Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 140

The interpretation of the sequence at the Balbirnie stone circle and cairn was based largely on stratigraphy and the then-perceived chronology of ceramic styles. An increased radiocarbon database and the facility to date cremated bone have now allowed the sequence at this site to be refined and reinterpreted. The construction of the stone circle can be demonstrated to have begun 1,000 years earlier than originally reported and the stone circle can be shown to have been in use for over 1,500 years. These new data, as well as an increased and growing amount of research on later Neolithic and earlier Bronze Age ritual monuments in Britain as a whole, has further allowed the position of this site within the Balfarg/Balbirnie ritual complex to be reconsidered and as a result it is possible to suggest a revised sequence for the complex.

Accumulated scattered evidence from the defended Roman complexes on the Antonine Wall at Mumrills shows that the early Wall fort occupied the site of the later fort annexe. It is argued that the slight shift in the fort's location arose from a desire to control west/east communications as well as those from the north to the south.

Presented here are the results of a study to assess the potential of urban morphology to make a continuing contribution to the understanding of urban development in the Scottish burghs and to provide helpful input to associated archaeological studies. Use is made of recent cartographically based evidence of the high degree of consistency and stability to be found in the configuration of the burgage plots and foreland lines in Scottish burghs. The case is made that urban morphology still has much to offer in the study of Scottish urban istory and archaeology. In addition, having reviewed recent archaeological reports, it is suggested that archaeology has great potential to provide a strong contribution to the better understanding of the urban morphology of Scotland.

Recent investigations at Dunstaffnage, partially funded by Historic Scotland, have provided additional information regarding the castle's constructional history. Excavations have identified features associated with its initial construction in the 13th century and subsequent refurbishment episodes over the following centuries. Additionally, two medieval lime kilns have been located outside of the castle walls associated with these developments. In the 18th century extensive landscaping took place in the immediate environs of the castle as part of the 'improvement' and redevelopment of the site.