EHG4138 - Excavation - Swordle Bay, Ardnamurchan (2009 season)

Further archaeological excavations were undertaken in the summer of 2009 by the Ardnamurchan Transitions Project to investigate the site of Cladh Aindreis chambered cairn at Swordle Bay, Ardnamurchan. Three of the trenches opened during previous phases of archaeological investigation were extended to excavate possible features and to further record and examine the site. <1> In total three trenches were opened in the 2009 season, between the 23rd of August and the 5th of September. Trench 1, opened in previous years, was extended to find the front of the cairn. Trench 9 was opened immediately behind the chamber in the centre of the monument to determine if the cairn was constructed on a shell midden. A possible closed cist was encountered in this area and possible neolithic pottery was recovered. Trench 4 was re-opened following the previous discovery of of a possible entrance to the structure, revealing a complex sequence of structures. <2>