Tulloch Wood, Forres, Moray: the survey and dating of a fragment of prehistoric landscape

Abstract

A 27ha area of prehistoric settlement and field systems was surveyed at Tulloch Wood in 1990. Sample excavation was carried out in 1991 and fifteen radiocarbon dates were obtained from beneath a range of monument types. Negative features overlain by later banks and cairns were found to be Mesolithic in date, but may not have been man--made. The earliest dated surface feature is a clearance cairn which is no older than c 2000 bc A coaxial bank system, established at about 1350--1100 bc, may be contemporary with at least one of the hut circles. Three other hut circles, and modifications to the bank system, appear to be Iron Age in date, c 450 bc to ad 250.