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MHG65796 - 1.9 m long deposit layer - Kyle of Durness

Summary

A deposit of black, organic and charcoal rich clay.

Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

Full Description

A rapid coastal zone assessment survey was conducted by GUARD in the Autumn of 1997 commissioned by Historic Scotland from the Viking and Early Settlement Archaeological Research Project based at the University of Glasgow.

Eroding from the cliff section is a deposit of black, organic and charcoal rich clay which is visible as a 1.9 m long layer, 0.15 m thick and 0.5 below the turf line. The colour and clay content is concentrated at the bottom of the layer where it lies above grey-brown coarse sand and fine gravel. The deposit is slightly more diffuse at the top where it lies under a mid brown sand with flecks of charcoal. No shell or artefacts were visible in the exposed section. There are several angular stones (>0.1 m) at the bottom and directly below this deposit of possible midden. The erosion at this section of the cliff is being exacerbated by sheep burrowing against it for shelter. <1>

Note: Site not visible on aerial photographs so location based on grid coordinates. (TB 27/4/26)

Sources/Archives (1)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NC 3618 6820 (16m by 16m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NC36NE
Geographical Area	SUTHERLAND
Civil Parish	DURNESS

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Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Investigations/Events (1)

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