a9 berriedale braes, berriedale, caithness archaeological

A9 Berriedale Braes, Berriedale, Caithness

Archaeological Excavation, Phase 1

Data Structure Report

15th October 2018

AOC Project Number: 70324

© AOC Archaeology Group 2018

www.aocarchaeology.com

A9 Berriedale Braes, Berriedale, Caithness

Archaeological Excavation, Phase 1

Data Structure Report

On Behalf of: AECOM Limited

Portwall Place

Portwall Lane

Bristol

BS1 6NA

National Grid Reference (NGR): ND 12054 22791

AOC Project No: 70324

Prepared by: L. Stirling, M. Peteranna, R. Engl

Illustrations by: L. Stirling

Date of Fieldwork: 24th September to 5th October 2018

Date of Report: October 2018

Oasis No: aocarcha1- 331438

Enquiries to: AOC Archaeology Group

The Old Estate Office

Rosehaugh Estate

Avoch

IV9 8RF

Tel. 01463 819 841

Mob. 07972 259255

E-mail [email protected]

This document has been prepared in accordance with AOC standard operating procedures. Authors: Lindsey Stirling, Mary Peteranna, Rob Engl Date: 15/10/2018 Approved by: Mary Peteranna Date: 22/10/2018 Draft/Final Report Stage: Final Date: 25/10/2018

http://www.aocarchaeology.com/

AOC 70324 A9 Berriedale Braes, Berriedale, Caithness: Archaeological Excavation, Data Structure Report

© AOC Archaeology 2018 | PAGE 2 | www.aocarchaeology.com

Contents

Page

SUMMARY ......................................................................................................................................................... 3 1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... 4 2.0 BACKGROUND ..................................................................................................................................... 4 3.0 OBJECTIVES ......................................................................................................................................... 5 4.0 METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................................................... 8 5.0 RESULTS ............................................................................................................................................. 11 6.0 DISCUSSION ....................................................................................................................................... 26 7.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................... 26 8.0 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................... 28

List of Figures

Figure 1: Location plan

Figure 2: Proposed route of new road, showing the area of investigation

Figure 3: Location of the excavation trenches

Figure 4: The five trenches, showing location of the grids

Figure 5: Trench 1 and Trench 2 section drawings

Figure 6: Plan of Trench 2 showing the location of archaeological features

Figure 7: Section drawings of the pit features

List of Plates

Plate 1: General view of Trench 1, facing west-south-west

Plate 2: General view of Trench 1 showing (103) and removal of (104), facing west-south-west

Plate 3: Post-excavation shot of Trench 1, facing WSW

Plate 4: Trench 2 mid-excavation shot after removal of topsoil (200), facing WSW

Plate 5: Trench 2 post-excavation, showing grids 6A, 7B, 8A and 8C, facing southwest

Plate 6: Trench 2 showing GI disturbance location in front left of photo, facing southwest

Plate 7: Trench 2 Grids 6A-8A, showing feature locations, and stone layer (back) facing southeast

Plate 8: Pits [207], [208], [209], post-excavation, facing northwest

Plate 9: Pit [207] left, pit [208] half-sectioned, and pit [209] (front), facing WNW

Plate 10: ESE-facing trench section, showing location of half-sectioned features in back and unexcavated in situ

features and deposits in front right, facing WNW

Plate 11: Trench 2 Grids 8A-9A, facing northwest, showing in situ layers and possible stake-hole locations (unexcavated) Plate 12: Trench 3 after excavation of (301) showing (302), facing NNW

Plate 13: Trench 3 Grid 1A post-excavation, facing WSW

Plate 14: Trench 4 after topsoil/turf removal, facing WSW

Plate 15: Trench 4 Post-excavation, facing southwest

Plate 16: Looking over Trench 5 post-excavation, facing west

Plate 17: A selection of lithics artefacts (202) grid 8C, Trench 2

Plate 18: A small selection of lithics artefacts from (202) grid 8B, Trench 2

Appendices

Appendix 1 List of Contexts

Appendix 2 List of Site Photographs

Appendix 3 List of Samples

Appendix 4 List of Small Finds



SUMMARY

This report details the findings of the first phase of

archaeological excavation carried out in advance of

improvement works to the existing A9 road at

Berriedale Braes in Caithness. The excavation was

required in order to investigate an area where

prehistoric lithic artefacts had been discovered

during a previous phase of investigative fieldwork.

The fieldwork was undertaken between 24th

September and 5th October 2018. Five trenches

were excavated in the planned location of the new

road alignment in order to determine the locations

of lithics artefact concentrations and areas of

archaeological potential. There were two sites of

primary interest are situated on flat terraces on

clifftops overlooking the North Sea. Both areas

revealed an in situ occupation layer containing high

quantities of struck lithics, a variety of stone types

comprising manufacturing debris, cores and

microliths characteristic of the Scottish Mesolithic

period. One area also contained subsurface

features, pits and possible linear cuts, that have

survived within the natural subsoil..



1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 A first phase of archaeological excavation was undertaken on behalf of Transport Scotland in

advance of road re-alignment works for the A9 at Berriedale Braes, near Helmsdale,

Caithness. The works will see alterations made to reduce the steep incline and the angle of

the hairpin bend situated on the north ascent of the Berriedale Braes. Previous archaeological

evaluation and watching brief had taken place on the site during 2017 and 2018, including the

dismantling of a post-medieval structure. This report focuses on the first phase of excavation

of an area of prehistoric lithic scatters that were noticed during the previous archaeological

watching brief.

1.2 The proposed development lies within the scope of works planned by Transport Scotland,

advised by Archaeologist Ed Danaher. It is situated within the administrative area of Highland

Council, which is advised on archaeological matters by Kirsty Cameron, Archaeologist, Historic

Environment Team (HET), Highland Council. Five hand-excavated trenches investigated the

locations where prehistoric lithics had been noticed. The work was in keeping with the policies

outlined in Scottish Planning Policy (2014) and PAN 2/2011 Planning and Archaeology (2011)

in order to record the extent and significance of any archaeological remains which may have

been present within the area.

1.3 The fieldwork was undertaken between 24th September and 5th October 2018. The trenches

revealed two concentrations of worked lithics on flat, clifftop terraces overlooking the

confluence of the Berriedale River and the North Sea. Both areas contained an in situ

occupation horizon rich in Mesolithic lithics, while one area also contained a series of sub-

surface features, likely representing Mesolithic occupation. A second phase of work has been

recommended.

2.0 BACKGROUND

2.1 The scheme is located alongside the A9 roadway at the Berriedale Braes, between Helmsdale

and Dunbeath in Caithness (Figures 1, 2). On the northbound approach, the A9 leads steeply

down to the village of Berriedale across the confluence of the Langwell and Berriedale Waters,

and ascends the north side of the Berriedale Glen with a sharp hairpin bend. The coastline

comprises pastoral agricultural land situated on steep cliffs, with rough heather and moorland

further inland.

2.2 The initial requirement for an archaeological evaluation arose due to the possible preserved

remains of a crofting settlement, Craft, depicted on Roy’s Military map of 1755 existing within

the proposed development area. In addition, further sites of archaeological significance were

located in close proximity to the site. This included a structure shown on historical mapping to

the south side of the township area.

2.3 A walkover survey and full desk-based assessment were carried out by URS as part of the

Cultural Heritage segment of the Environmental Report (URS 2014), the full details of which

can be consulted therein. The URS report noted within a 1km radius of the development site:

four Scheduled Monuments (SAMs), 18 Listed Buildings and one garden registered under the



Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscape. These sites include Berriedale Castle (SAM

3438), Langwell Castle (SAM 3437), a broch and post medieval farmstead (SAM577), and a

Neolithic cairn (SAM 460). The majority of listed buildings were 19th century in date and form

the settlement of Berriedale, comprising mills, domestic homes, two Thomas Telford bridges,

two navigation beacon towers, and the parish church. An additional 44 non-designated sites

were also identified. These mostly comprise scattered post medieval crofting settlement sites,

but there were also indications of prehistoric and medieval occupation in the area.

2.4 An archaeological evaluation was carried out by AOC Archaeology in November 2017 across

the agricultural land at the top of the cliffs, as well as two trenches over an unroofed post-

medieval structure on the slopes (Williamson 2017). No archaeological remains were

encountered in the evaluation trenches. Evaluation of the unroofed structure uncovered a well-

preserved cobbled floor with drains likely representing use as a post-medieval animal byre.

2.5 In August 2018, AOC Archaeology returned to the site to monitor and record the final

dismantling of the unroofed building. During this fieldwork archaeologists identified areas of

recent ground disturbance to the east of the cemetery over rough ground along the cliff edge

not assessed during the evaluation. Casual visual inspection of the soil revealed lithics

scattered over the area, representing stone tools of flint and quartz and manufacture debitage.

A series of test pits were dug indicating the presence of a possible undisturbed soil horizon.

Initial identification of the recovered assemblage suggested that the material was most likely

Mesolithic in date (Stirling & Williamson 2018) and further work was recommended to ascertain

the presence or absence of significant archaeology within the road re-alignment footprint.

3.0 OBJECTIVES 3.1 The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA 2014a) defines an archaeological excavation

as ‘a programme of controlled, intrusive fieldwork with defined research objectives which

examines, records and interprets archaeological deposits, features and structures and, as

appropriate, retrieves artefacts, ecofacts and other remains within a specified area or site on

land...The records made and objects gathered during fieldwork are studied and the results of

that study published in detail appropriate to the project design.’

3.2 The specific project objectives set out by AECOM in the Written Scheme of Investigation

(AECOM 2018) were:

i) To identify, record and sample excavate any archaeological deposits, features and artefacts which may be present within the development

ii) To characterise and date any anomalies or finds recovered; and to produce a report on

the findings of the works



Figure 1: Location plan

Current A9

alignment



Figure 2: Proposed route of new road, showing the area of investigation in red



4.0 METHODOLOGY

4.1 During previous fieldwork, a series of hand dug test pits along a baseline running northeast

from the cemetery wall indicated that scattered lithics were present in the soil across the

slope, but were in higher concentrations on the flatter terraces (Stirling and Williamson 2018).

As per the Written Scheme of Investigation for the current fieldwork (AECOM 2018), it was

proposed that three open area trenches were excavated by hand, the positions to be

determined by ground conditions on site. Trench 1 (10m by 5m) and Trench 2 (10m by 1m

with a 2m by 3m extension) were opened, targeting the flatter areas of ground with higher

concentrations of lithics (Figures 3, 4). After an on-site meeting with the Transport Scotland

and AECOM archaeologists, it was agreed that additional small trenches (3m by 1m) would

be excavated further uphill to assess the distribution of the lithic scatters.

4.2 All the trenches were excavated by hand and the topsoil was sieved for the recovery of

artefacts. The trenches were divided into 1m grid squares (Figure 4) and after initial topsoil

removal all finds and samples were recorded by context and grid square. Bulk soil samples

for environmental analyses were taken from all significant (in situ) archaeological deposits by

grid square and the remainder of these deposits were sieved for artefact recovery. AOC lithics

expert, Rob Engl, provided on-site excavation advice and an initial assessment of the

recovered artefact assemblage.

4.3 A selection of the archaeological features were excavated by hand in order to establish the

date, nature, extent and state of preservation of the deposits and to inform a second phase

of excavation. Archaeological features and deposits were drawn at a scale of 1:20 and

section drawings were drawn at a scale of 1:10. The trench locations, including feature

locations, were plotted using a Trimble Geo-XR Rover capable of centimetre accuracy. The

archaeological fieldwork was recorded using high resolution digital photography in order to

record the process as well as any features or finds of interest.

4.4 All work was carried out in accordance with the Highland Council Standards for

Archaeological Work (2012) and the Chartered Institute of Archaeologists Code of Conduct

(2014b).



Figure 3: Location of the excavation trenches

Burial

Ground



Figure 4: The five trenches, showing location of the grids



5.0 RESULTS

5.1 Summary

5.1.1 The fieldwork was carried out between 24th September and 5th October 2018. Conditions were

mixed, with some very wet and windy days that caused difficulty for sieving, excavation and

identification of finds and features. Five trenches were excavated by hand and it was

established that the main concentrations of lithics were on two terraces on clifftops outside of

the fenced, improved agricultural ground (Figure 4). Sub-surface archaeological features were

encountered only in Trench 2, comprising a group of small-large pits and a possible linear slot.

Both trenches contained in situ occupation layers that had been heavily disturbed by recent

ground investigation machine excavation and dense gorse root systems. Three small test

trenches were hand excavated inside of the area of improved, ploughed agricultural ground

(north of the fenceline). While significant lithic artefacts recovered from here (Trench 3-5), the

material was recovered from the ploughsoil and no in situ horizons were located, indicating

that these areas were likely not main sites of activity or that extensive ploughing had removed

any surviving in situ archaeological horizons and features.

5.1.2 Over one thousand struck lithics were recovered, representing group of lithics finds collected

from individual layers in grid squares. Several fragments of modern pottery, glass and iron

were also recovered from the ploughsoil or topsoil layers, highlighting the disturbance of the

ground in the upper layers. Initial assessment of the small finds has identified a large amount

of manufacture debitage reflecting narrow blade industry and including cores, blades and

flakes. The assemblage most likely dates to the late Mesolithic period (see Section 5.5).

5.1.3 The sections below detail the results from each trench. A full list of contexts and finds can be

found in Appendices 1 and 4.

5.2 Trench 1

5.2.1 Trench 1 was opened at the northeast end of the development area on a flat terrace

overlooking the sea. An area 10m by 5m was deturfed, but after encountering heavy

disturbance by gorse roots in the south and southeast areas of the trench the excavation

focused primarily on the north and northwest parts (Plate 1).

5.2.2 After the removal of the overlying turf, the trench was shown to have three primary deposits.

Deposit (102) comprised a mixed mid grey-brown silty sand and orange-brown clay. It was

concentrated on the northwest edge of the trench next to the recent ground investigation pit.

Due to the mixed nature of this deposit and the inclusions of modern pottery, glass and gravel,

it was interpreted as recently redeposited material.

5.2.3 Deposits (103) and (104) (Plate 2), in situ horizons below the turf and topsoil (100), comprised

dark black-brown and mid grey-brown sandy silt, both with high quantities of struck lithics

artefacts. There was no clear distinction between these two deposits, except that (104) was

drier and looser in consistency and much more disturbed by roots. Context (103) was in

comparison less disturbed and contained small charcoal flecks. These two deposits were

interpreted as part of the same layer that has been differentially affected by root disturbance



and drainage. Due to the high quantities of lithics and visible charcoal flecks, context (103)

was interpreted as an undisturbed in situ occupation horizon.

5.2.4 Both contexts (103) and (104) lay above deposit (105), a mid orange-brown sandy silt, which

formed a thin layer over the natural subsoil (101), a dark red/orange-brown, very hard, sandy

silt with frequent stones (Plate 3). These two basal layers consist of the lower undisturbed

natural ground (101) underlying an archaeologically modified natural subsoil (105).

5.2.5 No sub-surface features were identified within Trench 1. However the nature of disturbance by

gorse roots and recent machine excavated ground investigations may have obscured any

features which may have been present.

5.3 Trench 2

5.3.1 Trench 2 was located on a second terrace along the cliff edge immediately to the east side of

the cemetery. A strip 10m by 1m was excavated to assess the overall area with an extension

of 2m by 3m investigating the most level area of ground. A couple of areas, notably grids 4A,

5A and 10A, showed evidence of recent disturbance similar to that seen in Trench 1 (Plate 4).

The deposits in the trench were best preserved in grids 6A-C to 8A-C, while recent ground

investigations work had truncated or disturbed deposits in the rest of the trench.

5.3.2 Deposit (202) formed the main soil horizon across the whole trench: a mid-dark brown sandy

silt containing large amounts of struck lithics artefacts. Below this was deposit (205), a mid

red-brown sandy silt with small flecks of degraded charcoal. Worked lithics were still present

in this deposit, although in much lesser amounts. Deposit (205) lay directly above the natural

subsoil (204), similar to (105) in Trench 1. Upon completion of the initial phase of excavation,

it was clear that there were further in situ horizons extending over and around (205) outside of

the trench edges that have been left for a next phase of fieldwork.

5.3.3 A series of pit features were identified as cuts through layer (205) and through the natural

subsoil (Figure 6, Plates 6-13). Although varied in size and shape, the pits contained similar

fills of dark black-brown sandy silt (206) with occasional small stones and some lithics

artefacts. Pit [207] and pit [208] comprised small sub-circular pits with gently sloping sides and

rounded bases, measuring up to 0.12m deep and between 0.5-0.6m across (Figure 7, Plates

8-10). Pit [212] was a smaller feature, measuring 0.2m diameter and 0.2m deep (Figure 7,

Plates 8-10). This was interpreted as a possible post- or stake-hole as it was lined by small

stones on the sides.

5.3.4 Pit [209] consisted of a possible linear feature, measuring 0.15m deep and 0.5m by 1.1m

before extending outside the trench (Plates 6, 8-10). Another subcircular pit [210] measured

at least 0.6m diameter and extended beyond the trench edge (Plate 11). It was not excavated

along with two possible small stake-holes which appeared in a new in situ surface layer

extending outside of the trench – the overall area of which requires further investigation.

5.3.5 On the south side of the features, the ground surface contained a concentration of sub-angular

stones (211) forming a compact surface within deposit (205). The amount of stone in this area

was much higher than that in the natural subsoil around and therefore was interpreted as a

possible surface relating to the nearby pit features. It was similar to an archaeological horizon

encountered at Scottish Mesolithic site at East Barns in East Lothian (pers comm Rob Engl).



Figure 5: Trench 1 and Trench 2 section drawings



Figure 6: Plan of Trench 2 showing the location of archaeological features



Figure 7: Section drawings of the pit features

5.4 Trenches 3-5

5.4.1 Trenches 3-5 were excavated uphill from the two main lithic scatters in Trenches 1 and 2 and

located inside the ploughed, improved fields (Plates 12-16). Each was 3m by 1m and a similar

series of soil horizons were observed in each. The transitions between the soil horizons were

very diffuse, but can be roughly broken down as follows. The upper turf and topsoil

(300/301)/(400/401)/(500) was light grey-brown silty sand, very loose and dry with small stones

throughout and measuring approximately 15cm deep. Modern ceramics, glass and iron were

present in this layer along with a small amount of worked stone. Below this was

(302)/(402)/(501) a similar mid grey-brown silty sand, measuring 5-10cm deep, and still

containing struck lithics artefacts as well as modern ceramics and glass. The next layer

(303)/(403)/(502) was dark grey-brown silty sand, wetter than the above layers and almost

sterile of lithic material and finds. This lay above the natural subsoil (304)/(404)/(503).

5.4.2 Worked lithics were present in each of these trenches, but in much smaller numbers,

suggesting that these were not primary activity areas. The lithics were also confined primarily

to the upper layers, suggesting that there was not an intact occupation layer immediately above

the natural subsoil as seen in trenches 1-2.



5.5 Small Finds Assessment

5.5.1 Lithic Assemblage

An initial rapid assessment of the lithic material (examples in Plates 17, 18) at Berriedale by

Rob Engl identified a large chipped stone assemblage of late Mesolithic date. Approximately

a quarter of the recovered material was macroscopically studied. This revealed a narrow blade

assemblage of 1035 artefacts with the majority composed of patinated and heat affected East

Coast (Buchan) flint (n. 939) with substantial supplementary quantities of crystalline quartz (n.

89). Other raw materials identified within the assemblage included fossil wood (n. 7), chert and

chalcedony.

5.5.2 Primary Technology

Twenty-seven platform blade/flake cores were identified including two made on quartz. The

platforms of these items were well worked ranging between 75-100%. The cores appeared to

have been derived from small, waterworn cobbles probably retrieved from the nearby river or

coastline. Many of the cores had been reduced to a small size before being abandoned

suggesting that the flint was maximised. A total of 41 whole and fragmentary blades were

identified alongside a large proportion of regular bladelike flakes. Other significant debitage

classes were represented by 2 core face rejuvenation flakes where the whole of the working

face was removed and six platform rejuvenation flakes where the working platform was

removed by a strike angled across the side of the piece. The remainder of the debitage

consisted of flakes, fragments, chips and chunks. In total 948 artefacts were assigned to these

categories.

5.5.3 Secondary Modification

Eleven artefacts displayed secondary modification. These included seven artefacts displaying

microlithic retouch including two microlithic points, a microlithic rod, two backed bladelets and

a crescent. No scalene microliths were identified. Non microlithic tools included a retouched

quartz flake, a sidescraper, a piercer, a notched blade and a quartz borer.

5.5.4 Conclusion

The material at Berriedale would appear to represent a Late Mesolithic occupation based on

a narrow blade industry that appears to maximise immediate local resources of raw material.



Plate 1: General view of Trench 1, facing WSW

Plate 2: General view of Trench 1 showing (103) and removal of (104), facing WSW



Plate 3: Post-excavation shot of Trench 1, facing WSW

Plate 4: Trench 2 mid-excavation shot after removal of topsoil (200), facing WSW



Plate 5: Trench 2 post-excavation, showing grids 6A, 7B, 8A and 8C, facing southwest

Plate 6: Trench 2 showing GI disturbance location in front left of photo, facing southwest



Plate 7: Trench 2 Grids 6A-8A, showing feature locations, and stone layer (back) facing southeast

Plate 8: Pits [207], [208], [209], post-excavation, facing northwest



Plate 9: Pit [207] left, pit [208] half-sectioned, and pit [209] (front right), facing WNW

Plate 10: ESE-facing trench section, showing location of half-sectioned features in back and

unexcavated in situ features and deposits in front right, facing WNW



Plate 11: Trench 2 Grids 8A-9A, facing northwest, showing in situ layers and possible stake-hole

locations (unexcavated)

Plate 12: Trench 3 after excavation of (301) showing (302), facing NNW



Plate 13: Trench 3 Grid 1A post-excavation, facing WSW

Plate 14: Trench 4 after topsoil/turf removal, facing WSW



Plate 15: Trench 4 post-excavation, facing southwest

Plate 16: Looking over Trench 5 post-excavation, facing west



Plate 17: A selection of struck lithics artefacts from (202) grid 8C in Trench 2

Plate 18: A small selection of small blades, scrapers and microliths from (202) grid 8B in Trench 2



6.0 DISCUSSION

6.1 Five hand-excavated trenches on the southeast-facing clifftops at Berriedale Braes have

indicated that there are two main areas of archaeological interest that have survived

southeast of the ploughed agricultural ground. The sites are situated on two flat terraces

overlooking the confluence of the Langwell Water and the Berriedale Water where it enters

the North Sea. Despite recent ground disturbance and intense root disturbance, in situ

archaeological layers and features were identified in association with high concentrations of

struck lithics artefacts (flint, quartz, chert, and other materials) reflecting Mesolithic small

(narrow) blade manufacture.

6.2 The lower terrace located to the east side of the burial ground (Trench 2) was identified as

the primary area of interest, with a series of small pits features that extended beyond the

phase 1 trench edge. The initial interpretation suggests that these may represent structural

remains for a temporary camp or lithics processing site. This is based on the concentration

of struck material located alongside and within potential post- and stake-holes along with a

possible laid stone surface and a large feature (unexcavated) that may be a hearth or fire-pit.

While further excavation is required for this area, it is also clear that the archaeology extends

beyond the trench, despite the disturbed ground from gorse root systems and machine

excavated boreholes.

6.3 On the upper terrace, while no sub-surface features were encountered in Trench 1 there was

an intense concentration of struck lithics artefacts. The lack of buried features may be due to

substantial gorse root disturbance, combined with the machine excavation of ground

investigation boreholes

6.4 The spread of lithics material was also noticed within the ploughed fields on the northwest

side of the fenceline. This was first noticed after the initial discovery of lithics on the site in

August 2018 within the weathered backfill of evaluation trenches that had been machine

excavated in 2017 and within the recent borehole disturbance. The three trenches excavated

in this area, however, produced lower concentrations of lithics artefacts concentrated only

within a ploughsoil, which also contained Victorian and later intrusive material. There were

no in situ archaeological deposits identified above the natural subsoil in these trenches. The

presence of lithics in these trenches indicates that material was spread from other locations,

likely intensified by a long history of ploughing. The results of the excavation of trenches 3-5

suggest that it is unlikely that further archaeological material is present within the ploughed

area. While it is possible that other activity areas were present, these sites have not survived.

7.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 7.1 The first phase of archaeological excavation carried out at Berriedale confirmed the presence

of two Mesolithic activity areas containing material from lithics processing. Although this

material was spread across a much wider area, the survival of in situ features appears

confined primarily to one location (Trench 2) while there is a significant concentration of

material in a second location (Trench 2). In this location, there are further archaeological

features and finds extending out of the initial excavation area.



7.2 Mesolithic archaeology is typically characterised as a subsistence-based, hunter-gatherer

lifestyle and a reliance on wild resources associated with seasonally transient living. Scottish

Mesolithic studies in the past have produced an array of sites, largely consisting of

concentrations of lithics and shell midden sites, with the minority of excavations producing

structural evidence. In the northern two-thirds of Scotland, most known Mesolithic sites are

located in coastal locations primarily concentrated on the west coast mainland and islands

around the Inner and Outer Hebrides (Scottish Archaeological Research Framework

(ScARF), 15). The closest Mesolithic site to the Berriedale Braes site is approximately 20mi

to the northeast at Oliclett near Yarrows – which is in fact an inland site. The site was located

under ploughed furrows for tree planting and subsequent excavation by Amelia Pannett

revealed extensive amounts Mesolithic narrow blades, microliths and debitage, though

virtually no structural evidence, located on low mounds within a flat, peatland environment

(Canmore 2018: NRHE no. ND34NW 43). While the Oliclett site will be an important

comparison when looking at Berriedale, there is a distinct paucity of further recorded

Mesolithic sites in Caithness and Sutherland beyond these two.

7.3 The site at Berriedale is unusual both in its survival of potential structural features and the

situation on high ground overlooking a coastal site. While this is a coastal location, it is also

some 70m above sea level, overlooking the confluence of the rivers Berriedale Water and

Langwell Water, westward-running rivers that would once have contained woodland in the

Mesolithic, offering good hunting grounds within the valleys and over the upload ground and

access to important seasonal and migratory fish. As the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Scotland

ScARF Panel Report (2012) discussed, the identification of Mesolithic sites is difficult,

particularly as they are characterised by lithics scatters and shell middens where few in situ

features survive. As a result, “sites are usually found where and when the ground is disturbed,

for example by ploughing; by drainage ditches, roads, and tracks; by the preparation of

ground for new tree planting scheme by erosion features caused by animal disturbance,

including rabbit burrows and mole hills; by more natural types of erosion features, such as

the banks of streams and rivers; by commercial developments; and by the constant erosion

and modification of much of the coastline (56).” The Berriedale Braes site is a rare Northeast

Scotland example that also contains buried features and the potential for structural evidence.

The survival of Mesolithic remains, especially structures, is extremely rare and it is

recommended that further excavation be carried out in order to fully record and recover

archaeological material prior to loss during construction works.

7.4 The ScARF panel report also highlights the need for future research to address the big

questions of the earliest prehistoric activity in Scotland, including the colonisation of new land,

lifestyles and social organisation, effects of and responses to environmental change and the

transitions to new ways of life (iv), stating also that “the inadequate representation of

Palaeolithic and Mesolithic information in existing national and local databases must be

addressed (ibid).” In particular, the report recommends future areas of research that are

needed, the following of which the work at Berriedale has the potential to inform:

- “Synthesis of existing information on tool types and site locations (55)”

- “Examination of archaeological assemblages to gauge whether the procurement sites

may be primary or secondary sources, and whether the raw material may represent any

form of selection (flaking properties, colours and patterns, etc.) (90)”



- “Development of work on use-wear/residue analysis for lithic assemblages and more

frequent application to excavated material (90)”

- “Understanding the dynamics of the formation of occupation deposits as well as

identifying specific craft or processing activities within sites through the application of a

range of methodologies to artefactual analyses, including use wear and contextual

analysis (90)”

- “Analysis of the relationship between inland and coastal communities (112)”

- “Further work on structural remains and community size (112)”

7.5 In particular, the Berriedale site provides the opportunity to study Mesolithic features, possible

structural remains. The potential evidence for structures would provide new information to

look at during research on mobility patterns of the post-glacial early settlers – looking at the

patterns of movement as compared to temporary camps associated with foragers or more

long-term bases that are returned to frequently. Furthermore, while the narrow (small) blade

industry is typically associated with the late Mesolithic, this is not without debate by

researchers (ScARF, 24-25). Work on the Berriedale site will also provide new opportunities

for environmental sampling for both radiocarbon dating and climate/environment analyses.

7.6 During a second phase of work, it is recommended that hand excavation is concentrated

around Trench 2, to include extension of the trench edges on the north side, in order to fully

uncover the area of archaeological significance for the purpose of full excavation of deposits

and features. Machine stripping of the turf and topsoil further around Trench 1 as well as

Trench 2 is recommended in order to determine the location of any further surviving buried

archaeological horizons within the development footprint. All in situ archaeological deposits

and features uncovered would require hand excavation prior to their loss during development.

8.0 REFERENCES

AECOM 2018. A9 Berriedale Braes: Written Scheme of Investigation for Archaeological

Excavation. Unpublished AECOM report.

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) 2014 (a). Standards and guidance:

Archaeological excavation.

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) 2014 (b). Code of Conduct.

Highland Council 2012. Standards for Archaeological Work

Scottish Archaeological Research Framework (ScARF) 2012. Palaeolithic and

Mesolithic Scotland: ScARF Panel Report.

Scottish Government 2014. Scottish Planning Policy.

Scottish Government 2011. PAN 2/2011 Planning and Archaeology.



Stirling, L and Williamson, S 2018. A9 Berriedale Braes, Berriedale, Caithness

Archaeological Watching Brief Data Structure Report. Unpublished AOC Archaeology

report.

URS 2014 A9 Berriedale Braes Improvement Environmental Report.

Williamson, S. 2017. A9 Berriedale Braes, Berriedale, Caithness, Archaeological

Evaluation Data Structure Report. Unpublished AOC Archaeology report.



Appendix 1 List of Contexts

Context No.

Trench No.

Type Description Filled

by Fill of

Cut by

Cuts Over Under Same

As Interpretation

100 1 Deposit

Dark grey-brown silty sand, loosely compacted. Upper turf and soil, heavily disturbed by GI works (machine

movement) and gorse roots. Contains scattered lithics and modern ceramics/glass.

- - - - 102, 103

- 200 Disturbed topsoil.

101 1 Deposit Dark red/orange brown hard gravel and sandy silt,

with frequent small to medium stone, very compact. Natural subsoil.

- - - - - 103, 105

204, 304, 404, 503

Natural subsoil.

102 1 Deposit

Mixed mid grey-brown silty sand and orange-brown clayey sand. Forms a thin layer on the NW side of the trench. Modern gravel, glass and ceramics within the

fill. Probably redeposited material from GI works.

- - - - 103 100 -

Redeposited material from

previous groundworks.

103 1 Deposit

Dark black-brown sandy silt with friable compaction. Contains small stones (5%), charcoal flecks and

frequent lithics. Deposit is damp, possibly from wet conditions and poor draining subsoil. Mostly on the N

and NW side of the trench.

- - - - 105 100, 102

104? In situ

occupation horizon.

104 1 Deposit

Mid grey-brown sandy silt, with loose compaction. Predominantly on the S and SE side of the trench. Heavily root disturbed, but rich in lithics. Possibly

same as (103) but better draining.

- - - - 105 100 103? Root disturbed

occupation horizon.

105 1 Deposit Mid orange-brown sandy silt with some gravel, friable compaction. Possible old forest soil/modified natural

overlying the natural (101). - - - - 101

103, 104

-

Old forest soil/modified natural below

occupation horizon.

200 2 Deposit

Dark grey-brown silty sand, loosely compacted. Upper turf and a mix of topsoil and disturbed subsoil. Varies in depth up to 10cm. Turf mostly intact in grids 8B/C

7B/C.

- - - - 201, 202

- 100 Disturbed topsoil.



Context No.

Trench No.


by Fill of

Cut by


As Interpretation

201 2 Deposit Transition layer between upper mixed topsoil (200)

and in situ layers (202). - - - -

202, 205

200 - Transition

between (200) and (202).

202 2 Deposit

Mid brown, dry, gritty sandy silt with thin roots and frequent lithics. Present in grids 8B/C and 7B/C but

mostly truncated across the rest of the trench. Where disturbed/truncated it is mid-dark brown claggy silt. Contains small stones and gravel throughout (10-

15%). Present between 10-18cm depth.

- - - - 204, 205

200, 201

- In situ horizon with frequent

lithics.

203 2 Deposit Backfill material from previous ground investigation

pits. - - - - 200 -

Redeposited material from

previous groundworks.

204 2 Deposit Mid red-brown hard gravelly sand with medium red-

black stones throughout. - - - - -

205, 206

101, 304, 404, 503

Natural subsoil.

205 2 Deposit

Mid red-brown sandy silt with 5-10% gravel and small stones. Some blackened patches and possible flecks of degraded charcoal. It is disturbed in places and has

a small amount of lithics but not as frequent as in (202).

- - - - 206 202 - In situ horizon

with some lithics.

206 2 Deposit Dark black-brown sandy silt with occasional small

stones and some lithics. Fill of pits 207, 208, 209, 210, 212.

-

207, 208, 209, 212

- - 204 205 - Fill of pits 207, 208, 209, 210,

212.

207 2 Cut Cut for a subcircular pit measuring 0.6m by 0.3m and up to 0.1m deep. Gently sloping sides curving onto a

rounded base. 206 - -

204, 205

204 206 - Possible

Mesolithic pit.

208 2 Cut

Cut for a subcircular pit measuring 0.5m by 0.45m and up to 0.12m deep. Gently sloping sides curving onto slightly rounded base. Some thin stone slabs at the

base.

206 - - 204, 205

204 206 - Possible

Mesolithic pit.



Context No.

Trench No.


by Fill of

Cut by


As Interpretation

209 2 Cut Cut for a possible linear feature cut which extends out

with the trench. Measures approximately 1.1m by 0.5m and 0.15m deep.

206 - - 204, 205

204 206 - Possible

Mesolithic pit.

210 2 Cut

Cut for a probable pit (unexcavated) measuring 0.6m diameter. It has a silty fill with visible charcoal

patches. It is within a possible in situ soil/floor layer and has two possible stake holes to the east side of it.

- - - - - 202 - Possible

Mesolithic pit.

211 2 Deposit An area in grids 6A-9A within deposit (205) with a

concentrated spread of subangular stones, possibly forming a compact stone surface.

- - - - 205 205 - Possible stone

surface.

212 2 Cut Cut for small sub oval pit measuring 0.2m diameter and up to 0.2m deep. Steeply sloping sides curving

onto a rounded base. Possible post/stake hole. 206 - -

204, 205

204 206 -

Possible post/stake hole.

Possibly Mesolithic.

300 3 Deposit

Upper topsoil/turf. Mid grey brown silty sand, very loose with stones throughout. Contains worked lithics and modern pottery/glass. (300)/(301) are up to 15cm

deep.

- - - - 301 - 400, 500

Upper topsoil/turf.

301 3 Deposit

Lower topsoil with diffuse transition to (302) below. Light grey-brown silty sand, very loose and stony. Contains worked lithics and modern pottery/glass.

(300)/(301) are up to 15cm deep.

- - - - 302 300 401 Lower topsoil.

302 3 Deposit

Mid grey-brown silty sand containing natural stones and worked lithics. Possibly still a mixed/transition

layer. Contains modern pottery/glass/iron. From 15cm to 22cm deep.

- - - - 303 301 402, 501

Upper soil horizon.

303 3 Deposit Dark grey-brown silty sand containing natural stones throughout. Very similar to (302), however wetter and almost sterile of worked lithics. From 22-28cm deep.

- - - - 304 302 403, 502

Lower soil horizon.

304 3 Deposit Dark red-brown/black compact sandy clay and gravel with subangular stones throughout. Natural subsoil.

- - - - - 303

101, 204, 404, 503

Natural subsoil.



Context No.

Trench No.


by Fill of

Cut by


As Interpretation

400 4 Deposit

Upper topsoil/turf. Mid grey brown silty sand, very loose with stones throughout. Contains worked lithics and modern pottery/glass. (400)/(401) are up to 15cm

deep.

- - - - 401 - 300, 500

Upper topsoil/turf.

401 4 Deposit

Lower topsoil with diffuse transition to (400) above and (402) below. Light grey-brown silty sand, very

loose and stony. Contains worked lithics and modern pottery/glass. (400)/(401) are up to 15cm deep.

- - - - 402 400 301 Lower topsoil.

402 4 Deposit

Mid grey-brown silty sand containing natural stones and worked lithics. Possibly still a mixed/transition

layer. Contains modern pottery/glass/iron. From 15cm to 20cm deep.

- - - - 403 401 302, 501

Upper soil horizon.

403 4 Deposit

Dark grey-brown silty sand with natural stones and gravel. Contains a small amount of modern

pottery/glass and some worked lithics. From 20-28cm deep.

- - - - 404 402 303, 502

Lower soil horizon.

404 4 Deposit Dark red-brown/black compact sandy clay and gravel with subangular stones throughout. Natural subsoil.

- - - - - 403

101, 204, 304, 503

Natural subsoil.

500 5 Deposit Turf and topsoil. Mid grey brown silty sand, very loose with stones throughout. Contains worked lithics and

modern pottery/glass. Up to 12cm deep. - - - - 501 -

300, 400

Topsoil.

501 5 Deposit Mid brown sandy silt with 10% gravel and small

stones. Contains modern pottery and worked lithics. - - - - 502 500

302, 402

Upper soil horizon.

502 5 Deposit Mid-dark grey-brown silty sand with rare worked

lithics. From 12-20cm deep. - - - - 501 503

303, 403

Lower soil horizon.

503 5 Deposit Dark red-brown, hard, silt and gravel with stones

throughout. - - - - - 502

101, 204, 304, 404,

Natural subsoil.



Appendix 2 List of Site Photographs

Photo No.

Trench/ Feature

Description Direction Facing

Date

1 T1 General view of trench 1 WSW 25/09/2018

2 T1 General view of trench 1 WSW 25/09/2018

3 T1 Working shot of trench 1 SW 26/09/2018


5 T1 Working shot of sieving - 26/09/2018



8 T2 Working shot of trench 2 WSW 26/09/2018

9 T1 Grids 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B onto natural subsoil (101) WSW 26/09/2018



12 T2 Trench 2 mid-excavation shot after removal of topsoil

(200) SW 26/09/2018


(200) WSW 26/09/2018


(200) SSW 26/09/2018

15 T1 General view of topsoil removal in trench 1 ENE 26/09/2018

16 T1 General view of the root disturbed/unexcavated area in

trench 1 SE 26/09/2018

17 T1 Trench 1 grids 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B showing natural

subsoil (101) and in situ occupation layer (103) WSW 26/09/2018


subsoil (101) and in situ occupation layer (103) WSW 26/09/2018


subsoil (101) and in situ occupation layer (103) NW 26/09/2018

20 T3 Trench 3 after excavation of (301) showing (302) WSW 26/09/2018


22 T3 Trench 3 after excavation of (301) showing (302) NNW 27/08/2018

23 T3 Trench 3 after excavation of (301) showing (302) ENE 27/08/2018


25 T3 Trench 3 after excavation of (301) showing (302) SW 27/08/2018

26 T4 Trench 4 after topsoil/turf removal WSW 27/08/2018

27 T4 Trench 4 with Trench 3 in background WSW 27/08/2018

28 T1 Trench 1 showing in situ occupation layer (104) left and

(103) right WSW 27/08/2018

29 T1 Trench 1 showing in situ occupation layer (104) left and

(103) right WSW 27/08/2018

30 T3 Trench 3 Grid 1A post-excavation WSW 27/08/2018


32 T3 Trench 3 Grid 1A post-excavation SW 27/08/2018


34 T3 Trench 3 Grid 1A post-excavation SE 27/08/2018

35 T4 Trench 4 general view of (403) in grids 1A and 3A (402)

in grid 2A WSW 28/09/2018



Photo No.

Trench/ Feature


Date

36 T1 General view of trench 1 showing (103) and removal of

(104) WSW 28/09/2018

37 T1 General view of trench 1 showing (103) and removal of

(104) S 28/09/2018

38 T4 Trench 4 grid 1A post-excavation NW 01/10/2018

39 T4 Trench 4 grid 1A post-excavation N 01/10/2018

40 T4 Trench 4 Post-excavation SW 01/10/2018



43 T4 Trench 4 Post-excavation SW 01/10/2018

44 T5 Looking over trench 5 post-excavation W 01/10/2018



47 T5 Looking over trench 5 post-excavation S 01/10/2018

48 T5 Looking over trench 5 post-excavation S 01/10/2018

49 T2 Trench 2 Grid 8C showing (205) and (206) WSW 01/10/2018

50 T2 Trench 2 Grid 8C showing (205) and (206) NSN 01/10/2018

51 T2 Trench 2 Grid 6C post-excavation showing natural (204) ENE 01/10/2018

52 T2 Working shot of trench 2 ENE 01/10/2018

53 T2 Working shot of trench 2 ENE 01/10/2018

54 T2 Working shot of trench 2 WSW 01/10/2018

55 T2 Trench 2 Grid 6A post-excavation N 02/10/2018

56 T2 Trench 2 Grid 7B post-excavation NNW 02/10/2018

57 T2 Trench 2 Grid 7B post-excavation NNE 02/10/2018

58 T2 Trench 2 post-excavation, showing grids 6A, 7B, 8A and

8C SE 02/10/2018

59 T2 Trench 2 post-excavation, showing grids 6A, 7B, 8A and

8C SW 02/10/2018



62 T2 Record shot of [207] and [208], showing the features in

north half of trench 2 SE 03/10/2018

63 T2 Record shot of [207] and [208], showing the features in

north half of trench 2 SW 03/10/2018

64 T2 Overview of trench 2, showing the location of features ENE 04/10/2018

65 T2 Overview of trench 2, showing the location of features WSW 04/10/2018

66 T2 Overview of trench 2, showing the location of features SW 04/10/2018

67 T2 Trench 2 showing GI disturbance in front left of photo SW 04/10/2018

68 T2 Trench 2 Grids 6A-8A SE 04/10/2018

69 T2 Trench 2 Grids 6A-8A NW 04/10/2018

70 T2 Probable pit [210], showing stake hole location NW 04/10/2018

71 T2 Location shot of pit [210] WNW 04/10/2018

72 T2 Location shot of pit [207] left, pit [208] half-sectioned, and

showing pit [209] WNW 04/10/2018

73 T2 SE-facing section of pits [207] right and [212] left NW 04/10/2018

74 T2 ENE-facing section of pit [208] WNW 04/10/2018

75 T2 WSW-facing trench baulk showing half section of pit [209] NW 04/10/2018



Photo No.

Trench/ Feature


Date

76 T2 SE section of trench 2 WSW 04/10/2018

77 T2 Location shot of trench 2 ENE 04/10/2018

78 T2 Location shot of trench 2 ENE 04/10/2018

79 T1 Post-excavation shot of trench 1 SW 04/10/2018



82 T1 Post-excavation shot of trench 1 WNW 04/10/2018

83 T1 Post-excavation shot of trench 1 WNW 04/10/2018

84 T1 Post-excavation shot of trench 1 S 04/10/2018

85 T1 Post-excavation shot of trench 1 WSW 04/10/2018

86 T1 Post-excavation shot of trench 1 WSW 04/10/2018


88 T4 Trench 4 backfilled W 04/10/2018

89 T5 Trench 5 backfilled WSW 04/10/2018

90 T3 Trench 3 backfilled SW 04/10/2018

91 T2 Trench 2 terram covered NE 04/10/2018

92 T2 Trench 2 terram covered N 04/10/2018



Appendix 3 List of Samples

Area Context Volume

T2, 7B 201 1 tub

T2, 8B 201 1 tub

T2, 6B 201 1 tub

T2, 7B 206 1 tub

T1, 3B 103 1 tub

T4, 3A 403 1 tub

T1, 7A 103 1 tub

T2, 7A 205 1 tub

T1, 5A 103 1 tub

T2, 7A 205 1 tub, 1 bag

T1, 4B 103 1 tub

T1, 6A 102 1 tub

T1, 6B 105 1 tub

T2, 7B 205 1 tub, 1 bag

T3 302 1 tub

T1, 3B 102 1 tub

T1, 2D 104 1 tub

T4, 1A 402 1 tub

T1, 1D 104 1 tub

T1, 3A 402 1 tub

T1, 3D 104 1 tub

T1, 3A 102 1 tub

T1, 1C 103 1 tub

T1, 3C 103 1 tub

T1, 2C 103 1 tub



Appendix 4 List of Small Finds

Find No.

Context/Grid Material Type Description

001 100 Lithics Small lithics

002 200 Glass and ceramic Mixed glass and ceramic, modern

003 102, 1B Lithics Small and coarse lithic fragments

004 102, 4B Lithics Small lithic fragments and

scrapers

005 102, 5A Lithics Outer fragment debris

006 102, 3A Lithics Lithic fragments including x1

scraper, x4 flakes and x4 cores

007 102, 3A Ceramic x1 post-medieval pottery fragment

008 102, 2B Lithics Lithic fragments including x1 core, x1 big scraper, x4 small scrapers

009 102, 3C Lithics Miscellaneous lithics

010 103, 7A Lithics Miscellaneous lithics

011 103, 3B Lithics Miscellaneous lithics

012 103, 3B Ceramic x1 post-medieval pottery sherd

013 103, 3A Lithics x1 core, x2 scrapers

014 103, 5B Lithics x1 core

015 103, 2C Lithics x15 scrapers

016 103, 2C Ceramic x1 post-medieval pottery sherd

017 103, 6B Lithics x1 core, x9 scrapers


019 103, 2C Lithics x1 core, x3 scrapers, x1 quartz

fragment

020 103, 3C Lithics x1 core, x7 scrapers?


022 102, 4A Lithics x7 lithic fragments

023 103, 3C Lithics x20+ lithic fragments

024 103, 3C Quartz x1 fragment of possibly worked

quartz

025 103, 5A Lithics x20+ lithic fragments


027 103, 5B Stone x1 possible rounded stone tool

028 103, 6B Lithics x20+ lithic fragments

29 103, 6B Ceramic x3 post-medieval pottery sherds

30 103, 6B Lithics x1 large core, x 1 small core, x1

small lithic

31 103, 6B Charcoal? Charcoal/fossil wood?

32 103, 6C Lithics x1 scraper

33 103, 4B Lithics x20+ lithic fragments

34 103, 4B Glass x1 modern glass shard

35 103, 4B Stone x1 possible worked stone

36 103, 9A Lithics x1 core, x3 scrapers

37 103, 8A Lithics x3 scrapers



Find No.


38 103, 8A Stone x1 worked stone

39 103, 4A Lithics x1 core, x20+ lithics

40 103, 4A Quartz Possible worked quartz

41 103, 6A Lithics x4 cores, x4 scrapers

42 103, 2B Lithics Mixed lithics including x10

scrapers, x1 core

43 104, 2D Lithics Miscellaneous lithics

44 104, 2D Quartz Miscellaneous quartz

45 104, 10A Lithics x8 flint scrapers

46 104, 5C Lithics x5 scrapers

47 104, 3D Lithics x20+ lithic fragments

48 104, 3D Glass x1 modern glass shard

49 104, 3D Quartz Possible worked quartz

50 104, 5D Lithics Mixed lithic fragments, lithic debris

51 104, 1D Lithics Mixed lithics


53 104, 1D Lithics Mixed lithics


55 201, 1A Quartz Quartz fragments

56 201, 6C Flint Miscellaneous lithics

57 201, 8C Lithics Miscellaneous lithics

58 201, 8C Quartz x1 rounded quartz pebble

59 201, 3A Quartz Miscellaneous quartz

60 201, 3A Lithics x1 lithic fragment


62 206, 7B Stone x1 possible worked stone

63 202, 6A Quartz and stone Quartz and possible worked stone

64 202, 6A Flint Mixed scrapers and cores

65 202, 6A Ceramic Modern ceramic

66 201, 5A Lithics Mix of cores and scrapers

67 205, 6C Stone x3 possible worked stones

68 205, 7B Lithics Mixed lithics

69 205, 7D Quartz and stone Possible worked quartz and stone

70 205, 7B Ceramic Modern ceramic

71 201, 4A Flint x1 core, x2 scrapers

72 201, 4A Flint Mix of flint including x2 cores, x15

scrapers

73 202, 8C Flint Mix of flint including x2 cores, x20

scrapers

74 201, 8A Flint Mix of flint

75 205, 8A Flint x1 scraper

76 201, 8B Flint Mix of flint including x3 cores, x12

scrapers

77 205, 8B Flint x20+ flint fragments



Find No.


78 205, 8C Quartz and stone Possible worked stone and quartz

79 205, 8C Stone Rounded beach stones/pebbles

80 205, 6A Flint x2 scrapers

81 206, 8C Quartz and stone Worked stone and quartz

82 206, 8C Lithics Mix of lithics

83 201, 7A Lithics Mix of lithics including x10

scrapers, x2 cores

84 301 Stone Worked stone

85 302, 1A Metal Fe object


87 302, 3A Metal Fe object

88 302, 3A Ceramic x2 modern ceramic sherds

89 202, 8C Quartz and stone Possible worked stone and quartz

90 301 Quartz x1 quartz pebble

91 300 Ceramic Modern ceramic

92 Spoil Lithics Worked quartz scraper

93 302, 2A Lithics x1 core

94 300 Quartz Worked quartz

95 302, 1A Quartz Possible worked stone and quartz

96 301 Stone Possible worked stone?

97 500 Stone Possible worked stone?



100 502, 2A Quartz and stone Possible worked stone and quartz

101 502, 2A Plastic/glass/amber? Plastic/glass/amber Bead

102 501 Lithics Miscellaneous lithics


104 501 Stone Miscellaneous lithics






110 302, 1A Lithics Mixed lithics


112 308 Lithics Mixed lithics


114 201, 7A Slag x1 piece of slag



117 201, 7C(?) Lithics Mixed lithics




Find No.



120 205, 7C Lithics Mixed lithics



123 201, A2 Lithics Mixed lithics






129 202, 2-5A Lithics Mixed lithics

130 402, 3A Ceramic Mixed ceramic


132 403, 1A Ceramic Mixed ceramic

133 205, 8A Lithics x1 flint flake



136 402, 3A Stone Mixed stone



139 100 Stone Coarse stone

140 200 Slag Possible slag

141 Spoil Lithics Miscellaneous lithics

142 Spoil Lithics From disturbance on N side of

fence line

143 200 Stone Possible stone tools

144 200 Stone Possible worked stone

145 200 Stone Possible stone tool

146 100 Quartz Miscellaneous quartz




151 205, 7B(?) Lithics Miscellaneous lithics



154 403, 3A Quartz and stone Worked stone and quartz



157 400 Quartz Miscellaneous quartz

158 400 Metal Fe object

159 103, 6B Quartz x1 rounded quartz pebble

160 201, 6C Stone x1 rounded pebble

AOC Archaeology Group, The Old Estate Office, Rosehaugh Estate, Avoch, IV9 8RF

| tel: 01463 819841 | mob: 07972 259255 | e-mail: [email protected]

a9 berriedale braes, berriedale, caithness archaeological

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