Northlight Heritage Report: 37 Project Id: 4276161 Data

NORTHLIGHT HERITAGE Clan Gregor Glen Orchy Survey Project 2012

REPORT: 37 Dalmally Parish Church GPR Survey & PROJECT ID: 4276161 DATA STRUCTURE REPORT Stronmilchan Resistivity and Topographic Surveys

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Clan Gregor Glen Orchy Survey Project

Data Structure Report on behalf of Clan Gregor Society

Cover Plate: GPR Survey at Dalmally Church

Report by: Charlotte Francoz, Gavin MacGregor, Olly O’Grady, & Ingrid Shearer Illustrations by: Ingrid Shearer & Charlotte Francoz Edited by: Olivia Lelong Directors: Charlotte Francoz, Oliver J T O’Grady and Gavin MacGregor Project Management: Gavin MacGregor

Approved by: G MacGregor

Date: 18/12/2012

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CONTENTS Abstract 4 1 Introduction 5 2 Site Location 6 3 Summary Aims & Objectives 7 4 Methodology 7 5 Desk-Based Research 9 6 Results 10 7 Discussion 26 8 Acknowledgements 31 9 Lists of Sources 31 10 Appendix 1: Tables / Concordances Appendices 33 Appendix 2: DES Entry 35 Appendix 3: Cartographic Evidence 37

FIGURES 1 Site location 5 2 Radar timeslice (south>north) church porch. 11 3 a & b Radar timeslice (west>east) church porch. 12-13 0.25m (top), 1.2m (middle), 1.85m (bottom). 60ns Tsweep. North is to left and 14-16 4 west to top. 5 Profile Z3 (top) Tsweep 80ns, Profile Z5 (bottom) Tsweep 60ns. North to right. 17 Profile W2 (top) Tsweep 80ns, Profile W4 (middle), Profile W6 (bottom) Tsweep 18 6 60ns. Schematic plan of church with possible layout of earlier church (not to scale, 19 7 north top). 8 Resistance data (interpolated). 20 9 Resistance data (interpolated) with interpretation. 21 10 Radar profiles, Stronmilchan. 22-23 11 Results of walkover and topographic survey Bothan na Dige, Stronmilchan. 25 12 Results of walkover and topographic survey overlain on OS map. 27 13 Results of walkover and resistivity survey overlain. 29 14 Results of walkover and GPR survey. 30

PLATES 1 Dalmally Church Front 2 GPR Survey at Dalmally Church 8 3 Resitivity and GPR survey at Bothan na Dige, Stronmilchan 9

TABLES 1 Drawings 33 2 Photographs 33

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Abstract Two sites with close archaeological and historical association with Clan Gregor were subject to geophysical investigation. At one site, Dalamally Parish Church, ground penetrating survey was undertaken to establish whether evidence of previously Clan Gregor disturbed burials and / or earlier churches could be located. At the second site, Bothan na Dige, Stronmilchan, a combination of ground penetrating radar and resistivity surveys were undertaken to establish whether traces of an alleged Medieval moated enclosure associated with Clan Gregor were present. Additionally topographic survey was undertaken at Bothan na Dige, Stronmilchan, to place the results of geophysical survey in a broader context.

The results at Dalmally Parish Church suggest that there may be traces of an earlier church preserved within the footprint of the current church and that anomalies are present at the east end which may relate to earlier burials. The depth of these anomalies suggest they represent the below ground remains of the results of previous phases of activity at the site but the historical evidence for activities relating to the demolition and rebuilding of churches at the site suggest these features are likely to have been disturbed. The nature of these anomalies cannot, however, be established in the absence of intrusive archaeological investigations.

The results at Bothan na Dige, Stronmilchan, have shown there are extant traces of structures on and adjacent to the site. Some of these can be clearly related to buildings shown on 19th century and early 20th century maps but other features cannot and may be earlier in date. Additionally the results of geophysical survey suggest that a large ditch is present to the north of the site and that there may be other structural remains present along the main ridge which runs east west through the site. Collectively, they suggest there may be archaeological remains present on site which are broadly characteristic of those described in historical accounts but the nature, character, extent and chronology of these remains would require determination by intrusive archaeological investigations.

The project was funded by Clan Gregor Society.

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5 Figure 1: Site location Northlight Heritage | Project: 4287161 | Report: 37

1. Introduction

1.1 This report presents the results of a short season of geophysical and topographic survey at two sites in Glenorchy, both of which have a close association with Clan Gregor. The work comprised Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey at Dysart, Dalmally Parish Church and resistivity and topographic surveys at Bothan na Dige, Stronmilchan (Figure 1). The project was carried out by Northlight Heritage on the 23rd and 24th July 2012 with the geophysical elements being undertaken by OJT Heritage. The work was carried out on behalf of the Clan Gregor Society and complements a wider body of research being undertaken into the history and genealogy of Clan Gregor.

1.2 The site of Dysart is of known antiquity with references to a church at the site in 1390 and with the presence of late Medieval grave slabs in the graveyard (Pennant 1769; Brydall 1897). The present church was built in 1811 and Brydall noted when the old church was demolished before 1811 that:

'several stone coffins were found at the north part of the east end of the church, where the MacGregors appear chiefly to have been buried; there were also found several of their tombstones, then very much defaced, which were appropriated by such of the clan as continued to use the place as a burying-ground.'

Brydall then refers to The Book of the Dean of Lismore, compiled by Sir James MacGregor, notary which records twelve in-situ burials relating to Clan Gregor at Dysart between 1390 and 1528, and is explicit in several cases they were in stone coffins to the north of the altar and in one case a stone coffin to the south of the altar. He (Brydall) suggests that the grave-slabs from these were at some time placed in the south-west corner of the church yard but it is not clear whether the stone coffins were left in-situ.

Thomas Pennant makes the following observation in 1769 “in the graveyard are several stones of great antiquity….”. This comment underscores the fact that at least some Medieval carved stones had been moved outside the church before the reconstruction in 1811 – possibly pointing to the building of the second, post- Reformation church in 1615. The ultimate aim of the project was to undertake geophysical survey at this site to establish whether evidence for these coffins or burials at the east end of the current church can be found.

The parish church is an A-listed building (HB Number: 12192). The site of Glenorchy Parish Church, churchyard and tombstones is a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM No: 3810). As such there was a requirement for section 42 consent via Historic Scotland to undertake the geophysical survey. This consent was sought from Historic Scotland and given prior to work commencing on site.

1.3 The site of Bothan na Dige, Sronmilchan, is located c 1.4 km to the west of Dysart. It is referred to in the National Monuments Record for Scotland as the possible site of a fortified manor representing the residence of MacGregor of Glenstrae (NMRS no: NN12NE 3). The 1st edition Ordnance Survey Map shows the site of Bothan na Dige (“House of the Ditch”) marked. There are 19th century records of the farmer encountering large stones in this field (OS 6, 15) and a suggestion that the site may have been demolished previously (RCAHMS 1975, 254). Indeed there is a reference by in the New Statistical Accounts (1845, 601) to a tradition of a residence ‘built of wattles, and said to have been surrounded by a moat, and accessible only by a draw-bridge, was situate close to the White House in Stronnmilchain’.

The ultimate aim of the project was to undertake geophysical survey at this site to establish whether evidence for this site could be found.

2. Site Location

2.1 The two sites are located in Glen Orchy, Argyll and Bute, with Dalmally Parish Church (NGR NN 16764 27516) 6

Northlight Heritage | Project: 4287161 | Report: 37 located to the north of the village, and the site of Bothan na Dige, Stronmilchan, (NGR NN 1537 2785) is located a further 1.4 kilometres west along the road from the church (Figure 1).

2.2 The church of Dystart is located within a graveyard, the boundary of which in part retains a circular form that is suggestive of an earlier phase of activity at the site. The church is located on a raised ground which may be a natural mound but could also be at least in part constructed. The site appears to have originally been an island with the River Orchy running to the north and a smaller meander located to the south.

2.3 Bothan na Dige , Stronmilchan is located on the river terraces to the north of the River Orchy. It is currently improved pasture and there is evidence of a recent drainage scheme. The ground generally falls away to the river to the south but there is a marked ridge running east to west through the site.

3. Summary Aims & Objectives

The objectives of the archaeological work were to:

• undertake GPR survey at Dysart, Dalmally; • undertake resistivity survey at Bothan na Dige, Stronmilchan; • undertake topographic survey at both sites; and • analyse and synthesise of the results to produce an assessment of the archaeological and historical potential of these remains and to interpret them in a wider context.

With the overall aims of: • establishing whether there is any evidence for in-situ stone coffins or other evidence for the older church at Dysart; • and establishing whether there is evidence of a fortified manor at Bothan na Dige, Stronmilchan.

4. Methodology

Fieldwork

4.1 GPR Survey

Field work comprised ground penetrating radar survey at Dysart within the east end of the current church in an attempt to locate the stone coffins and to the exterior of the church in order to locate old church walls. Additionally GPR survey was undertaken at Bothan na Dige, Stronmilchan, comprising several transects across the site.

A single channel radar device was utilised with a central frequency 400MHz antenna and dedicated data logger supplied by Utsi Electronics Ltd. Data was recorded using 60-100ns Tsweep and readings were taken every 14.75mm. Timeslice surveys were undertaken at select locations within the church to produce data in plan. Individual profiles were also recorded to investigate specific locations and archaeological features. Processing was undertaken using Reflex and involved standard background removal, application of linear gain function to enhance signals at depth and bandpass Butterworth smoothing. Calibration was achieved using curve fitting for

Northlight Heritage | Project: 4287161 | Report: 37 a mean v of 0.1ms. A GPS survey georeferenced the survey data. The fieldwork was undertaken in overcast and wet conditions on 23rd and 24th July 2012.

Plate 2: GPR survey at Dalmally Church

4.2 Resistivity Survey

Resistivity survey was undertaken at Bothan na Dige focussed on the mound and surrounding ground in order to establish if there is any evidence for the possible manor and its associated ditch.

The resistivity survey utilised a Geoscan RM15 Advanced with a 0.5 m probe array. The sample density was 1 m x 1 m and four 30 m x 30 m grids were surveyed. Processing was achieved using Geoplot software with clipping, highpass filter and interpolation functions applied to enhance and improve interpretation of the raw data. A GPS survey georeferenced the survey data.

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Plate 3: Resistivity and GPR survey at Bothan na Dige, Stronmilchan

4.3 Topographic Survey

There was a topographic survey at Bothan na Dige, Stronmilchan, of the mound and its surrounding context to help establish its extent and form and to allow comparison with the results of geophysical anomalies with upstanding features.

The survey was undertaken with a Leica DGPS as a RTK. The data was post-processed in LSS and AutoCAD, and DEM was produced in ARCGIS.

4.4 Historical Research

There has been a significant level of research undertaken on both sites by the Clan Gregor Society. This has been supplemented by a rapid desk-based assessment of readily available cartographic and documentary sources. Cartographic sources consulted include maps available online from the National Map Library Scotland (see appendix 3 below). Documentary sources relating to both sites were consulted in the University of Glasgow Library and online (see section 5 below).

5. Desk Based Research

There was a short phase of rapid desk-based assessment of readily available cartographic and documentary sources in order to inform the interpretation of the results of fieldwork.

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5.1

Dysart, Dalmally Parish Church.

The documentary evidence suggests that the church at Dysart had been rebuilt several times.

There is a good body of evidence for the construction and subsequent use of the current parish church. There are records in the National Archives of Scotland which give details of the 19th century build (see apppendix). Additionally two original plans, which had been sent to the Earl of Breadalbane in 1809, are on display within the church and give several insights to the design process. The current church was then refurbished in 1898 and again in 1988.

There is evidence to suggest that the church at Dysart was rebuilt by Black Duncan Campbell, Laird of Glenorchy, in c1615. Most significant is the account with the Book of Dean Lismore which shows that there was church on site by 1390 and that it was used for as a focus for Clan Gregor burials during the 14th and 15th centuries.

While it is clear that there was a church on the site prior to the build of 1811, the earlier churches, and associated phases of activity, on the site are, however, less clearly understood in terms of their exact location and extent of the footprint. While the shape and extent of the earlier church(es) is unclear but as there was a phase of demolition we can anticipate that there may be traces of demolition on the site. Indeed, a report by Dalmally Historical Association on investigations within the church in 1988, details that plaster and rubble was observed beneath the floor scattered upon and mixed through which were disarticulated human remains.

5.2 Bothan na Dige, Stronmilchan

The site of Bothan na Dige is shown at its current location on the 1st Edition OS map. There is apart from the accounts of demolition in the 19th century little further substantial evidence for the manor site at Bothan na Dige. There are, however, several references to Stronmilchan which have the potential to have become confused. The cartographic and documentary evidences shows that Stronmilchan referred to at several sizes of land holding. There is a larger area of ground referred to as Stronmilchan on the 18th and 19th century cartographic sources, which includes the area above the Old Military Road and continues up the hill to include the site called “Tullich” (see also NMRS no: NN12NE 3). The area of the survey, Bothan na Dige, Stronmilchan, is the “4 merkland of Stronmilchan” as referenced in the Breadalbane Papers. In the same document, we find reference in 1519 to the “20 merkland of Stronmilchan”, which includes all 12 of the prominent farms in Glenstrae and lower Glenorchy (Black Book of Taymouth).

6. Results

6.1 Dysart, Dalmally Parish Church GPR Survey

Multiple radar surveys were undertaken within and around Dalmally Church building to investigate for the site of clan burials and remains of the Medieval church. Timeslice surveys were undertaken in the ground floor of the current church porch and the eastern exterior of the porch entrance. Radar profiles were also recorded within the nave and at the exterior of the porch south wall.

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6.1.1 Porch

Two radar timeslices were recorded over the ground floor of the church porch. Parallel profiles were recorded from south to north and west to east respectively for each timeslice. Specification for the survey were a line separation of 0.125 m, a reading taken every 14.75 mm and T-sweep of 60 ns, enabling depth penetration of between 2-3 m

0.2 - 0.6 m depth

1.08m - 1.57 m depth Figure 2: Radar timeslice (south>north) church porch. 60ns Tsweep.

The timeslice recorded south to north indicated a large shallow feature beneath the flagstone floor on the south side of the porch, from 0.2m depth, which likely represents the location of a service pipe serving the adjacent toilet (Figure 2). Below this from 0.3 m-1 m depth homogenous readings across the area may indicate 11

Northlight Heritage | Project: 4287161 | Report: 37 remains of several floor levels, including bedding for the most recent floor, and perhaps also levelled demolition deposits from an earlier building. Below this at depth (approximately 1 m-1.5 m) several discrete oblong anomalies are encountered spread across the depth range. These appear to be roughly orientated and may represent graves cut into cemetery soils and the natural subsoil. There seems to be a concentration of these anomalies across the centre of the porch. It is not possible to ascertain with certainty at present whether these graves are stone-lined or associated with grave-slabs and other furnishings, but the relatively clear definition of the central group may support this. The natural deposits of the hill and island are encountered from approximately 1.6m depth.

Figure 3a: Radar timeslice (west>east) church porch. 0.4m (top), 1.6m (bottom). 60ns Tsweep. North to top.

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Figure 3b: Radar timeslice (west>east) church porch. 2.05m (top), 2.25m (bottom). 60ns Tsweep. North to top.

The west to east recorded radar timeslice indicated a similar sequence in the church porch, although the potential graves were not as well resolved (Figures 3 a & b). This is perhaps not unexpected given the east-west alignment of the anomalies, as radar profiles recorded in parallel to the alignment of archaeological features will normally not resolve as effectively as profiles recorded perpendicular to targets. Greater resolution was apparently achieved at the centre of the porch between approximately 1.9 m-2.1 m showing a possible square anomaly.

This may be the outline of a truncated structural feature about 2m x 2m. Possibilities for interpretation include the foundations of a monumental altar or foundations of a large burial monument.. The poor resolution of the signal from this area should, however advise caution with interpretation. The quality and location of the signal would suggest the archaeological remains are likely to be truncated by overlying phases of activity. If a structure feature, such as an altar base, this is likely to only survive as fragmented and/or disturbed foundation deposits. The radar results do provide circumstantial support for the porch overlying remains of the old church and medieval burials, by the presence of possible grave cuts and apparently fragmented structural deposits, though the precise of character of these remains is at present unclear. The results do not indicate complete structures 13

Northlight Heritage | Project: 4287161 | Report: 37 or monuments encased by soil. The results are nonetheless consistent with the expected sequence of demolition and rebuilding indicated by the post-medieval historical record.

. Figure 4: Radar timeslices at east exterior of church. 0.25m (left), 1.2m (middle), 1.85m (right). 60ns Tsweep. 14

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North is to top and east to top

6.1.2 East exterior A further timeslice was undertaken over a small level area at the exterior of the church’s eastern entrance

A 2 m x 1.5 m rectilinear anomaly was encountered between approximately 0.15 m-0.4 m and east of the north-east corner of the church porch (Figure 4). There is a limited possibility that this could be remains of an eastern part of an earlier church, but due to the relative shallow depth of the readings and the location other possibilities should also be considered, such as remains of a post-medieval burial enclosure. Readings from a possible wall were also located to the south side of the survey area between grave markers. Due to the relative incoherence of the readings from the anomaly, its proximity to post-medieval burial monuments and the minor width, this may simply be part of the post-medieval cemetery. At depth from 1.5 m a distinction was encountered between reading on the north side of the survey and those adjacent the church entrance. This appears to indicate an interface of soils suggesting that approximately 4 m of the north side of the hill summit is composed of made-up ground, perhaps laid down to accommodate the 19th-century octagonal church. The evidence for the expansion of the mound could relate to demolition deposits from the earlier church being spread down slope to the north and may also imply that the footprint of the Medieval church was located somewhat further south than the current church.

6.1.3 Exterior of Porch South Wall Two radar profiles were recorded perpendicular to the south exterior of the church porch to investigate for remains of old church walls.

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Figure 5: Profile Z3 (top) Tsweep 80ns, Profile Z5 (bottom) Tsweep 60ns. North to right.

These profiles proved negative for clear indications of wall remains (Figure 5). A possible structural anomaly was identified in the eastern most profile (Z5) but as this was discontinuous to the west this does not support remains of a linear feature and is more likely associated with the cemetery.

6.1.4 Nave In the nave several individual radar profiles were recorded to prospect for remains of earlier church walls.

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Figure 6: Profile W2 (top) Tsweep 80ns, Profile W4 (middle), Profile W6 (bottom) Tsweep 60ns. North to right. Survey down the centre of the nave proved negative with little indications of walls or features at depth (Figure 6). However, profile W4 recorded north to south across the east side of the nave and by the porch door did encounter a relatively substantial anomaly in the final metre of the profile. Profile W4 indicated a possible archaeological feature up to 1.75 m depth and at least 1 m across, though the full anomaly was not surveyed due to obstruction from modern church furnishings. This may be part of a robbed wall from an earlier church, possibly part of a south wall. Similarly profile W6, which was recorded obliquely across the south-west side of the nave, in a north-east to south-west alignment, also recorded a large anomaly at depth (Figure 6). This was approximately 2 m wide and extended to a depth of 1.6 m. The anomaly potentially indicates the remains of a wall foundation. Disturbance to the north-east of the anomaly is irrelevant interference caused by the radar passing over a modern surface feature. The possible wall may be a section of an earlier church’s south wall and could be contiguous with the anomaly in profile W4. If true this would suggest that the earlier wall is aligned slightly toward the south-east compared to the current church plan (Figure 7). This interpretation assumes that the north wall of the old church lies under the northern half of the nave and beyond the surveyed area, which would also imply that the earlier church was at least greater than 4 m wide.

Figure 7: Schematic plan of church with possible layout of earlier church (not to scale, north top).

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6.2 Bothan na Dige, Stronmilchan Geophysical Surveys

A resistivity and radar profile survey was undertaken by Stronmilchan to investigate the traditional site of Bothan na Dige purportedly the site of a fortified residence of MacGregor of Glenstrae (NMRS site number NN12NE 3).

6.2.1 Resistivity The resistivity survey sampled a 3600 m2 area across the western centre of the field traditionally associated with the site. This was located to investigate a possible ditch, an area of level ridge or platform, and the apparent fragmentary remains of rectangular buildings and a boundary walls to the south. Four 30m x 30m grids were surveyed.

Figure 8: Resistance data (interpolated), uninterpreted.

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Figure 9: Resistance data (interpolated) with interpretation.

Anomaly A seems to indicate remains of a building, approximately 10 m x 15 m in plan (Figure 8 & 9). Turf grown stones and fragmentary earthworks are visible at this location and support this interpretation. To the west anomalies B, C and D may also represent the fragmentary remains of smaller building foundations or platforms. Anomaly E may be the remains of a boundary wall. Anomaly F is poorly resolved, but may be connected with similar anomalies to the west and east, suggesting robbed remains of a boundary wall. Anomaly G is associated with a drain and/or ditch visible at this location. Anomaly H to the south is associated with sloping ground, but could indicate augmentation of a natural slope in association with the adjacent drain/ditch (anomaly G), perhaps a crossing point? Anomaly I was poorly resolved, but the generally rectilinear plan may suggest this relates to a small structure or building. Anomalies J seem to indicate historic cultivation markings on the southern slope of the field.

6.2.2 Radar Several radar profiles were recorded north to south across the field to compare with the resistivity data. In general these indicated that the majority of the ridge or platform in the centre of the field is largely natural, although several possible archaeology features were also indicated.

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Profile S2 (Tsweep 60ns, north to left)

Profile S4 (Tsweep 60ns, north to left)

Profile S6 (Tsweep 60ns, north-east to left)

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Profile S7 (Tsweep 60ns, north-east to left)

Profile S8 (Tsweep 60ns, north to right)

Figure 10: Radar profiles, Stronmilchan (see figure 14 for locations of profiles).

The primary insight gained from the radar survey at Bothan na Dige, Stronmilchan, was apparent confirmation of the substantial form of the northern ditch feature (Figure 10). The ditch appeared to be between 2 m to 2.5 m deep and approximately 4 m wide. To the north several post-medieval lined drains were also located. Profiles S6 and S7 recorded across the north-east corner of the field indicated mostly natural subsoils, but the possible remains of a minor wall section were located 20 m south-west from the north-east corner of the field, which may simply be a field boundary. Profiles S4 and S8 also identified wall sections and possible building platforms at the south side of the central ridge, which may be associated with resistivity anomalies B or D (Figure 9).

6.3 Bothan na Dige, Stronmilchan Walkover and Topographic Survey

Walkover survey identified a number of key features at Bothan na Dige which were also subject to instrument survey. Particularly striking is that there is an elaborated entrance into the field at the end of the drive to the Whitehouse, with stone ‘revetment’ on the north side of a ‘hollow way’ which allows access into the field. The southern wall line of this entrance is defined by a substantial dry stone wall, it is unclear due to vegetation whether its width is in part due to collapse and / or field clearance up against it, or whether it was due to it originally comprising part of a larger structure. The wall extends towards the White House and is at one point marked by a partially blocked faced ‘entrance’, c 0.90 m wide and upto 1.8 m deep.

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Among the other features include a linear, possible boundary feature, running broadly east west at the southern foot of the break of the slope of the mound. At two points alignments of stones appear to be facing and its overall character is suggestive of a substantially robbed out wall line. Relating to this are three sub- rectangular areas of ground which may be the location of robbed out structures. At the eastern end of the putative boundary the wall line appears to form a right angle and runs to the south-east as a low bank Several other structures were witnessed in the area which the wall / bank appears to enclose, including two sub- circular features, potentially kilns, or in the case of the southern-most possibly a well. To west, another linear boundary feature, composed of stone, can be traced from near the entrance to the site down to almost the river side. It may relate to boundaries, shown on the cartographic evidence, around the settlement currently known as the Whitehouse. Immediately to its east are traces of up to three sub-rectangular features which may represent the traces of buildings. Traces of a ditch or possible trackway can also be seen along the eastern side of the boundary wall.

The putative ditch feature to the north of the mound is marked and its alignment can be seen extending under the current road to the Whitehouse. Notably, at one point to the west of the road a short length of denuded stone wall can be traced on a similar alignment.

Also of note is that in the wood to the east of the site are the stone footings of a substantial building and associated yards which correlates well with the cartographic evidence from the 19th century.

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Figure 11: Results of walkover and topographic survey Bothan na Dige, Stronmilchan.

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7. Discussion

7.1 Geophysical Surveys

7.1.1 The surveys produced good quality data which has helped inform useful new interpretations about the archaeology at Dalmally and Stronmilchan, which could form an accurate basis for further informed investigations.

7.1.2 Key findings at the church were the possible survival of several graves under the floor of the east porch associated with a fragmented square structure, potentially an altar or larger burial monument. These remains appear to be buried at depth, but correlate well with accounts of a clan burial ground in the vicinity of the old church’s eastern end, as found in the Book of the Dean of Lismore, which was written co-contemporaneously with some of the later burials. The investigation for remains of earlier church walls indicated negative results to the east and south-east exterior of the present church, but within the nave suggested the potential location of a wall running across the south side of the interior. One possible model based on these results might suggest that the footprint of the Medieval church is contained within the current church, with the old east end and chancel lying under the porch, and the older church slightly offset to the south with a different alignment tilted moderately south-east.

7.1.3 Survey at Stronmilchan supported the presence of fragmented building remains on the south side of the field. These may represent at least three different buildings, apparently of different size and possibly composed of stone and turf. Resistivity anomaly A is the best candidate for a larger residence based on the apparently substantial wall thickness and size in plan. The other geophysical anomalies may relate to ancillary buildings that might be expected at such a site. It is striking that there is an apparent concentration of a group of structures on the ridge which is bounded by a substantial ditch to the north. Excavation would be required to attempt confirmation of the extent, date and significance of the remains.

7.2 Bothan na Dige, Stronmilchan Walkover and Topographic Survey

The walkover and topographic survey identified traces of a range of different structural features. Most notable are the traces of what may be an elaborated entrance to the site, with suggestion of revetment on its northern side.

There are denuded remains of a stone wall which defines the western boundary of the site. It runs broadly north south and arcs south-west at its southern end to almost the riverside. Immediately to the east of this wall are remains of at least three sub-rectangular buildings. In one case a ditch or hollow way can be seen running between the wall and the building.

There are a series of large stones visible at the break of slope to the south of the mound which runs east west through the site. Several of these form and orientation, and appear roughly faced, together which suggest they represent the remains of a substantially robbed out enclosure wall. At several locations to the south of this wall are sub-rectangular hollows which may relate to the location of robbed out buildings. At the eastern most end of this possible wall line there are traces of a possible corner with the wall running at c 90 degrees to the south, and broadly parallel to the western boundary wall. There are several sub-circular features within the area enclosed by the walls / boundaries which may represent kilns and / or quarry scoops.

The remains of the mill depicted on cartographic sources are relatively well preserved in woods to the east of the site.

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Figure 12: Results of walkover and topographic survey overlain on OS map.

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7.3 Overall Integration of Results

The results of investigations at Bothan na Dige, Sronmilchan, has proved that there are archaeological evidence for settlement remains that date to the 19th century and probably earlier. Many of the upstanding remains identified correlate to structure and boundaries which can be seen on 18th / 19th century cartographic evidence. The geophysical remains including the substantial ditch do not however correlate to the 18th / 19th century evidence and, bearing in mind their denuded state, as such are likely to be earlier in date. It is striking that some of the remains including the ditch and elaborated entrance to the field extent further to the west and clearly in part were impacted by and incorporated into elements of the gardens of the White House, but it provides evidence to suggest that this phase(s) of earlier activity was more extensive. In this respect, it is notable that this concentration of remains extended along the prominent ridge overlooking the River Orchy, and when if the tree cover was less would have afforded extensive views to the east and west along the Glen.

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Figure 13: Results of walkover and resistivity survey overlain.

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Figure 14: Results of walkover and GPR survey.

7.4 Conclusions

The project has successfully achieved its objectives, in that geophysical and topographic surveys were completed and produced datasets with anomalies at each site which appear to be archaeological in character. More importantly, it has also broadly realised the overall aims of the project in that at each site these anomalies are interpretable in ways which begin to answer the broader research questions:

Is there any evidence for in-situ stone coffins or other evidence for the older church at Dysart ?

There is strong evidence for a probable wall line running through the interior of the current church, which could relate to an earlier church on the site. There are several anomalies at the east end of this putative earlier church. The majority of these anomalies are smaller and could represent in-situ stone coffins (or there disturbed remains), the larger anomaly could represent the disturbed remains of an earlier altar and / or crypt.

Is there evidence of a fortified manor at Bothan na Dige, Stronmilchan ? The geophysical and topographic evidence has demonstrated that there are probably structural remains at this location, the extent of which to the north is defined and limited by a substantial ditch. There appears to be an elaborated entrance to the area where the structures are found which is focussed on the upper portions of mound / terrace running east to west. The potential structures identified by geophysical survey are on the top of the mound and appear to focus around the largest structure at the western end. This location would provide the most prominent unimpeded views to and from it to the west. There are traces of other structures, largely robbed of stone work, below the mound but they may relate to another boundary / enclosure which runs west to east across the site. The presence of a probable mill site at the eastern end of the terrace, along which the 28

Northlight Heritage | Project: 4287161 | Report: 37 structural remains are concentrated, supports the possibility however that there may be several phases of remains at the site.

It is fair to say, however, that the interpretation of the anomalies at each site in such terms can only be verified through intrusive investigations.

8. Acknowledgements

The project was envisaged by Keith MacGregor and Richard McGregor: the support, knowledge and energy of Keith and Richard has been instrumental to the success of the project. The fieldwork also greatly benefited from the hard work and enthusiasm of Monika MacGregor, Jurgen MacGregor, Hendrik Kappler, Angelika Winter, Ishbel McGregor, Janet Buchanan, Lois Ann Garlitz and Morag Malcolm who all helped undertake the geophysical surveys. Our thanks are also extended to all who were present over the two days and showed such support and interest. This project was made possible by funding from Ms. JoAnn Pippin (USA) in honor of her family and a bequest from the estate of the late James McGregor Honorary Piper to the Clan Gregor Society.

9. List of Sources

Cartographic Sources

See appendix 3 below

Documentary Sources

Breadalbane Papers - Sir John MacGregor-Murray pre 1811 statement in PD60

Brydall, R 1897 'Notice of a group of carved grave-slabs at Dalmally, Argyleshire', Proc Soc Antiq Scot 31,81-5.

Dalmally Historical Association 1988 Notes on finds at Dalmally Church. Unpublished Report.

NSA 1845 Stronmillchan Argyle. New Statistical Account of Scotland. Volume 7. Edinburgh

Origines Parochiales Scotiae 1865 The Antiquities and Ecclesiastical and Territorial of Scotland. Banantyne Club, Edinburgh.

Pennant, T 1769 A Tour In Scotland.

RCAHMS 1975 Argyll; an inventory of the ancient monuments. Vol 2: Lorn. Edinburgh.

SRO Documents referred to in NMRS record:

NMRS REFERENCE Glenorchy Church. ARCHITECT: James Elliot 1811.

EXTERNAL REFERENCE. SCOTTISH RECORD OFFICE: 29

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GD 112/16 (Breadalbane) 4/5/15-33 John Campbell, Inveraray, to Lord Breadalbane, with enclosures June-November 1806 - need to build new church in Glenorchy and plans to be submitted for it by Mr Stevenson of Oban.

EXTERNAL REFERENCE. SCOTTISH RECORD OFFICE. Glenorchy Church. Repair of the Church. Payments made to Mason, Wright and Slater. The work included making 3 new windows. Book of Accounts kept by Archibald Campbell, Chamberlain.

1791. GD112/9/51.

Building of the new Church. Letter to Lord Breadalbane from James Elliot, Architect. The contract is to be completed with (Allan) John Stone, (Mason Contractor), but as the season is well advanced the work is unlikely to be completed before January 1810. (Built 1810. Opened 1811).

1809 GD112/20/1 (Cross ref. GD112/51/8)

Building of Glenorchy Church. Note of estimate made under other matters concerning Johnstone and Millar, (Wrights). It amounts to #1526:2.3 1/2. GD112/20/2.

Building of the Church. Memorandum states that it was built according to the plans of James Elliot, Architect, but he was not responsible for the supervision of the work but only for its final inspection.

1810 GD112/20/4.

Proposed Church to be built at Glenorchy. Letters, specifications, estimates and contract. The estimate accepted from Allan Johnstone, mason-contractor amounts to #1552.3.7. Architect: James Elliot.

1807-1809 GD112/51/8.

Building of Glenorchy Church. Memo for the Earl of Breadalbane. Allan Johnstone's drafts to be honoured and the balance of #252 paid.

1811 GD112/20/2.

10. Appendices

APPENDIX 1: Tables / Concordances

Table 1: Drawings Dr. No. Area Description Scale 1 Stronmilchan Sketch plan of Stronmillchan Sketch 30

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Table 2: Fieldwork Photographs Photo Taken Format Site Description No. From 1 Dysart Working Shot – setting up N JPEG 2 Dysart Working Shot – setting up N JPEG 3 Dysart Working Shot – setting up N JPEG 4 Dysart Working Shot – setting up NW JPEG 5 Dysart View of Extension and Grid Lines W JPEG 6 Dysart Working Shot – we have a signal N JPEG 7 Dysart Working Shot NW JPEG 8 Dysart Working Shot W JPEG 9 Dysart Working Shot W JPEG 10 Dysart Clan Cheif SE JPEG 11 Dysart Framed Plan of Church N/A JPEG 12 Dysart Framed Plan of Church N/A JPEG 13 Dysart Framed Plan of Church N/A JPEG 14 Dysart Reused stone in floor N/A JPEG 15 Stronmilchan Working Shot – setting up E JPEG 16 Stronmilchan General shot W JPEG 17 Stronmilchan Entrance to site W JPEG 18 Stronmilchan Boundary Wall E JPEG 19 Stronmilchan Boundary Dyke N JPEG 20 Stronmilchan Rectangular Terraces – possible structural footing NW JPEG 21 Stronmilchan Possible enclosure dyke NW JPEG 22 Stronmilchan Sub-circular hollow - possible kiln E JPEG 23 Stronmilchan General shot of mound NE JPEG 24 Stronmilchan General shot of mound N JPEG 25 Stronmilchan General shot of mound N JPEG 26 Stronmilchan General shot of ditch E JPEG 27 Stronmilchan Working shot survey of ditch E JPEG 28 Stronmilchan Blocked entrance through wall SE JPEG 29 Stronmilchan Blocked entrance through wall NW JPEG 30 White House General Shot N JPEG 31 Stronmilchan Working shot survey W JPEG 32 Stronmilchan Working shot survey NW JPEG 33 Stronmilchan Remains of enclosure dyke, southern end NW JPEG 34 Stronmilchan Structure – remains in wood to west W JPEG 35 Stronmilchan Structure – remains in wood to west W JPEG 36 Stronmilchan Structure – remains in wood to west SE JPEG 37 Stronmilchan Structure – remains in wood to west – gable wall inner face SE JPEG 38 Stronmilchan Structure – remains in wood to west W JPEG 39 Stronmilchan Boundary ditch – remains in wood to west S JPEG 40 Stronmilchan Mound / Structure – remains in wood to west SW JPEG 41 Stronmilchan Mound / Structure – remains in wood to west SW JPEG 42 Stronmilchan General shot – robbed out wall line / structures W JPEG 43 Dysart General shot S JPEG 44 Dysart General shot – survey exterior NE JPEG 45 Dysart General shot – survey W JPEG 31

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46 Dysart General shot – survey interior SE JPEG 47 Dysart General shot – survey interior S JPEG 48 Dysart General shot – survey interior SE JPEG 49 Dysart General shot – survey interior SE JPEG

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APPENDIX 2: DES

LOCAL AUTHORITY: Argyll and Bute PROJECT TITLE/SITE NAME: Clan Gregor Glen Orchy Survey Project 2012 PROJECT CODE: 4276161 PARISH: Dalmally NAME OF CONTRIBUTOR: Charlotte Francoz, Olly O’Grady & Gavin MacGregor NAME OF ORGANISATION: Northlight Heritage TYPE(S) OF PROJECT: Geophysical and Topographic Surveys NMRS NO(S): NMRS no: NN12NE 8 and NN12NE 3 SITE/MONUMENT TYPE(S): Church and Burial Ground; Fortified Manor House (Possible) SIGNIFICANT FINDS: NGR (2 letters, 8 or 10 figures) NGR: NN 16764 27516 and NN 1537 2785 START DATE (this season) 23/07/12 END DATE (this season) 24/07/12 PREVIOUS WORK (incl. DES ref.) None known MAIN (NARRATIVE) Two sites with close archaeological and historical association with Clan Gregor DESCRIPTION: were subject to geophysical investigation with OJT Heritage. At one site, (May include information from Dalmally Parish Church, ground penetrating survey was undertaken to establish other fields) whether evidence of previously disturbed burials and / or earlier churches could be located. At the second site, Bothan na Dige, a combination of ground penetrating radar and resistivity surveys were undertaken to establish whether traces of an alleged Medieval moated enclosure associated with Clan Gregor were present. Additionally topographic survey was undertaken at Bothan na Dige to place the results of geophysical survey in a broader context. The results at Dalmally Parish Church suggest that there may be traces of an earlier church preserved within the footprint of the current church and that anomalies are present at the east end which may relate to earlier burials. The results at Bothan na Dige has shown there are extant traces of structures on and adjacent to the site. Some of these can be clearly related to buildings on 19th century and early 20th century maps but other features cannot and may be earlier in date. Additionally the results of geophysical survey suggest that a large ditch is present to the north of the site and that there may be other structural remains present along the main ridge which runs east west through the site. PROPOSED FUTURE WORK:

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CAPTION(S) FOR ILLUSTRS: N/A SPONSOR OR FUNDING BODY: Clan Gregor Society ADDRESS OF MAIN Northlight Heritage Studio 406 CONTRIBUTOR: South Block 64 Osborne Street Glasgow G1 5QH EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] ARCHIVE LOCATION National Monuments Record for Scotland (intended) (intended/deposited)

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APPENDIX 3: CARTOGRAPHIC EXTRACTS

Pont 1580 Sheet 14: Mid-Argyll, from Dunoon to Inverary and Loch Awe

Name: Gordon, Robert, 1580-1661 Title: Straloch's mapp of Scotland, and, The West coast from Glen Elg to Knap-dail

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Roy Military Map 1747-55 Sheet 14/4e: Area around the Strath of Orchy, in Argyllshire

Name: Blaeu, Joan, 1596-1673 Title: Scotiae provinciae mediterraneae inter Taum flumen et Vararis aestuarium : Sunt autem Braid-Allaban, Atholia, Marria Superior, Badenocha, Strath-Spea, Lochabria, cum Chersoneso qui ei ad occasum praetenditur; cum singulis earundem partibus / opera Ro. G 36

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Name: Cowley, J. (John) Title: A map of such part of his Grace the Duke of Argyle's heritable dukedom, and justiciary territories, islands, superiorities & jurisdictions as lye contiguous upon the western Coast of North Britain, within the now united shyres of Inverary and Tarbat.

Name: Moll, Herman, d. 1732 Title: Argyle : Lorn, Knapdale, and Cowal.

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Name: Taylor, George, fl. 1760-1788 Skinner, Andrew, fl. 1760-1788 Title: The road from Edinburgh to Inveraray..., continued; The road from Dalmaly to Bunan...; The Road from Inveraray to Tarbet and Campbelton.

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Name: Thomson, John, 1777- ca. 1840 Johnson, William, fl. 1806-1840 Title: Northern Part of Argyll Shire. Southern Part.

Ordnance Survey 1870 Title: Argyllshire, Sheet CI. Survey date: 1870. Publication date: 1874. Six-inch 1st edition.

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25-inch 1stEdition, Title: Argyll and Bute Sheet CI.12 (Combined), Survey date: 1870, Publication date: 1874

25-inch 1stEdition, Title: Argyll and Bute Sheet CI.8 (Glenorchy), Survey date: 1870, Publication date: 1874

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Ordnance Survey 1900 Second Edition