Excavation of the Forts of Castlehill, Aitnock, and Coalhill, Ayrshire

Abstract

Castlehill Fort was unknown prior to excavation. It is located on a summit of isolated rock surrounded by a stone wall. Traces of a probable building were found inside and artefacts included Samian, iron objects, shale, glass and bronze. Altnock Fort was on the summit of a cliff and was defended by a deep ditch and a stone wall. Artefacts included glass, pottery, bone, worked stone and coins. Coalhill Fort, on the ridge of a small hill had double ditches cut into the rock and a stone wall. The only artefacts were of worked stone.