Bipartite Pit at Hagholm Road, Cleghorn
A possible bipartite pit was identified during recent archaeological works carried out by Rathmell Archaeology Ltd in an area of rough pasture to the east of Cleghorn, South Lanarkshire, in response to a development undertaken by Riach Partnership Ltd on behalf of R F Chattelle (Developments) Ltd.
The archaeological works revealed a single dumb-bell shaped feature, composed of two pits with interleaved fills. It was similar in form and composition to a bipartite pit; these features have previously been identified as cooking ovens and are commonly associated with the Roman military occupation of Scotland. This provisional interpretation was supported by a pair of AMS dates obtained using material recovered from the fills. These suggested that the most likely date range for use was the late 1st or early 2nd century AD. This, of course, places the use of the pit within the time of the early Roman occupation of Scotland. The later half of the date range would also encompass Agricola's invasion of Scotland as recorded by Tacitus (between 77 and 83AD).
Unfortunately, no artefactual evidence was recovered which might support this interpretation. No other significant archaeological remains were observed elsewhere in the development area, which showed signs of modern disturbance relating to its use as pasture or rough grazing.