EHG4477 - Monitored Topsoil Strip - Ness Gap, Fortrose

Headland Archaeology (UK) Ltd was commissioned to undertake a monitored topsoil strip of a 3.6ha plot at Ness Gap, Fortrose in advance of a planned housing development by Tulloch Homes Ltd. This work follows on from earlier phases of desk-based assessment, monitoring and evaluation. The results show two phases of activity on the site – a period of early Bronze Age activity and a series of modern pits and ditches. The early Bronze Age period is represented by five urned cremations (including two complete cordoned urns), two unurned cremations, two or possibly three cists and several small pits containing pottery. Typologically, these remains could span a broad period between c 2150 and 1500 BC, although they may also be closely contemporary. This will be better understood with further analysis. The modern pits and ditches are likely to relate to recent agricultural activity, although their specific purpose was not clear.<1> A final report was published in 2020. This included post-excavation and radiocarbon dating results. <2>