A groundbreaking project is set to delve into the secrets of ancient stone monuments in Argyll and Bute, believed to date back over 6,000 years to Scotland’s first farmers.
These Early Neolithic megalithic chambered and passage tombs, thought to be linked to burial rituals, offer a glimpse into the transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to farming in prehistoric Scotland.
The research, supported by a £100,000 fund established in memory of pioneering archaeologist Audrey Henshall, will focus on uncovering material suitable for radiocarbon dating, such as bones or charcoal. Small-scale excavations will take place at select sites across Argyll and Bute, as well as the Western Isles and Highlands, to bridge gaps in the understanding of Scotland’s Neolithic period.
Dr Helen Spencer, head of research at the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, emphasised the importance of this initiative: “This was a hugely significant period in Scottish prehistory, and these monuments could hold vital clues about the arrival of farming in Scotland and its links to migration from continental Europe.”
The monuments share similarities with sites in Ireland, Wales, and north-west France, hinting at broader cultural connections. Dr Spencer explained: “Accurately dating these structures could pinpoint when the first farmers arrived and help resolve long-standing debates about whether these changes were brought by migrants or adapted by local populations.”
Local communities in Argyll and Bute will have the chance to participate, fostering a deeper connection to the area’s ancient history. The project also honours Audrey Henshall’s legacy, recognising her significant contributions to the study of Scottish chambered cairns.
Argyll and Bute’s role in this archaeological endeavour underscores its importance in Scotland’s Neolithic narrative, with this research set to enhance understanding of the region’s ancient heritage while engaging residents in uncovering their past.
