EHG1382 - Trial trenching - Applecross Broch, Wester Ross

Trial trenching as part of Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ programme was carried out in June 2005 to investigate the site of a possible Iron Age broch at Applecross, Wester Ross. The project aims were to determine if the site was indeed the remnants of a broch, and if so, to define some of its key characteristics, the state of its preservation and to date it more precisely. Additionally, the project aimed to explore the broader context of the possible broch by investigating the remains of a potential prehistoric stone circle and two possible rectilinear structures of later date. In conjunction with a geophysical survey (see EHG1383) eight trenches were opened by hand at various locations across the site. Three trenches targeting the possible broch revealed foundations of two concentric drystone walls, forming an intramural gallery in between. Evidence of a flagstone spiral staircase and internal entrance confirmed that the building was a ground-galleried broch that extended over, at least, two floors. One of the trenches outside of the broch uncovered a midden of a later date suggesting that the site had been reused in later periods. A second trench revealed features suggestive of a possible causeway. Further trenches targeted areas revealed during a geophysical showing anomalies thought to be indicative of a wider broch settlement including a suggested wheelhouse. A final trench confirmed that the putative stone circle was in fact a selection of natural glacial erratics, as no stone holes were identified. Post-excavation analysis was carried out by Wessex Archaeology. <1> Excavation assemblage was submitted to Treasure Trove (TT 13/11) and allocated to the NMS. See attached TT fieldwork report. <2><3>