EHG4599 - Archaeological Survey, Test Pitting and Open Area Excavation - Cromarty Medieval Burgh Community Archaeology Project

A severe storm in December 2012 caused significant erosion to the coastline at the eastern end of Cromarty, exposing a sequence of archaeological deposits along the shore path to the South Sutor, between 60-120m east of Clunes House. The combination of high tides with a significant ground swell truncated the core footpath between Cromarty and the South Sutor. This had the effect of shearing away the turf and grass foreshore to reveal four major exposures. In 2013, fieldwork included investigations of the deposits exposed on the shoreline, a geophysical survey of Reeds Park, a trial trench evaluation in the town allotments bordering Reeds Park and excavations within Reeds Park. The work revealed extensive and well stratified midden material relating to medieval and later occupation on the site. The medieval deposits in particular, which included the remains of stone and wooden buildings, appeared to relate to settlement activity associated with the original core of the burgh of Cromarty, a period for which we have limited historical records. The aim of the project was to investigate the early settlement infrastructure of the town and the trade and economy in a flourishing burgh with a Royal Charter.<1>