Abstract: |
The site was originally identified from the recovery of ploughed up lithics: work associated with the construction and upgrading of the A74 subsequently revealed a ditched enclosure and located other probable archaeological features which prompted further work. These latest excavations revealed possible agricultural activity and evidence for buildings, one showing several occupation phases. Possibly contemporary with these were several large pits, whose backfilling appears to mark a change from domestic to ritual activity. Clay spreads and the construction of two large four-post structures were associated with Grooved Ware deposited in small pits, indicating a Late Neolithic date. However, until radiocarbon dates are established it is unclear whether this as yet hypothetical change affected the whole site or indeed dates to the Late Neolithic rather than a much later period. An appendix (23) lists small finds, radiocarbon dates, contexts, plans, drawings and photographs. |