Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 114

Continuity and discontinuity are considered as functions of the evolution of culture, with particular reference to Late Neo transformations (Battle Axe Culture and Bell Beaker problems). Historic elements cannot be overlooked.

?Iron Age skeletons at top of mound; cist with cremation. Long before that, Beaker sherds were placed in pit by old mound. Beneath mound, many sherds, cremated bones, and flints in thick black layer. Pollen, soil, and 14C dates indicate early Neo agriculture by people with Grimston/Lyles Hill wares.

Complex multi-period site. Spiral-decorated stones, large circular chambered tomb of mid-3rd millennium, demolished for small structure (Grooved Ware) then abandoned until large Iron Age round house built over cairn. Critical examination of many recent Orkney publications in the light of this evidence, and some new approaches suggested. 14C dates and environmental evidence.

An agricultural rather than a funerary explanation is sought for the small groups of cairns in Dumfries-Galloway, which appear to span the Sub-Boreal and Sub-Atlantic (3200 into 1st millennium BC).

Evidence is found of strong debt to RB and AS England in Pictish culture as represented by objects shown on Pictish stones (chariot, armour, weapons, horsemen, musical instruments, etc).

Fifteen phases of occupation on the western route to the medieval burgh indicate the changing status from 13th to 19th century. Pottery sequence confirms another from Aberdeen.

Pot, 5th-8th century; wooden scoop and one-piece bog-butter trough.