Site Report

WoSASPIN 11890
NR71NE 8 7565 1730.

A hoard comprising 5 axes, 2 preforms for bifacially worked implements, 3 end scrapers, 9 retouched flakes and 159 unretouched flakes, all of high quality flint, was discovered in December 1989 by Arran Healer, a local schoolboy. The findspot was investigated within a few days by A Sheridan and A Saville, but was found to have been disturbed.
The hoard had been deposited in the side of a low knoll, facing the coast, and removal of topsoil by the local farmer had initiated the process of erosion leading to its discovery. There were no signs of a container and any pit had been destroyed by the time of its investigation.
The flint was almost certainly imported from Antrim and subsequent study by A Saville in the NMS Artefact Research Unit has shown that several of the flakes can be refitted, but not to form complete nodules. A minimum number of four nodules has been identified. Around 18 separate nodules have been identified from the flakes as a whole. This and the absence of knapping debris suggests that the hoard comprised ready made axes and preforms and pre-selected flakes. With the exception of the end scrapers and one of the bifacial preforms, all were unused. The form of the axes and the presence of at least one 'Bann flake' suggests the work of Irish hands, but whether the knapping was done in Ireland or in Scotland cannot be proved.
A Sheridan and A Saville 1990.

This site is located on a hilltop ridge about half a mile from the shoreline, close to a single track road. Over 50 flint tools have been found, with possibly another 30m of untouched deposit. The tools consist of flint flakes, some retouched to form blades, and 5 beautifully finished axes. Tools are about 10-15 cms in length. The site is reported to be eroding, with some finds visible on the surface while others were revealed by scraping.
Newton, N, 03/0190

The hoard is extremely good, and consists of 5 flint axes (one with a polished egde) and 140 flakes, including two end scrapers and laurel leaf knives. The material is Antrim flint and finds are Neolithic in date. They were found in a pit in a natural knoll. There are parallels from Stranraer and Port Patrick, and the hoard seems to be a deliberate burial (not ritual). Alison Sheridan was confident that practically all of the flint has been recovered, and it is now subject to Treasure Trove. She does not think that the pit was part of a larger archaeological site, and there is not likely to be further flint material. The pit was eroding naturally.

The finds are to be studied in the National Museum by Alan Saville, and a report will be forthcoming in due course.
Sheridan, A., 11/01/90