Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division reports

Fluxgate gradiometer survey of a cropmark site in advance of road building at Delny showed there were archaeological features present, one of which may be the foundations of a building. Other probable field boundaries may indicate an area of archaeological activity nearby but beyond the area of survey. AR

The cutting back and recording of an eroding shell midden section in Smoo Cave, Sutherland, resulted in the identification of several occupation/activity horizons. The shell midden, the earliest phases of which appeared to be Iron Age, represented the latest phase of this activity. The earliest deposits, which are substantially lower than the present cave floor, may represent Mesolithic activity within the cave. The investigation also brought to light a further shell midden deposit located in a former cave some 50m to the north-west of Smoo Cave. Au

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.

A resistivity and gradiometer survey was carrried out on land adjacent to Rhymer's Tower and a boundary enclosure and features possibly representing agricultural activity were identified. AR

The project involved re-examining the course of the road, a photographic and EDM survey of post medieval remains and phosphate analysis and trial trenching of selected features. The post-medieval features are described and include dwellings, dykes and fish drying platforms. Three areas were examined: Kyle House on Skye, the island of Eilean Bán and the Plock of Kyle. Although modern interference at the first two renders further investigation of little value, the latter site will require further steps to record and preserve structures which are threatened by the road corridor.

Part of an area containing over fifty cairns and a scheduled Roman road were threatened by construction work on the M74. Of the six cairns examined one apparently marked a funeral pyre. Chert and pottery finds from these and five other structures date this group of features to the Bronze Age and evidence suggests multi-period use of the site involving funerary and settlement (possibly agricultural) activity. The Roman road and nearby quarry pit produced no finds. Pages 25--7 list individual contexts, finds, drawings, photographs and environmental samples taken.

Two areas beside the Moray Firth, to the east of Inverness, were assessed for archaeological potential in advance of construction work. The first, at Allanfearn, surrounded three scheduled Pictish square barrows and adjacent fields which were surveyed using magnetometry. The methodology is discussed and the results of the survey interpreted. Recommendations for full and trial excavation are made. In the second area, near Stoneyfield House, aerial photography has previously identified cropmarks of Late Neolithic/Bronze Age date, although further work is yet to be carried out. JMO

Reports on excavation of part of a linear cropmark where it lay within the corridor of a proposed pipeline (see also 93/889). Ditches were interpreted as features associated with a post-medieval runrig field system identified on William Douglas's map of Iona (1769). Finds ranges from struck flint fragments to late medieval pottery, including some slag and worked stone. An `Appendix' (14--15) lists details of contexts, photographs, soil samples, and finds.

Following damage incurred during road construction the boulder fragments (weighing up to eight tons) were replaced in their original position.

Recent field observation along the corridor of the proposed A7 road upgrade around the hamlet is collated with existing evidence from APs, maps, and documentary sources. Landscape features, minor industrial sites, three chapels, and the post-medieval Armstong Memorial are considered. Further work, including geophysical survey, is recommended at the likely site of one chapel.