Tayside Fife Archaeol J 9

Marine molluscs, shells and diatoms from a test pit near Inchture in the Carse of Gowrie have provided useful information about postglacial sea-level changes in the upper Firth of Tay. An uncalibrated age-range around 7000 BP was obtained on the shell. The dates confirm that later prehistoric settlement was probably confined to gravel areas along the 10-15m contour, while the floodplain below was probably not reclaimed until the medieval period.

A section of the palisaded enclosure including a single entrance, part of the central post-built structure, several ring-groove structures and numerous pits were investigated. Lack of stratigraphy prevented establishment of chronological relationships, but at least two principal phases were probably represented -- an unenclosed settlement of ring-groove houses and a subsequent palisaded homestead -- spanning the first millennia BC and AD. Trial sections were excavated through a souterrain and adjacent ring-groove houses outside the enclosure; a trumpet brooch was recovered from the souterrain. Includes

Mains of Edzell was a triple-ditched enclosure originating before 400 cal BC, probably a settlement. Hawkhill was undated though perhaps also first millennium BC. The report considers such small multi-ditched enclosures in the pre-Roman Iron Age settlement landscape of lowland Angus. Includes

from Mains of Edzell

on Mains of Edzell

on Hawkhill

from Hawkhill

Results of small-scale excavation suggested that the South Street frontage was first divided into properties during the thirteenth century, when the street itself seems to have been a wide cobbled thoroughfare. Early development included construction of a high-status sandstone building at the front of one of the plots. During the fourteenth century this building was abandoned and midden accumulated within it. The whole area had been developed by the late eighteenth century. Includes

The medieval pottery retrieved from redevelopment of the Overgate in the 1960s is reassessed and discussed. Comment and analysis is also offered on three complete vessels from the Nethergate.

The late medieval sacrament house preserved in Cortachy parish church, Angus, is described and illustrated. It shows links with masons active at Melrose and Lincluden during the early fifteenth century and may have inspired two other sacrament houses in the Dundee area.

Apotropaic markings were carved onto a beam and spiritual middens (items such as a fabric doll) hidden below the floorboards of an old house in Anstruther; in each case they were intended to ward off evil spirits, especially witches.