Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 102

NM 929363. Excavation of a multi-period chambered cairn showed the passage-grave to be secondary to the simple closed chamber but shed no light on the morphological relationship between the two. The closed chamber was covered by a circular cairn which had been extended into an oval cairn when the passage-grave was built on to its perimeter. No dating evidence was found for the earlier tomb. Two phases of use were distinguished in the passage-grave, the first associated with Neolithic pottery (including Beacharra ware) and a plano-convex flint knife, and the second associated with the final blocking and with Beaker pottery, flints and jet disc beads. Beaker pottery found elsewhere in Lorn, Mull and N Argyll is discussed and catalogued. A R

Examination and comparison of the designs of Hadrian's Wall and the Antonine Wall indicates the extent to which the Antonine planners benefited from the experience gained on the earlier frontier. In contrast to Hadrian's Wall, the Antonine Wall was built with a minimum of alterations, with significant differences in design, and with greater flexibility. This experience in turn influenced the 3rd-century modifications to Hadrian's Wall. Neither wall was totally successful because each was built in the wrong place; the answer would have been a frontier along the Cheviot line. A R

Literary and archaeological evidence is collected together for 30 early ecclesiastical sites in Scotland north of Tay. A Pictish symbol stone from Navidale (Sutherland), a fragmentary cross-shaft from Kirkmuirhill (Lanarkshire) and a cross-slab from Dull (Perthshire) are described and discussed.

[NM 160358]. To an early 15th century tower-house was added a courtyard enclosed by a crenellated curtain-wall and containing a single-storey hall. Major alterations in the late 16th and 17th centuries included the construction of an artillery defence, and in the later 17th century the hall was replaced by a three-storeyed dwelling-house. The same designer may have been responsible for the initial lay-out of both Breachacha and Kiessiemul on Barra. Cattle and sheep bones underline the argument against the "autumn killing" myth. Hebridean Craggan ware was the only pottery used until the importation of wheel-made wares began at the end of the 16th century. Abandonment came c 1750. A R

An assessment of the development of antiquarian thought in Scotland, based on the periodical publications of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. The influence of leading figures of the day is noted, and the trend of interest in various fields of antiquarianism is traced by numerical analysis. A R

Two fragments of decorated bronze are recognised as parts of a cheek-piece from a Roman cavalry parade helmet datable to 2nd or 3rd centuries AD. AR See also abstract 74/2734.