Ballantrae
Burial(S) (Period Unknown)
Site Name Ballantrae
Classification Burial(S) (Period Unknown)
Canmore ID 60960
Site Number NX08SE 6
NGR NX 08 82
NGR Description NX c. 08 82
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/60960
- Council South Ayrshire
- Parish Ballantrae (Kyle And Carrick)
- Former Region Strathclyde
- Former District Kyle And Carrick
- Former County Ayrshire
NX08SE 6 c. 80 82
During excavations carried out near Ballantrae (NX 08 82) from 12th - 14th April 1931 by W Hoyland and H French, a layer of flagstones was found at a depth of 18 ins and below this were numerous whelk shells. Broken whelk shells thrown up by rabbits also occur on the surface over an area of about 20 sq yards. Below the layer of whelk shells two skeletons were discovered, both incomplete. One was lying NW-SE, the other WNW-ESE. A broken humerus could indicate a third skeleton, possibly destroyed by rabbits. The bodies appear to have been buried in herring-bone formation. Stones from the excavation which were removed for examination mostly show marks where whelks have been broken and a few show indications of having been chipped or worn. (See also NX08SE 5).
Information from W Hoyland notes and letter, April 1931.
Extensive local enquiry failed to produce any information of the excavations or excavators.
Visited by OS (JRL) 11 March 1977
Note (1981)
Ballantrae NX c. 08 82 NX08SE 6
In 1931 at least two inhumations (aligned NW-SE and WNW-ESE respectively) were discovered near Ballantrae. They were found at a depth of 0.45m and were covered by a layer of whelk shells sealed beneath flagstones.
RCAHMS 1981
