Blackpotts

(NT 9056 6750) What may be a settlement, disturbed by extensive surface quarrying, occupies a rocky knoll 250m NNW of Blackpotts farmhouse.

Oval on plan, it measures about 41m by 35m within a stony bank which has been reduced to a scarp for much of its circuit.

RCAHMS 1980, visited 1979.

NT 9056 6750 As part of the survey conducted by Headland Archaeology Ltd on behalf of the National Trust for Scotland on its land at and near St Abb's Head, mentioned above (S Carter 1997), this site was examined and recorded. The report calls this a small rocky knoll extensively altered by shallow quarrying. It has been identified as an enclosed settlement with at least three possible house platforms. However, given the extent of disturbance this interpretation should be treated with caution. Little of the possible bank can be described as upstanding and the impression of the bank is largely created by the presence of a plough scarp around the knoll. The interior is too confused by quarrying to confirm the presence of platforms.The majority of the site has a stable cover of grass. There is some exposed rock around the large quarries and some scrap metal has been been dumped in the quarries. There are a number of rabbit burrows here and bare earth is exposed beneath the perimeter gorse bushes where sheep have sheltered.

Sponsors: National Trust for Scotland, Historic Scotland

NMRS MS/899/44 (Headland Archaeology Ltd 16/10/1997)

NT 9056 6750 Eight trenches and trial pits were opened, 13–20 June 2009, to investigate the potential of any surviving archaeology and to characterise its depth, condition and date. The topsoil on the hill was thin and directly overlay bedrock in most cases, while the slope wash covering the glacial till surrounding the hill made it difficult to distinguish even the most substantive feature, a ditch.

It became clear that dating material was almost entirely absent and the features recorded (including a bank, well, ditch and posthole) could not be ascribed to any particular period. Due to gorse cover and associated burning the topsoil was scorched, which may affect the dating potential of any charcoal from other than deep secure contexts.

However, there is clear evidence for surviving archaeology, including features such as a rock-cut well which may provide evidence from waterlogged deposits. The single posthole also shows the potential for further structural features. It may be possible to gain a better understanding of the period(s) to which the site relates through the further analysis of this area, of the wear pattern on the bedrock and an investigation of the possible structural platforms on the lower levels. Two Roman coins uncovered by the owner of a nearby house

(200m from the site) were identified by Nick Holmes from the NMS as bronze coins of mid- to late 4th century date.

A topographic survey of the area allowed the enhancement of a RCAHMS plan and significantly increased understanding of the layout and potential presence of further hut/structure platforms, as well as providing further detail on the lower platforms and quarries that had been obscured by gorse.

Archive: NTS and RCAHMS

Funder: The National Trust for Scotland

David Connolly – Connolly Heritage Consultancy

Visibility: This is an upstanding earthwork or monument.

Information from Scottish Borders Council