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Easter Moss

Souterrain (Iron Age)

Site Name Easter Moss

Classification Souterrain (Iron Age)

Alternative Name(s) Cowiehall Quarry

Canmore ID 46860

Site Number NS88NE 49

NGR NS 85311 89500

NGR Description Centre

Datum OSGB36 - NGR

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/46860

Ordnance Survey licence number AC0000807262. All rights reserved.
Canmore Disclaimer. © Bluesky International Limited 2025. Public Sector Viewing Terms

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Digital Images

Rectified aerial photograph
Rectified aerial photographAerial viewEaster Moss, NS88NE 49, Ordnance Survey index card, RectoAerial viewAerial view

Administrative Areas

  • Council Stirling
  • Parish St Ninians
  • Former Region Central
  • Former District Stirling
  • Former County Stirlingshire

Archaeology Notes

NS88NE 49 8528 8950.

NS 8528 8950 An archaeological evaluation was undertaken in advance of a proposed extension to gravel quarrying at Cowiehall Quarry, Cowie. The site of a probable souterrain (NMRS NS88NE 49) is recorded as a curvilinear cropmark and lies within the proposed quarry extension. Nine trenches were excavated in the vicinity of the cropmark to confirm the presence and character of the possible souterrain and any associated features. Trenches 1 and 2 demonstrated the location and presence of the souterrain and revealed it to consist of an arc curving ESE and measuring c 18m in length and c 2.3m wide. A 2m wide section excavated across the body of the souterrain showed it to have been excavated into the soft natural sand and gravel subsoil to a depth of c 1.1-1.2m. It had a distinctive stepped profile, with a linear channel running longitudinally down its centre. The fills of the souterrain revealed a complex sequence of deposits. An oval pit and a bipartite field oven were also identified. The remaining features encountered were of pre-recent agricultural activity.

Stratified finds included a rim sherd of samian, sherds of coarse prehistoric pottery, and a probable ring-headed pin from the souterrain; a coarse sherd of prehistoric pottery from the pit; and sherds of orange- and green-glazed pottery. A substantial amount of roundwood charcoal was recovered from the souterrain, and charcoal roundwood and cereals from the pits.

Mitigation measures have been proposed.

Sponsor: Patersons of Greenoakhill Ltd.

R Strachan 1999

Activities

Excavation (2 July 2007 - 3 August 2007)

NS 85310 89505 We carried out archaeological works in advance of the extension at Cowiehall Quarry, Easter Moss, from 2 July–3 August 2007. The area of the study area is currently a green field site extending to 500m2. Work involved the stripping and hand cleaning of an area 20 x 25m and the subsequent excavation of exposed archaeological features. These works proceeded on the recommendations of earlier investigations. The works revealed the remains of a partially robbed-out souterrain and associated features including two bi-partite pits, pits and postholes dispersed primarily over the eastern half of the site.

A date in the 2nd century AD has been suggested for the occupation of the site, with activity in the late to post-medieval period, pending further investigation. Pottery, lithic material, and ecofacts were retrieved. It is hoped that these will answer a number of questions about the site, particularly concerning dating, subsistence and economy.

Report deposited with Stirling Archaeology Service and archive with RCAHMS.

Funder: Paterson’s of Greenoakhill Ltd.

Note (24 November 2022)

The location, classification and period of this site have been reviewed and changed from SOUTERRAIN (PREHISTORIC)(POSSIBLE), UNIDENTIFIED POTTERY (ROMAN), UNIDENTIFIED POTTERY(S) (POST MEDIEVAL), UNIDENTIFIED POTTERY(S) (IRON AGE).

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