Wetland Archaeology in Galloway: Investigating the loch settlements of Southwest Scotland
The Scottish Wetlands Archaeology Programme (SWAP) aims to integrate the rich wetland archaeological record of Scotland with mainstream archaeological studies in order to make the most of this spectacular archaeological resource.
Being particularly rich in freshwater archaeological remains, Southwest Scotland has proven to be the ideal area to advance this programme. One particularly exciting area is in and around Cults Loch, near Castle Kennedy, Stranraer. As the wetland sites at Cults Loch lie at the very centre of a densely settled prehistoric landscape, this area offers an exciting opportunity to integrate the wealth of evidence expected from wetland sites with the evidence more common to dryland sites. This will allow archaeologists to build up a much more vivid picture of life in prehistoric Southwest Scotland than has been possible before.
Previous Work at Cults Loch
AOC Archaeology Group undertook excavations at Cults Loch in March 2009. Investigating crop mark sites around the loch, archaeologists from AOC were joined by local volunteers in carrying out geophysical surveys and exploratory trenching. Six trenches were excavated in total, targeting numerous features around the loch
The first two trenches targeted an unusual promontory fort on the south side of the loch, finding evidence for a series of enclosure palisades, which were added to with at least three massive enclosure ditches. A range of pits and postholes were also excavated relating to structures built on the interior of the site. A third trench found evidence for an enigmatic pit alignment, comprising several 2m long pits, arranged in rows, but with no obvious function; further work will be required to investigate the possible purpose of these features. Trench 4 uncovered a range of features within a large ditched and palisaded enclosure, including ring-grooves, postholes and pits.
A trench placed on the neck of the artificial promontory in the loch found that the site had been connected to the shore by a gravel and stone causeway, which overlay a timber structure. Radiocarbon dates for this site recently obtained have shown that it was occupied in the late Bronze/early Iron Age period.
AOC Archaeology Group will be undertaking excavations and survey at Cults Loch between Monday 24th August and Friday 11th September 2009. This year, AOC hope to uncover more of the structure and gain further insights into the nature of the building that stood on the shore of Cults Loch around two and a half thousand years ago. As always, we would like to encourage as much public involvement in this unique project as possible. If you would like to take part in the excavations, please email graeme.cavers@aocarchaeology.com
Alternatively, come along to our Open Day on Saturday the 5th of September, or follow the progress of the excavation with our web diary.
Project Directors: Anne Crone and Graeme Cavers
