Description

The monument consists of a Mesolithic activity site, with possible later use during the Neolithic period, situated on a low terrace overlooking the head of Loch Scresort.

The site was discovered as a surface scatter of flaked and chipped bloodstone. Evaluation and excavation in 1984-6 indicated the extent, date and nature of the site. It is a settlement site of Middle Stone Age date. A range of pits, hollows, stakeholes and slots were excavated. These probably represented domestic activity areas and shelters or lightly-built houses.

Hazelnuts from one pit produced two Mesolithic radiocarbon dates. A wide range of flakes, blades, microliths and leaf shaped points were found together with knapping debris. There was also some later Neolithic activity on the site. At this time a shallow burn which ran down the E of the Mesolithic site became filled with stone, pottery, lithic debris and organic material, suggesting there was Neolithic occupation in the vicinity.

The area to be scheduled measures a maximum of 110m N-S by a maximum of 90m E-W to include the Mesolithic site and the Neolithic remains and an area around these in which traces of activities associated with these occupation sites may survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map extract.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance for its potential to contribute to an understanding of Mesolithic domestic activity and hunting and gathering activities in this area of Scotland. It is, in 1995, the earliest human occupation site in Scotland so far dated.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography
No Bibliography entries for this designation

Source: Historic Environment Scotland