Condition

1
Settlement
Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age
2866
Orkney

Description

Structural remains and anthropogenic soil deposits are visible in a coastal exposure that extends for over 100m. The section stands up to 3.5m high; in most places the basal archaeological deposits are obscured by a storm beach. The densest concentration of structural remains occurs towards the centre of the section. Here several walls are visible, forming at least two major structural phases. Wall ends protrude at 90 degrees to the section and measures up to 0.6m wide by 1.3m or more in height. A cursory inspection suggests that at least four structures are present, none of which appear particularly substantial or defensive. Some of the structures appear to have been revetted into middens. The midden deposits contain inclusions of shell, bird and mammal and fish bone, peat ash, charcoal and burnt stone; some of the bone is unburnt and articulated. The latest structural phase lies beneath a very substantial mound. This, in turn, lies beneath a farmstead of 18-20th C date. Further structural remains survive in front of the section also, but here they have been partially covered by the storm beach and are not readily identifiable. The extensive archaeological remains in this area apparently represent a settlement of some duration. Of the several parts of the buildings currently visible, none is obviously of Iron Age type and it is possible that they predate this period. The occupation and midden deposits appear to be well preserved, to the extent that articulated bone is readily visible in section. The over burden of farm material has helped, no doubt, to preserve the site and may have assisted in the preservation of organic materials. This site requires urgent assessment to determine, at the minimum, its nature, extent and date. It is very vulnerable to further losses and therefore should be prioritised for further work. ShoreUPDATE 13 May 2015 As described, this site is actively eroding and unstable. Several walls and substantial midden deposits are visible in the section. The structures currently visible do not appear to be Iron Age, but given the site location, and the type of remains visible, it seems more likely that these represent later activity, possibly of Norse date. There has been recent dumping in a small area at the south end of the section. Towards the north of the section, two structural phases are clearly separated by a layer of windblown sand.

Location

349880.00
1052950.00
27700
59.3598633
-2.8833401

Submitted photographs

Image Date Caption User
General view along coast edge at Cott 09/07/2006 General view along coast edge at Cott cparker
General view along coast edge at Cott
Detail of stonework visible in eroding coast edge 09/07/2006 Detail of stonework visible in eroding coast edge cparker
Detail of stonework visible in eroding coast edge
Stone structures visible in eroding coast edge 09/07/2006 Stone structures visible in eroding coast edge cparker
Stone structures visible in eroding coast edge
Stonework visible in eroding coast edge 09/07/2006 Stonework visible in eroding coast edge cparker
Stonework visible in eroding coast edge
Stone structures visible in eroding coast edge 09/07/2006 Stone structures visible in eroding coast edge cparker
Stone structures visible in eroding coast edge
Structures visible in eroding coast edge 2006 09/07/2006 Structures visible in eroding coast edge 2006 cparker
Structures visible in eroding coast edge 2006
Cott general view of coast edge and storm beach in front of the site 13/05/2015 Cott general view of coast edge and storm beach in front of the site training1
Cott general view of coast edge and storm beach in front of the site
Cott detail of structures and deposits at north end of section 13/05/2015 Cott detail of structures and deposits at north end of section training1
Cott detail of structures and deposits at north end of section
Cott detail of structures towards north end of section 13/05/2015 Cott detail of structures towards north end of section training1
Cott detail of structures towards north end of section
Cott general view of section at north end of site 13/05/2015 Cott general view of section at north end of site training1
Cott general view of section at north end of site
Cott general view of section at north end of site 13/05/2015 Cott general view of section at north end of site training1
Cott general view of section at north end of site
Cott detail of structures and midden towards middle of section 13/05/2015 Cott detail of structures and midden towards middle of section training1
Cott detail of structures and midden towards middle of section
Cott structures and middden towards middle of section 13/05/2015 Cott structures and middden towards middle of section training1
Cott structures and middden towards middle of section
Cott general view of middle and northern part of site 13/05/2015 Cott general view of middle and northern part of site training1
Cott general view of middle and northern part of site
Cott general view of section in southern part of site 13/05/2015 Cott general view of section in southern part of site training1
Cott general view of section in southern part of site
Cott structures and midden towards southern part of section 13/05/2015 Cott structures and midden towards southern part of section training1
Cott structures and midden towards southern part of section
Cott structures and deposits at south end of section 13/05/2015 Cott structures and deposits at south end of section training1
Cott structures and deposits at south end of section

Submitted updates

Update id Date User
2035 13/05/2015 training1
Tidal state Low
Site located? Yes
Proximity to coast edge Coast edge
Coastally eroding? active sea erosion; has eroded in the past
Visibility in section Clearly visible in section
Description Structural remains and anthropogenic soil deposits are visible in a coastal exposure that extends for over 100m. The section stands up to 3.5m high; in most places the basal archaeological deposits are obscured by a storm beach. The densest concentration of structural remains occurs towards the centre of the section. Here several walls are visible, forming at least two major structural phases. Wall ends protrude at 90 degrees to the section and measures up to 0.6m wide by 1.3m or more in height. A cursory inspection suggests that at least four structures are present, none of which appear particularly substantial or defensive. Some of the structures appear to have been revetted into middens. The midden deposits contain inclusions of shell, bird and mammal and fish bone, peat ash, charcoal and burnt stone; some of the bone is unburnt and articulated. The latest structural phase lies beneath a very substantial mound. This, in turn, lies beneath a farmstead of 18-20th C date. Further structural remains survive in front of the section also, but here they have been partially covered by the storm beach and are not readily identifiable. The extensive archaeological remains in this area apparently represent a settlement of some duration. Of the several parts of the buildings currently visible, none is obviously of Iron Age type and it is possible that they predate this period. The occupation and midden deposits appear to be well preserved, to the extent that articulated bone is readily visible in section. The over burden of farm material has helped, no doubt, to preserve the site and may have assisted in the preservation of organic materials. This site requires urgent assessment to determine, at the minimum, its nature, extent and date. It is very vulnerable to further losses and therefore should be prioritised for further work. ShoreUPDATE 13 May 2015 As described, this site is actively eroding and unstable. Several walls and substantial midden deposits are visible in the section. The structures currently visible do not appear to be Iron Age, but given the site location, and the type of remains visible, it seems more likely that these represent later activity, possibly of Norse date. There has been recent dumping in a small area at the south end of the section. Towards the north of the section, two structural phases are clearly separated by a layer of windblown sand.
Priority 1*
Comments Agree with original surveyors that structures do not appear Iron Age, but given site location and type of visible remains currently considered to be of later date, possibly Norse

Pin It on Pinterest