Phase 2), ahead of a second phase of housing development. The watching brief uncovered 101 features consisting of a ditched enclosure, the remnants of a roundhouse, seven pit groups, three possible fire-pits, a stone filled ditch with upright stone and isolated pits and postholes. In one area, a large circular ditch enclosed multiple internal pit features and a secondary D-shaped enclosure contained an internal post structure with associated internal and external fire- pits. A probable roundhouse and a dense cluster of pits/postholes was also located near the enclosure.

In other areas, there were three groups of curvilinear features; a group of pits that had probably contained upright stones within a stone filled ditch; and a line of pits between the roundhouse and enclosures. Isolated pit features were also located on the site. The results from the archaeological work have shown further extensive evidence for considerable prehistoric activity related to the previous discoveries on adjacent land parcels; as well as later, probably medieval, landscape use.

Archive: NRHE (intended) Funder: Springfield Homes

Fiona Jackson – AOC Archaeology Group

(Source: DES Vol 22)