The SCAPE Trust

Condition

Priority	6
Site type	Settlement
Period	Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age
Canmore ID	2838
HER ID
Authority	Orkney

Description

Description
A large amorphous mound, measuring 26m in diameter, is situated on the extreme tip of Berst Ness. The land on which it is sited is becoming cut off by the sea and is currently joined to the Ness by a low-lying shoulder of sea-washed rock. There are several short exposures to the south side of the mound, caused by coastal erosion. Here, fragments of animal bone, shell, burnt material and pot which may be of Bronze Age date, form inclusions within anthropogenic soil deposits. Occasional protruding stones provide an indication that the mound may cover structural remains. The centre of the mound lies 5m from the coast edge and the site is very vulnerable to further erosion. ShoreUPDATE 11 May 2015 This site has been investigated and partially excavated. No evidence of active erosion faces was found on this visit. Remove from priorities.
Updated description

Location

Easting	344140.00
Northing	1041810.00
Projection	27700
Latitude	59.2591171
Longitude	-2.9814005

Submitted photographs

Image	Date	Caption	User
	11/05/2015	Knowe of Skea, Berst Ness coast edge on south east side of promontory	training1

	11/05/2015	Knowe of Skea, Berst Ness general view of promontory	training1

	11/05/2015	Knowe of Skea, Berst Ness partially reconstructed structure	training1

	11/05/2015	Knowe of Skea, Berst Ness site of trench	training1

	11/05/2015	Knowe of Skea, Berst Ness coast edge on west side of promontory	training1

Submitted updates

Update id

Date

User

2021

11/05/2015

training1

Tidal state	High
Site located?	Yes
Proximity to coast edge	Coast edge
Coastally eroding?	has eroded in the past
Visibility above ground	Highly visible (substantial remains)
Visibility in section	Not visible
Access	accessible - difficult terrain
Description	A large amorphous mound, measuring 26m in diameter, is situated on the extreme tip of Berst Ness. The land on which it is sited is becoming cut off by the sea and is currently joined to the Ness by a low-lying shoulder of sea-washed rock. There are several short exposures to the south side of the mound, caused by coastal erosion. Here, fragments of animal bone, shell, burnt material and pot which may be of Bronze Age date, form inclusions within anthropogenic soil deposits. Occasional protruding stones provide an indication that the mound may cover structural remains. The centre of the mound lies 5m from the coast edge and the site is very vulnerable to further erosion. ShoreUPDATE 11 May 2015 This site has been investigated and partially excavated. No evidence of active erosion faces was found on this visit. Remove from priorities.
Recommendations	Remove from priorities

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