The excavation

Abstract

An account of the excavation methodology is presented along with the research goals, which of necessity, were formulated during the project as the discovery was unexpected. A description of the results of test pitting is followed by a phased archaeological description. The phases are as follows: phase 1 - features beneath the cairn; phase 2 - cultivation marks and preparation of the ground; phase 3 - the kerbed cairn, including its construction and subsequent adaptation with a number of sub-phases; phase 4 - post-cairn features which cut the cairn including postholes and field drains; phase 5 - a variety of unphased negative features of irregular shape, all located outwith the cairn.