Prehistoric Features at Lochgoilhead
Evaluation Trenching, copyright Argyll Archaeology
An archaeological evaluation was conducted in December 2008 by Dr Clare Ellis of Argyll Archaeology on a parcel of land with outline planning permission for affordable housing units and associated infrastructure at Lochgiolhead, Argyll. This work was undertaken as a condition of planning consent on the recommendation of WoSAS because the proposed development was located within an area of potential archaeological sensitivity based on the presence of sites and finds of Medieval date in the surrounding landscape, and its topography. In addition, one archaeological site was recorded from within the proposed development area, a possible execution site known as 'Tom na Croiche,' or Gallows Knowe.
Pit pre-excavation, copyright Argyll Archaeology
During the course of the evaluation, a single pit with a stony and charcoal-rich fill was noted in one of the evaluation trenches. This pit was cut into the natural subsoil, and contained a large amount of quartz, some cobbles and many shattered fragments; interestingly, quartz was not generally observed elsewhere on the site. Two flakes and one fragment of pitchstone were recovered from this fill of the pit. In addition, a small fragment of pottery was recorded, which had thin, parallel 'finger groove marks' on its outer surface. Adjacent to the pit was a linear feature which appeared to form two sides of a rectangle; a single small fragment of burnt flint was recovered from the surface of the fill of this feature. A discontinuous layer of charcoal was also recorded from many of the trenches and observed over a large portion of the site.
Pit under excavation, copyright Argyll Archaeology
The fully excavated pit is thought likely to date from the Neolithic/Early Bronze Age. It appears that the burning was in situ with the addition of lumps of stone and dense white quartz, much of which was heat shattered. The three pitchstone flakes were probably deliberately incorporated into the pit deposit. No other similar pits were observed in any of the other trenches. The layer of charcoal which covered much of the site appeared to be the surviving remnants of a large surface vegetation or peat fire. The charcoal layer did not contain any diagnostic finds and could not be immediately dated, although it was clearly earlier than the early modern period, as it was cut by rubble drains.