Community dig finds an unknown prehistoric settlement
A PREVIOUSLY unknown prehistoric settlement has been discovered and excavated for the first time – uncovering a perfectly preserved hearth.
A community archaeology team made the find during a dig at Thusater Burn near Thurso, Caithness.
More than 40 people took part in the Caithness Broch Festival dig – excavating a series of trenches at the site.
Rubble and stony deposthe its containing cultural material were found at the site.
But archaeologists say the “most exciting” find was the perfectly preserved hearth constructed of orthostats, a base slab and packing stones.
Alongside the scorched hearth, a hammer-stone, possibly used for starting fires, and a well-preserved pig’s tooth was also discovered.
The exciting finds point to the domestic use of the site, as opposed to the burial mine it was first thought to be.
investigation raised the possibility of the mound containing prehistoric structural remains.
But archaeologists say more research is needed to confirm their extent and the exact period of occupation.
Archaeologists from Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology (Orca) and the University of the Highlands and Islands believe it could be a “wag” or the remains of a broch.
Pete Higgins, from Orca, said: “It is incredibly exciting to be involved with the team from Caithness Broch Project and local people investigating this site, especially as this is the first time that it has been excavated.
“This is the first stage of a project which aims to investigate the wider prehistoric landscape of this area and ultimately help provide a boost to tourism in the area.”