EHG3960 - Excavation - Nybster Broch, Canisbay

Excavations were carried out between the 26th April and 8th May (season 1), and the 1st August and 13th of August 2011 (season 2), by AOC archaeology Group and Caithness Archaeological Trust as a public archaeology project at Nybster Broch, Caithness. Post excavation analysis was carried out between the 6th and 10th June and the 1st and 13th of August to allow volunteers the opportunity to learn how to process soil samples. The initial phase of excavations in 2011 focused on the enclosing outwork, whilst the second phase investigated the cellular buildings at the east end of the promontory. Radiocarbon dating was also carried out suggesting that the initial enclosure dated to the late Bronze Age, with occupation dating to the later first millenium BC and early first millenium AD, as well as evidence for the use of the site for burial after the collapse of the defensive rampart. The excavations produced a sizeable stone tool, bone and ceramic assemblage, evidence of metalworking, and a roman bead indicating long distance trade. <1> <2> Note: OS Mastermap appears to be incorrect for this area. GIS data as supplied: larger season 2 shape does not match site plan.