Dunnet, Marymas Green

ND27SW 35 219 706

Midden containing sea shells, fragments of animal and fish bones recently exposed due to erosion of dune area along roadside by grazing sheep. Also evidence of stone walling.

L J Myatt 1992.

ND 219 706. Limited investigation of a midden deposit was carried out over seven days in September 1995, as part of Highland Archaeology Week. The feature, which consisted of a deposit of marine shell and animal bone and elements of masonry, had been previously identified eroding from the side of a sand dune (Myatt 1992). Excavation revealed that the deposit had accumulated against a revetment wall, probably built in order to stabilise an active sand dune. A number of soil horizons were identified at a lower level and these may indicate agricultural practice in an area periodically buried by active dune movement. A further portion of wall, possibly from a building, was identified several metres to the N of the eroding section. A well-preserved antler comb was recovered from the midden-rich matrix of this wall and indicates late Norse activity.

The southernmost trench included further walling which appears to represent another building, with a complex accumulation of deposits on both sides. A fine bone pin with decorated head was recovered from the western side of the wall and may indicate the use of the site at an earlier date than that evidenced by the comb. A fragment of shale armlet was also recovered in close proximity to this wall and the pin.

Sponsors: Highland Regional Council, Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise, Caithness Field Club.

T Pollard 1995.