EHG3073 - Archaeological excavation - inter-tidal deposits, Churchton Bay, Raasay

An archaeological evaluation and excavation and palaeoenvironmental assessment of inter-tidal peat within Clachan Harbour, Raasay, was conducted in advance of the construction of a new ferry terminal. Following the initial survey, four areas (F1-F4) were chosen for investigation because they were most at risk of eroding. F1 and F2 were investigated by hand dug trial trenches. Following the discovery of worked stone tools beneath the peat deposit in F2, more extensive excavation was undertaken. An area measuring 3 by 3m was subdivided into 25 squares each of which was 100% excavated by hand. Artefacts were plotted in 3 dimensions and sampling took place of the deposits below the peat. Initial lithic analyses were also conducted. <1> <2> Published article in Lithics 31. <3> The lithic assemblage from the excavation was submitted to Treasure Trove (TT 51/12) and allocated to the NMS. <4>