EHG6272 - Underwater and topographic surveys - Caithness Crannog Survey

Underwater and topographic surveys were carried out by AOC Archaeology Group in 2006 on the sites of four crannogs and features noted in Loch Watten adjacent to the Broch of Yarrows in Caithness as part of the Caithness Crannog project. The research agenda for wetland archaeology in Scotland formulated in early 2006 placed value on the regional archaeological context of wetland sites, with the need to understand wetland archaeology within its local environment seen as a priority. Caithness had recently been the focus of a major programme of research, with various survey and excavation projects being carried out throughout the region. Consequently, it was thought that an investigation of wetland sites in the region might contribute to a wider understanding of settlement archaeology in Caithness, while simultaneously working towards the ultimate aim of the integration of wetland archaeology with the terrestrial record. Only four documented examples of crannogs were listed in the NMRS prior to the 2006 survey. One of the principal aims of the survey of these sites, therefore, was to record the Caithness sites in order to provide some data for comparison with better documented crannogs in the south. Where possible, it was hoped that radiocarbon dates could be obtained for structural timbers on the sites, as a way of providing a broad chronological context for the occupation of artificial islets in Caithness. If exposed organic deposits were encountered, these were to be sampled, but no intrusive investigation was to take place. Each of the known sites were inspected by diving, with photographs taken and a total station survey carried out. Documentary evidence of possible additional sites were also supplied to the project leader by G Watson of Thurso. However, no attempt was made to survey the additional sites. However, from the descriptions supplied, it was thought the stony mounds in the drained lochs of Ouliston and Alterwall might well be worthy of inspection and survey. The survey showed that for the most part, artificial islet sites were constructed in stone in Caithness; nowhere was any evidence for the extensive use of timber found. Only two of the sites previously listed could confidently be identified as artificial islets - those in Loch Watten and in Loch of Yarrows. The scatter of stones in Loch Scarmclate could be artificial in origin, but little was visible to allow a confident diagnosis as a crannog, while the islet in Loch Calder that may have been occupied in the historic period could not be located - it was thought probable that side-scan sonar equipment would be required to locate it. Assuming that the confirmed sites were occupied as island dwellings (and have not simply become inundated by loch level rise), it seemed likely that lake settlements in Caithness were built in a similar fashion to the Atlantic roundhouses of the area, in dry stone and only using timber for internal furnishings and roofing. Consequently, the prospects of identifying a crannog in Caithness with significant organic preservation were considered decidedly limited. If any such deposits were preserved, it seems most likely that they would be encountered on Loch Watten crannog, and this site constituted the best candidate for any wetland crannog work in Caithness. <1>