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Archaeological evidence for the first Mesolithic occupation of the Western Isles of Scotland

Gregory, RA; Murphy, EM; Church, MJ; Edwards, KJ; Guttmann, EB; Simpson, DDA

Authors

RA Gregory

EM Murphy

KJ Edwards

EB Guttmann

DDA Simpson



Abstract

The examination of eroding coastal dunes at the prehistoric site of Northton, Harris, has produced the first archaeological evidence of Mesolithic activity in the Western Isles in the form of two midden-related deposits. The first phase of Mesolithic activity is dated to 7060/6650 cal. BC based on AMS dating of charred hazelnut shells. This discovery appears to validate the frequent pollen-based inferences of Mesolithic impact for the area and, as predicted, allows the Atlantic fringe of Scotland to become part of the European Mesolithic mainstream. A detailed pedological analysis also suggests that these early midden layers may have been amended during the Neolithic period as part of a possible phase of cultivation.

Citation

Gregory, R., Murphy, E., Church, M., Edwards, K., Guttmann, E., & Simpson, D. (2005). Archaeological evidence for the first Mesolithic occupation of the Western Isles of Scotland. Holocene, 15(7), 944-950. https://doi.org/10.1191/0959683605hl868ft

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Nov 1, 2005
Deposit Date Dec 2, 2008
Journal Holocene
Print ISSN 0959-6836
Electronic ISSN 1477-0911
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 15
Issue 7
Pages 944-950
DOI https://doi.org/10.1191/0959683605hl868ft
Keywords Western Isles, Scotland, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Middens, Pedological analysis, Holocene.
Publisher URL http://hol.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/15/7/944


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