Two new SAIRs Released
The newest publications of the Scottish Archaeological Internet Reports (SAIR) series are out now! SAIR 29 reports on Bronze Age Human Remains on the Isle of Lewis, and SAIR 32 is a multi-period report from excavations at William Grant and Sons Distillers, Girvan.
The CBA has hosted SAIR publications since its conception and pilot in 2001. In all, there are now 32 released, including the much anticipated Scotland’s First Settlers (SFS) project report, with more planned for the future. More details can be found on the SAIR website. SAIR is a joint publication venture between the CBA, the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and Historic Scotland.
SAIR 29
A Bronze Age Burial from Pabay Mor, Isle of Lewis, Western Isles
by Rachel Barrowman and Lorna Innes with contributions from Paul Duffy, Gavin MacGregor and Beverley Ballin-Smith and illustrations by John Arthur
Summary
In 2002 human remains were reported eroding from a section of sandy cliff on the eastern side of the island of Pabay Mor, Isle of Lewis. Subsequent excavation of the site was undertaken by GUARD, as part of the Historic Scotland Human Remains Call-off Contract. This revealed a burial of a mature male of approximately 50–59 years of age, placed in a grave adjacent to a marker stone. The burial was crouched and aligned north–south and accompanied by a small undecorated pot, a polished stone and a pumice polisher. A radiocarbon date of 1450–1290 cal BC (GU-13838) was obtained from human bone from the burial. A second, infant, individual, represented only by a fragment of mandible, was identified from disarticulated remains found at the burial.
SAIR 32
Archaeology of Landscape Change in South-West Scotland, 6000 BC – AD 1400: Excavations at William Grant and Sons Distillery, Girvan
by Iain Banks, Paul R J Duffy and Gavin MacGregor with contributions from Ewan Campbell, John Duncan, Jennifer Miller, Susan Ramsay, Catherine Smith and Eland Stewart and illustrations by John Arthur, Caitlin Evans and Charlotte Francoz
Summary
Results from a programme of archaeological investigation at the headquarters of William Grant and Sons Distillers Ltd, Girvan between 1996 and 1998. This work revealed evidence of occupation and use from prehistoric times, including palaeobotanical and pedological evidence of deliberate prehistoric tree clearance, and the presence of six discrete deposits of burnt mound material. The project also confirmed the survival of archaeological deposits relating to the occupation of the medieval moated enclosure of Ladywell. A number of worked lithics, indicative of prehistoric tool making or maintenance, were also recovered. The excavation and post-excavation work allowed an opportunity to explore the occupational, ecological and geomorphological history of the entire length of the valley, from the immediate post-glacial period to the present day. The results contribute significantly to our understanding of the changing patterns of human interaction with environment and landscape over a period of some 10,000 years, both in the immediate area and beyond.
