Proposed Film Set at Gorteneorn, Ardnamurchan Archaeological Walkover Survey Report

Proposed film set at Gorteneorn, Ardnamurchan Archaeological Walkover Survey Report

AOC 70103 4 February 2016

Proposed Film Set at Gorteneorn, Ardnamurchan Archaeological Walkover Survey

On Behalf of: Keo Films

Planning reference: 15-04743-FUL

National Grid Reference (NGR): NM 62662 69229

AOC Project No: 70103

Prepared by: S.Williamson, C. MacIver, M. Peteranna

Illustrations by: C.MacIver, M.Peteranna

Date of Fieldwork: 03/02/2016

Date of Report: 04/02/2016

This document has been prepared in accordance with AOC standard operating procedures.

Authors: S Williamson, C MacIver, M Peteranna Date: 04/02/2016

Approved by: M Peteranna Date: 05/02/2016

Enquiries to: AOC Archaeology Group Ardyne Studio Bank Street Cromarty IV11 8YE

Tel. 01381 600650 Mob. 07972 259255 E‐mail [email protected]

Contents

Page List of illustrations ...... 4 List of plates ...... 4 List of appendices ...... 4 Abstract ...... 5 Introduction ...... 6 Project Background ...... 6 Character of the Study Area ...... 6 Desk-based Assessment ...... 6 Aims of the Survey ...... 11 Survey Methodology ...... 11 Results ...... 12 Recommendations ...... 18 References ...... 20

70103: Temporary Change of Forestry to Film Set at Gorteneorn, Ardnamurchan, Archaeological Survey Report

List of illustrations

Figure 1: Location of the proposed film set

Figure 2: 2012 aerial image showing the survey area and sites

Figure 2: Extract from OS 6-inch 1st edition, Argyllshire, Sheet XVI (with inset of sheet XVIa) (includes: Ardnamurchan; Arisaig And Moidart), Survey date: 1872, Publication date: 1875

Figure 3: Extract from OS 6-inch 1st edition, showing the buildings at Creag an Aisig

Figure 4: Extract from OS 6-inch 2nd edition, Argyll and Bute Sheet XVIa.SW & XVI.NW (includes: Ardnamurchan; Arisaig and Moidart), Publication date: 1900, Date revised: 1897

List of plates

Plate 1: General view of the dunes at Cul na Croise Bay Plate 2: Site 1, area of WW2 activity Plate 3: Site 2, area of WW2 activity Plate 4: Site 4, area of WW2 activity and some prehistoric lithic findspots Plate 5: Site 5, focus of prehistoric activity and lithic findspots Plate 6: Site 5, multiple old ground surfaces visible in section Plate 7: Selection of lithic finds from site 5 Plate 8: Selection of quartz tools from site 5 Plate 9: Selection of metal fragments from site 5 Plate 10: Site 6, spread of old ground surface visible eroding out of section Plate 11: Selection of lithic finds from site 6

List of appendices

Appendix 1: List of Surface Finds

Appendix 2: List of Survey Photographs

Abstract

This report details the results of an archaeological desk-based assessment and walkover survey at the Gorteneorn promontory, Ardnamurchan, where there is a proposed development to temporarily change the use of an area of forestry to a film set. The survey and desk-based assessment were undertaken in February 2016.

Six areas were identified containing archaeological material, four of which were of significant archaeological interest.

Due to the nature of the film project, which is designed specifically to be non-invasive, the site is not being treated as a normal planning condition with regards to mitigation. It has been recommended that measures are put in place by the client to ensure any uncovered archaeological material is handled in accordance with professional archaeological standards. A recommendation has also been made for the assessment by a lithics specialist of the present recovered material.

Introduction

1. An archaeological desk-based assessment and walkover survey was carried out in February 2016 on behalf of Keo Films in advance of the temporary change of forestry land to film set at Gorteneorn, Ardnamurchan (Highland Council planning reference 15-04743-FUL). The aim of the survey was to identify and assess the nature and extent of any archaeology likely to be directly affected by the proposed development in order to inform recommendations for the protection and management of any sites identified. Six areas containing archaeological material were recorded, four of which were prehistoric in date and of significant archaeological interest.

Project Background

2. The development area is a forested promontory and coastline directly west of Kentra Bay, Ardnamurchan (Figure 1). It is approximately 3 miles west of Acharacle and is centred on NM 62662 69229. The film contributors identified two areas that are likely to be used for settlement during filming, in the dunes to the east and south east of Cul na Croise bay, on the west of the promontory. The walkover survey focused primarily on this area.

Character of the Study Area

3. The landscape situation of the survey area comprises a forested promontory and coastline of rocky outcrops and sandy beaches. The underlying bedrock geology comprises a mix of pelite from the Morar Schist Formation, Semipelite, Schistose and Granofels from the Morar group and psammite from the Lower Morar Psammite Formation (BGS 2016). The known overlying geology is marine rich deposits and windblown sands, with areas of peat also found in the south west of the survey area (BGS 2016). The Historic Land Use Assessment (RCHAMS 2016) suggests post-medieval agricultural and settlement evidence at Gortenfern to the southwest of the survey area. Traditional land use on the Gorteneorn promontory is not recorded but it may have been used for rough grazing and the utilisation of peat.

4. The Gorteneorn promontory is predominantly forested, with the presence of small hills, including Torr Beithe and Creag an Fhradhairc and a number of small streams, which flow northwest to the sea. The northwest coast of the promontory is rugged with rocky outcrops and sandy beaches. The area highlighted for survey was the dunes to the east and south east of Cul na Croise.

Desk-based Assessment

5. A desk-based assessment was conducted prior to commencement of the survey in order to assess the archaeological potential of the area based on previously recorded sites and any historical documentation. A full check of all available historical and archaeological records, aerial photographs and historical maps was conducted using the Highland Historic Environment Record (HHER), the National Monuments Record of Scotland (NMRS) on the Canmore database, the National Library of Scotland online maps resources, statistical accounts and other available records, literary sources or online resources about the site.

6. The Gorteneorn promontory falls within the civil parish of Ardnamurchan and has a long history of occupation, with evidence from the Mesolithic, Bronze Age and post-medieval periods being found on the promontory. Two battles, one from the Norse period and the other from the late 13th century, are also recorded as having taken place in the bays around the promontory. The Old and New Statistical Accounts of Scotland do not specifically mention Gorteneorn, but the New Account does mention a number of caves on the Ardnamurchan coastline, some of which were associated with archaeological finds. One of the caves was described as a place where sick people could go to ‘drink of the water there’ and gain recovery.

Figure 1: Location of proposed film set and concentration of archaeological sites

7. Historic maps were consulted online using the National Library of Scotland resources (NLS 2016). The 1st and 2nd edition Ordnance Survey (OS) 6 inch maps were available for the area. Both maps indicate that the promontory was predominantly forest covered and suggest that it was used as grazing land. The maps also show the presence of two buildings just south of Creag an Aisig, these correspond to MHG35047 on the Highland Historic Environment Record (see below).

Figure 2: Extract from OS 6-inch 1st edition, Argyllshire, Sheet XVI (with inset of sheet XVIa) (includes: Ardnamurchan; Arisaig And Moidart), Survey date: 1872, Publication date: 1875

Figure 3: Extract from OS 6-inch 1st edition, showing the buildings at Creag an Aisig

Figure 4: Extract from OS 6-inch 2nd edition, Argyll and Bute Sheet XVIa.SW & XVI.NW (includes:Ardnamurchan; Arisaig and Moidart), Publication date: 1900, Date revised: 1897

8. The HHER and NMRS (Canmore) were also studied to identify any known sites within the survey area and to assess the sites in the wider landscape. Four previously recorded sites were identified within the survey area.

Creag an Aisig Farmstead and Blackhouse HHER: MHG35047, MHG29651 Canmore ID: 145153 NGR: NM 6280 6960

A farmstead comprising two unroofed buildings, one of which is attached to a length of wall, is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Argyllshire 1875-6, sheet xvi), but it is not shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1974).

Information from RCAHMS (SAH) 23 April 1998 The remains of a 'Blackhouse' were found in this area.

Battle Site, Cul Na Croise, Gortenfern HHER: MHG355 Canmore ID: 22495 NGR: NM6200 6900

Traditionally, the bays between Gortenfern (NM 608 689) and Sgeir a' Chaolais (NM 623 702) have been the sites of at least two battles. One is said to have involved the Vikings, while the other, because of the large number of spears, daggers, brooch, etc, datable to the late 13th century, and coin of Edward I, all found in Cul na Croise (NM622 698), may have been fought in 1297 between the forces of Edward I and Roderick of Bute and Lachlan MacRuari of Garmoran. A coin of Charles II, musket balls, etc, found at Cul na Croise, may possibly indicate a later skirmish.

Large numbers of Viking nails and rivets from a ship burial (Information from V Hodzon, director, West Highland Museum to OS) at Cul na Crois were also found, in 1924, some relics being given to the West Highland Museum at Fort William by Lethbridge. Numerous other finds are owned by Mr Sandy Cameron of Gortenfern. T C Lethbridge 1925; S Greig 1940.

There is now no local knowledge regarding the sites of the finds, nor of the location of the ship burial. The land between Gortenfern and Sgeir a' Chaolais is an area of shifting sands. The tradition of a battle is still known. Mr Sandy Cameron is now deceased and his collection has passed to his nephew Mr R Cameron, Kentra, Argyll. Visited by OS (R L) 18 May 1970.

Cul Na Croise Stone Working Site HHER: MHG356 Canmore ID: 22496 NGR: NM 6220 6980

The material from Drynan Bay is predominantly of quartz, but contains a variety of flint implements including parallel-sided and leaf-shaped blades, scrapers, pebble-choppers and several microlithic blades and cores. Artifacts from here, including fragments of All-Over-Corded Beaker and later pottery, are in the University Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Cambridge (Acc No: 51.1047); the Hunterian Museum, University of Glasgow (Acc No: B.1951, 258-83); and the NMAS (Acc Nos: ACA 29-40, 309-11). Proc Soc Antiq Scot 1963; 1978; J N G Ritchie 1973; RCAHMS 1980.

Drynan Bay is the local name for Cul na Croise (NM 622 698) and the bays to the SW as far as Camas an Lighe (NM 623 690) an area of shifting sands; otherwise no further information. Visited by OS (R L) 28 May 1970.

Sherds of beaker pottery, leaf-shaped and barbed-and- tanged arrowheads, minute round scrapers, and many small pointed narrow blades, and a few microliths were found in the sand dunes behind Cul na Croise (NM 622 698) by Lethbridge in 1924. Lacaille (1954) also notes that large quantities of flints found in the sand dunes of Drynan Bay indicate the presence of a flint-knapping site there. The finds included Obanian flakes, blades and scrapers, pick-like tools and other artifacts of a Larnian type, and some flints retouched in a characteristic Bronze Age way, while other blades had been worked by micro-burins in the Tardonensian manner. Lacaille concludes that these finds, which cannot pre-date the Bronze Age, indicate a survival of mesolithic traditions into that period, by a coming together of descendants of the Obanians and those of a later stage of development. T C Lethbridge 1925; A D Lacaille 1954.

Drynan Bay Occupation Site, Lithic Findspots and Vessel Findspot HHER: MHG13229, MHG13230, MHG13231, MHG13232 NGR: NM 6190 6950

An undated site occupation site. Also findspots of three fragments of pottery, one AOC ware, two non- beaker. A large number of lithic finds also indicates the presence of a flint knapping site with some of the flints retouched in a way characteristic of the Bronze Age. The material was predominantly quartz with some flint tools.

9. A further three sites were identified just outside of the survey area.

Blackhouse, Gorteneorn Forest HHER: MHG29652 NGR: NM 6150 6890 The remains of a ‘Blackhouse’ were found at this location.

Gortenfern, Ardnamurchan, Township and Wreck HHER: MHG35045 Canmore ID: 145149 NGR: NM 6100 6890 A township, a farmstead and a sheepfold are depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Argyllshire 1875, sheet xv). The township comprises three unroofed, nine roofed buildings and one enclosure. The farmstead comprises three roofed buildings, one of which is L-shaped and two enclosures. A sheepfold lies approximately 200m to the S of the farmstead. One the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1974) the township comprises four unroofed buildings, the farmstead comprises one unroofed building and two roofed buildings, and the sheepfold is also shown. A further one unroofed and two roofed buildings are shown approximately 350m to the SSE of the farmstead. Information from RCAHMS (SAH) 22 April 1998.

Note: The HHER record of this site is classified as a ‘Wreck’ but not further mention of a wreck is made in the site description. The wreck classification may mistakenly refer to the Viking battle and ship burial of unknown location mentioned in MHG355.

Allt A' Ghoirtein-eorna, Building HHER: MHG35048 Canmore ID: 145154 NGR: NM 6291 6753 One unroofed building is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Argyllshire 1875-6, sheet xvi), but it is not shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1974). Information from RCAHMS (SAH) 23 April 1998

10. Aerial imagery on Google maps was also consulted but due to the heavily forested nature of the area no further sites were identified.

Aims of the Survey

11. The overall aim of this desk-based assessment and archaeological walkover survey was to identify and record any unknown archaeological sites or features that might be directly affected by the development of the site as a film set and to assess the potential for buried archaeology to be affected during site development. This would enable informed mitigation measures and recommendations to be proposed to ensure that the value of any cultural heritage sites would not be compromised.

Survey Methodology

12. The survey area (Figure 1) was walked over and surveyed on the 3rd of February 2016. The weather for the survey was sunny with cloud. The survey was carried out by Steve Birch.

13. The survey area, and specifically the locations identified by the film contributors, was walked systematically by the archaeologist. Archaeological sites were recorded using high-resolution digital photography, while sketch survey drawings were produced where necessary. Individual site locations were recorded, using Trimble GeoXR capable of sub-metre accuracy.

14. Survey and recording methods recommended by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (2011) were employed and all work was conducted in strict adherence to the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) Code of Conduct (2014) and the Highland Council Standards for Archaeological Work (2012).

Plate 1: General view of the dunes at Cul na Croise Bay

Results

15. The walkover survey recorded 6 areas containing archaeological material in the dunes at Cul na Croise, Drynan Bay (Plate 1; Figure 5). Lithic scatters and evidence of prehistoric activity had been found in the general area and listed on the Highland HER database (MHG356 and MHG13229- MHG13232) but not located specifically. The area has been the subject of WWII training activity, with remnants of blow-outs from shelling target practice evident across the dune system up to the edge of the forested area.

16. Site 1 comprises an area of blow-outs which could be the remnants of WWII shell holes (Plate 2). Metal fragments were evident within these, possibly the residue from metal working but more likely old exploded ordnance.

17. Site 2 is located at the edge of the wood and comprises a shallow blow-out hole approximately 10m in diameter (Plate 3). Iron and lead/copper fragments identified, this site is related to WWII activity in the region.

18. Site 3 is an isolated findspot of quartz debitage and iron fragments.

19. Site 4 is located between the stream and the trees and comprises a shallow blow-out hole with quartz debitage, bullets and shell fragments (Plate 4).

20. Site 5 is a large blow-out in the dunes with a NW aspect. Old ground surfaces are visible at various levels in section, indicating several possible old ground surfaces (Plate 5 & 6). Lower surfaces are putatively identified as earlier Mesolithic activity due to the presence of microliths. The concentration of lithic debitage in this area indicates that a lithic working or a multi-period occupation site is focussed in this immediate area (Plate 7-9). There was also evidence of war-time shelling in this area.

21. Site 6 is a large blow-out with old ground surfaces exposed at a slightly higher level than Site 5 (Plate 10). There is also evidence of substantial war-time shelling and bullet fragments. Lithics, predominantly quartz debitage, and some flint tools are visible (Plate 11). The proximity of this to Site 5 could indicate that the prehistoric activity at this site has extended over a large area. A possible iron

boat rivet was also identified which could relate to similar rivets found in the area and attributed to Norse activity, as per the desk-based assessment. The exact extent of this activity cannot be determined due to the large depth of windblown sand accumulated over these prehistoric deposits.

22. This area of prehistoric activity has seen a large amount of disturbance and a substantial mixing of material. Deposits and lithics have been washed out of their original in situ locations as a result of the natural processes of wind and water and war-time shelling practice. These deposits have then been sealed under a substantial depth of wind-blown sand which has then later been disturbed by very invasive shelling activity in WW2.

Plate 2: Site 1, area of WW2 activity

Plate 3: Site 2, area of WW2 activity

Plate 4: Site 4, area of WW2 activity and some prehistoric lithic findspots

Plate 5: Site 5, focus of prehistoric activity and lithic findspots

Plate 6: Site 5, multiple old ground surfaces visible in section

Plate 7: Selection of lithic finds from Site 5

Plate 8: Selection of possible quartz tools from Site 5

Plate 9: Selection of wartime metal fragments from Site 5

Plate 10: Site 6, spread of old ground surface visible eroding out of section

Plate 11: Selection of lithic finds from Site 6

Recommendations

23. The predominant areas of archaeological interest are Sites 3-6, which contained significant amounts of diagnostic prehistoric archaeological material, mostly quartz and flint lithics and small tools with some visible evidence for old ground surfaces. A low soil horizon at Site 5 was found directly associated with some of this material. These areas have already been heavily disturbed and are open to erosion from natural elements and increased footfall. In addition, it appears that any significant in situ archaeological sites would be buried below deep wind-blown sand deposits.

24. As part of a typical development planning application, the site would be recommended for an archaeological watching brief due to the collection of considerable archaeological material from the surface of the dunes. However, only very minor disturbance is likely during the use of the site for

filming, which aims to present minimal changes to the environment. Therefore, it is not believed that Sites 3-6 are under threat from minor digging associated with temporary structures. Furthermore, the expected area for establishing a camp is located well to the south near Sites 1 and 2.

25. Due to there being considerable potential for substantial buried archaeological remains to survive on the site, as demonstrated by both the desk-based assessment and survey, it is recommended that Sites 3-6 be identified to the film and set-up crews. This can be done during a site visit by an archaeologist who can identify the areas of interest and provide a ‘toolbox talk’ to describe the archaeological background of the area and inform the team about potential archaeological sites that could be present. This will enable staff on site to know what to expect and look out for in the event that finds or sites of significant archaeological interest are uncovered during filming.

26. A regulation should be established by the client to ensure that any archaeological material recovered during the project by participants or crew would be stored and retained for deposition with the archaeological contractor following the end of the works. The archaeological contractor should also make a site visit at the end of the filming to check for any archaeological material or sites that were unknowingly uncovered during the project. This will enable responsible handling of any finds or sites in accordance with professional standards.

27. The present material recovered during the survey, which is of significant importance in understanding the prehistoric settlement in northwest Scotland, should be assessed and reported upon by a quartz and flint specialist. Any archaeological material recovered during the project would also require treatment in the same way. The costs for this lie with the developer.

References

British Geological Survey (BGS) 2016. Geology of Britain Viewer. Accessed at: http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.html (2nd February 2016)

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) 2014. Standard and guidance for historic environment desk-based assessment. Available at: http://www.archaeologists.net/sites/default/files/CIfAS&GDBA_2.pdf

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) 2014. Code of Conduct. Available at: http://www.archaeologists.net/sites/default/files/CodesofConduct.pdf

Highland Council 2012. Standards for Archaeological Work. Available at: http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/1022/standards_for_archaeological_wok

Highland Council 2016. Historic Environment Record (HER). Accessed at: http://her.highland.gov.uk (2nd February 2016)

National Library of Scotland 2015. Accessed at: http://maps.nls.uk (2nd February 2016)

National Monuments Record of Scotland 2016. Accessed at: https://canmore.org.uk (2nd February 2016)

Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland, 2011. Survey and Recording Strategy 2011-2015. Available at: http://www.rcahms.gov.uk/rcahms_media/files/foi/survey_and_recording_strategy_2011-15.pdf

Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) 2016. Scotland’s Historic Land Use. Accessed at: http://hlamap.org.uk (2nd February 2016)

Statistical Accounts of Scotland 1791-1845. Accessed at: http://stat-acc- scot.edina.ac.uk/sas/sas.asp?action=public (2nd February 2016)

Appendix 1 List of Surface Finds

Find Context Location Material Description Initials Date No. No. Misc metal residues, bullets and Surface 01 Site 4 Metal projectile fragments from WWII SB 03/02/2016 collection shelling practice; also possible clasp

Surface Mixed quartz, flint and stone finds; 02 Site 5 Lithic SB 03/02/2016 collection lithics processing debitage and tools

Surface Mixed quartz, flint and stone finds; 03 Site 6 Lithic SB 03/02/2016 collection lithics processing debitage and tools

Surface 04 Site 6 Fe Probably boat rivet SB 03/02/2016 collection

Surface 05 Site 6 Bone Small burnt bone fragments SB 03/02/2016 collection

Misc metal residues, bullets and Surface 06 Site 6 Metal projectile fragments from WWII SB 03/02/2016 collection shelling practice Misc metal residues, bullets and Surface 07 Site 5 Metal projectile fragments from WWII SB 03/02/2016 collection shelling practice

Surface 08 Site 1 Lithic Quartz fragments SB 03/02/2016 collection

Surface 09 Site 3 Lithic Quartz fragments SB 03/02/2016 collection

Surface 10 Site 4 Stone Stone fragment - artefact? SB 03/02/2016 collection

Surface Misc metal residues from WWII 11 Site 2 Metal SB 03/02/2016 collection shelling practice

Appendix 2 List of Survey Photographs

Photo Description Direction No facing 1 General image of the back of the dunes N 2 General image of the back of the dunes NE 3 Site 1 ENE 4 Site 1, possible boat rivet SE 5 Site 2 NNE 6 General shot to site 2 and 1 beyond SW 7 Panorama view over dune system 1 n/a 8 Panorama view over dune system 2 n/a 9 Panorama view over dune system 3 n/a 10 Panorama view over dune system 4 n/a 11 Panorama view over dune system 5 n/a 12 Panorama view over dune system 6 n/a 13 Panorama view over dune system 7 n/a 14 Site 4 N 15 Site 5 SE 16 Site 5 SE 17 Site 6 ESE

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