Inverness (G-B): Neolithic pottery at Culduthel section of Inverness flood scheme

Source - http://her.highland.gov.uk/SingleResult.aspx?uid='MHG55500' 

Monument Types

• PIT (Neolithic - 4000 BC to 2401 BC) + Sci.Date
• HEARTH? (Neolithic - 4000 BC? to 2401 BC?)

Associated Finds

• AXEHEAD (1) (Neolithic - 4000 BC to 2401 BC)
• END SCRAPER (1) (Neolithic - 4000 BC to 2401 BC)
• STONE BALL (1) (Neolithic - 4000 BC? to 2401 BC?)
• VESSEL (>10) (Neolithic - 3600 BC to 2900 BC)

Other References/Statuses

• Historic Environment Record: MHG55550

Full description

Six Neolithic pits were identified and excavated during archaeological work that took place in advance of construction of the Inverness Flood Relief Channel. The pits had been truncated during past agricultural activity.

Post-excavation of small shallow pit, Feature 16. Facing W. (photo by MKP) © Ross and Cromarty Archaeological Services 

Neolithic pottery, including early-middle Neolithic pottery from the "modified Carinated Bowl" tradition and Late Neolithic Grooved Ware, was recovered from all of the pits.

In one of the pits the two pottery types appeared in association, the first definite case of a direct association. Other finds included flint tools, also of likely Neolithic date, a fragment of a polished stone axe, half of a stone ball and a possible fragment of an anvil stone. Charcoal samples were taken from the fills of two of the pits and radiocarbon dated.

Post-excavation of section of Feature 12, showing very dark charcoal-rich upper deposit overlying dark brown stoney soil. Facing S. (photo by SB) © Ross and Cromarty Archaeological Services 

Five other pits were identified in the same area which may be related to the Neolithic pits but which could not be characterised due to the lack of finds. These included two possible hearths or fire pits. Four further features were identified which are probably not associated and whose function remains unknown.

The Neolithic pits and their contents are discussed in detail in the excavation report (linked to this record). It appears that many of the pots were used in the preparation and consumption of foodstuffs and had been made locally. The different pottery traditions indicate that these pits represent the remains of a lengthy Neolithic occupation of this site. <1>

SF18, decorated pottery sherd from Feature 22. Facing -. (photo by MKP) © Ross and Cromarty Archaeological Services

Sources and further reading