EHG5911 - Geophysical surveys - Battle Moss, Loch of Yarrows

Geophysical surveys were undertaken by a team from Glasgow University in 2003 at Battle Moss, Loch of Yarrows. Resistivity, magnetometry and Ground Penetrating Radar were used, and a large area of the field containing the Battle Moss stone rows was surveyed. The aim of this survey was to trace any subsurface archaeological features, such as stone holes from missing stones, post holes, pits or anything else. The original plan of Battle Moss stone row, drawn by Dryden in 1871 suggested that a single line of standing stones extended northwards from the eastern edge of the monument, but all of these stones have subsequently been removed, and this aspect of the site was not recorded in any of the more recent surveys. Unfortunately, no traces of features that correspond with this alignment were detected. A small, apparently natural, knoll to the north of the site was also surveyed, as it was believed that a small round cairn might have been built here. The surveys appeared to confirm the presence of a small circular feature. A series of other anomalies in the area between the stone rows and this possible cairn were interpreted as possible pits – 3 large (1.5m – 2.5m in diameter) circular features were picked up running in a line SE-NW. These appear to be too regular and too evenly spaced to be natural features. It was intended that all of the features identified would be investigated during the planned excavation to follow (see EHG5912). <1> No DSR has been forthcoming. It is anticipated that a published account will be produced at some point [IS-L 13/10/2022].