Condition

2
Settlement
Iron Age
Shetland

Description

Anthropogenic deposits and probable structural remains are eroding from a coastal exposure extending for more than 60m and up to 1.5m high. The section is very obscured by slumping turves. At the base of the section a series of horizontally laid slabs appear to be the remains of a structure up to 8m long. Surrounding this are numerous deposits containing shell, animal bone, pottery, worked stone, metal, charcoal and peat ash. The condition of the artefacts and ecofacts is very good. The anthropogenic soils are over 0.5m deep in places. A pit, 4m wide and 1m deep, is exposed in section; it is filled with charcoal rich soil. An isolated clump of nettles grows above the section over the pit. The pottery seen in section appeared to be of the later Iron Age or Early Historic period. The site is interpreted as a substantial settlement. 29/05/14 Generally as described. Probable structural remains comprise boulders which form a semicircle protruding from the base of the section. These are 8m in diameter and could be the base of a circular structure. If so at least half has been lost to coastal erosion. Few finds were visible in the section. Exposed soils in section probably overly the structure and may not be related. A fragment of quern found on the beach in front of the section. ShoreUPDATE 23/02/2018 As described. Two semicircular groups of boulders noted on beach, largely obscured by storm beach pebbles c60m apart. Section partially covered by slumped turves but stock erosion causing damage, and soils exposed at top of section.
Visited by Moder Dy on 09/07/22. Section has slumped and is mostly grassed over, still some deep soils visible but limited inclusions, mostly natural, some charcoal. Several large boulders protruding from the section under slumped turf. One small rim sherd found in the section, probable Iron Age.

Location

436801.00
1130593.00
27700
60.0584030
-1.3408666

Submitted photographs

Image Date Caption User
09/07/2022 EstherR
Feb 2018: view along eroding coast edge 23/02/2018 Feb 2018: view along eroding coast edge joannahambly
Feb 2018: view along eroding coast edge
Feb 2018: Semicircle of boulders possibly forming base of stone structure 23/02/2018 Feb 2018: Semicircle of boulders possibly forming base of stone structure joannahambly
Feb 2018: Semicircle of boulders possibly forming base of stone structure
Feb 2018: Semicircle of boulders on beach continuing into section 23/02/2018 Feb 2018: Semicircle of boulders on beach continuing into section joannahambly
Feb 2018: Semicircle of boulders on beach continuing into section
Feb 2018: Semicircle of boulders in foreground possibly defining base of stone building 23/02/2018 Feb 2018: Semicircle of boulders in foreground possibly defining base of stone building joannahambly
Feb 2018: Semicircle of boulders in foreground possibly defining base of stone building
Quern stone fragment on beach in front of site 29/05/2014 Quern stone fragment on beach in front of site training1
Quern stone fragment on beach in front of site
Showing depth of cultivated soils 29/05/2014 Showing depth of cultivated soils training1
Showing depth of cultivated soils
View from above of circular structure, looking east 29/05/2014 View from above of circular structure, looking east training1
View from above of circular structure, looking east
Circular stone structure, looking west 29/05/2014 Circular stone structure, looking west training1
Circular stone structure, looking west

Submitted updates

Update id Date User
4018 09/07/2022 EstherR
Tidal state Mid
Site located? Unsure
Proximity to coast edge Coast edge
Coastally eroding? active sea erosion
Access easily accessible - no restrictions
Description Visited by Moder Dy on 09/07/22. Section has slumped and is mostly grassed over, still some deep soils visible but limited inclusions, mostly natural, some charcoal. Several large boulders protruding from the section under slumped turf. One small rim sherd found in the section, probable Iron Age.
Continue to monitor as actively eroding.
3097 23/02/2018 joannahambly
Tidal state Low
Site located? Yes
Proximity to coast edge Intertidal
Coastally eroding? active sea erosion; has eroded in the past
Threats stock erosion; animal burrows
Visibility above ground Limited visibility (partial remains)
Visibility in section Limited visibility in section
Description Anthropogenic deposits and probable structural remains are eroding from a coastal exposure extending for more than 60m and up to 1.5m high. The section is very obscured by slumping turves. At the base of the section a series of horizontally laid slabs appear to be the remains of a structure up to 8m long. Surrounding this are numerous deposits containing shell, animal bone, pottery, worked stone, metal, charcoal and peat ash. The condition of the artefacts and ecofacts is very good. The anthropogenic soils are over 0.5m deep in places. A pit, 4m wide and 1m deep, is exposed in section; it is filled with charcoal rich soil. An isolated clump of nettles grows above the section over the pit. The pottery seen in section appeared to be of the later Iron Age or Early Historic period. The site is interpreted as a substantial settlement. 29/05/14 Generally as described. Probable structural remains comprise boulders which form a semicircle protruding from the base of the section. These are 8m in diameter and could be the base of a circular structure. If so at least half has been lost to coastal erosion. Few finds were visible in the section. Exposed soils in section probably overly the structure and may not be related. A fragment of quern found on the beach in front of the section. ShoreUPDATE 23/02/2018 As described. Two semicircular groups of boulders noted on beach, largely obscured by storm beach pebbles c60m apart. Section partially covered by slumped turves but stock erosion causing damage, and soils exposed at top of section.
1657 29/05/2014 training1
Tidal state Mid
Site located? Yes
Proximity to coast edge Coast edge
Coastally eroding? active sea erosion; has eroded in the past
Threats stock erosion
Visibility above ground Not visible
Visibility in section Limited visibility in section
Access accessible on foot (no footpath)
Local knowledge don't know
Description Anthropogenic deposits and probable structural remains are eroding from a coastal exposure extending for more than 60m and up to 1.5m high. The section is very obscured by slumping turves. At the base of the section a series of horizontally laid slabs appear to be the remains of a structure up to 8m long. Surrounding this are numerous deposits containing shell, animal bone, pottery, worked stone, metal, charcoal and peat ash. The condition of the artefacts and ecofacts is very good. The anthropogenic soils are over 0.5m deep in places. A pit, 4m wide and 1m deep, is exposed in section; it is filled with charcoal rich soil. An isolated clump of nettles grows above the section over the pit. The pottery seen in section appeared to be of the later Iron Age or Early Historic period. The site is interpreted as a substantial settlement. 29/05/14 Generally as described. Probable structural remains comprise boulders which form a semicircle protruding from the base of the section. These are 8m in diameter and could be the base of a circular structure. If so at least half has been lost to coastal erosion. Few finds were visible in the section. Exposed soils in section probably overly the structure and may not be related. A fragment of quern found on the beach in front of the section.
The coast edge is obviously eroding, evidenced by hanging fence posts, and the structure has been half destroyed indicating significant coastal change here in the past. However, coastal erosion, although active is having a minimal impact upon this sheltered and vegetated coast edge. Re-assign priority 3.

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