MHG63096 - Gooseberry Cave - Rosemarkie

Summary

One of the smallest caves of the group at only 4 metres in length. The rock appears unstable, a place to avoid.

Type and Period (1)

  • CAVE (Undated)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

The 2011-15 Rosemarkie Caves Project excavation report contains descriptive details of 14 caves which could potentially have been used as rock shelters in historic or pre-historic times.

From the results of our 2011-2015 programme of survey and test pitting, substantial evidence for lengthy use of the Rosemarkie Caves over the past 2000 years was gathered. A number of the caves, in particular the Learnie group, had been visited or occupied sometime during the 7th-9th centuries AD.

Gooseberry Cave; One of the smallest caves of the group, it is only 4 metres in length. Entering this cave involves an uncomfortable crawl, with sharp talus on the floor. Outside the cave, the rock contains large cracks. As there are also large blocks of stone lying outside the entrance, the cave may have been much bigger in the past and subsequently collapsed. Rock appears unstable, a place to avoid. No evidence of human usage. 7.5 metres OD at entrance. <1>

A list of caves, with grid references, is available on the Rosemarkie Caves Project website. <2>

Note; location not identifiable from the 6 figure grid coordinates provided in the report so approximate location based on report map. (T.Blackie 22/1/24)

Sources/Archives (6)

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred NH 7516 6019 (20m by 20m) (2 map features)
Map sheet NH76SE
Geographical Area ROSS AND CROMARTY
Civil Parish ROSEMARKIE

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Investigations/Events (2)

External Links (1)

Comments and Feedback

Do you have any more information about this record? Please feel free to comment with information and photographs, or ask any questions, using the "Disqus" tool below. Comments are moderated, and we aim to respond/publish as soon as possible.