PICTURES: Veteran archaeologist wowed by bone spoon found at 'archaeologically outstanding' Strath Brora dig
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A BEAUTIFULLY crafted, carved bone spoon was the top find at Clyne Heritage Society’s Strath Brora excavation last month, according to the group’s chairman.
Dr Nick Lindsay said: “First-time volunteer digger Linda Graham, of Brora, unearthed what she thought was a plastic spoon. She was about to discard it when her neighbouring digger informed her it was a genuine artefact.
“The dig’s professional archaeologist and site director Alan Hunter Blair, of GUARD Archaeology Ltd, stated that he had never seen such a fine specimen in 30 years of working in archaeology. It was, indeed, an incredible find, so well preserved and it remained the top find of the dig overall.”
The society selected the site at Greeanan for the week-long dig as it was thought to include the summer dwelling of the Rev Walter Ross, Clyne parish minister from 1777 to his death in 1825.
A total of 42 volunteer diggers spent 142 person-days on site under the expert guidance of GUARD. Among the volunteers were 10 archaeology students from three Scottish universities. Brora Primary School’s senior classes were also involved.
“There were several other noteworthy finds, distinguishing the site as being of high status, compared to the ‘lowly’ pre-Clearance dwellings of the surrounding townships and possession of their inhabitants,” said Dr Lindsay.
These included a blue glass shanked button, found by former Brora pharmacist and society treasurer Catriona Sinclair; a four-faceted piece of jasper jewellery found by society member Janet French, from Swindown, and a mother-of-pearl shell button found by Brora resident Ellen Lindsay.
Dr Lindsay continued: “Also found, but not together nor in the same location, were a small, home-carved slate ‘scribe’ used to write on a slate board and a fragment of such a slate board, with construction lines for writing.
“These were found by two of the visiting students, Kaami Islam, from Stirling University, who also found a pewter spoon.Nan Xia, one of three Chinese students on a Masters degree at Glasgow University.”
Local metal-detectorist Donald Maclennan, who was invited to sweep the site, unearthed what is believed to be a George III halfpenny, dating to 1738-1820, which fits perfectly for the predicted age of the site.
On the first day of the excavation, a 9” square, red clay floor tile was uncovered by first-time dig volunteer and society member Pete Hylton, Thurso, at the site of the presumed doorway to the building. Others were soon unearthed.
All the nine trenches dug were backfilled on the final day, but not before a time capsule was buried for any future generations of archaeologist who may decided to continue the excavation.
“Overall the site was archaeologically outstanding, new skills were learned, the weather was fair, the camaraderie first-class and the location just stunning,” said Dr Lindsay.
A final report will posted online for all to access at Archaeology Reports Online (https://www.archaeologyreportsonline.com/).
The finds will be analysed by specialists, then sent to Treasure Trove Scotland to be assessed as to their value and advise where they should be displayed.
The excavation was funded by Highland Council’s ward discretionary budget, SSE’s Gordonbush Community Windfarm Benefit Trust, the landowners, Gordonbush Estate, and also some local fundraising.
