EHG5204 - Excavation - Alness Academy

An archaeological excavation carried out at Alness Academy in advance of the construction of a new school building and 3G sports pitch with associated infrastructure and landscaping. The excavation was carried out after the archaeological evaluation in September/October 2017 highlighted an area of prehistoric pits. The excavation was carried out from 20th to 28th November 2017. Between the evaluation and excavation phases, 143 archaeological features were identified, all of which were pits. Many features across the site appear to have been significantly truncated. The pit features were found scattered across the site and, while there was an attempt made to interpret alignments of groups, there was no definitive evidence for structural remains. The majority of the pits consisted of small bowl-shaped or U-shaped pits, some of which were interpreted as postholes, but many whose functions were unclear. Several larger pits included three probable fire-pits / hearths, two of which contained prehistoric material, and an elongated keyholeshaped pit filled with fire-cracked stone. The features on the site are likely to represent multiple phases of prehistoric occupation on the basis of their varied condition and distribution. Post-excavation analysis of the recovered material is recommended in order to retrieve further information for dating and to assist with interpretation. <1>