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Archaeologists Uncover Iron Age Evidence At KnockromieArchaeologists working on behalf of Springfield Properties on the outskirts of Forres have found evidence of a substantial Iron Age settlement close to the site of a roundabout the firm is building as part of its new Knockromie Meadows development. Edinburgh based AOC Archaeology are examining and recording the site before further work continues. Project manager Martin Cook says he and his team have been sifting through trenches dug in fields close to Knockromie Meadows. "We've known for a long time that it's a very prolific area for archaeological finds," he said " but what we're getting evidence of now is really very exciting. We know of another large food pit nearby, but when we examined the trenches near the roundabout we found evidence of another, larger one." The finds point to late Iron Age occupation around 600 AD with a large souterrain or food storage pit surrounded by post holes indicating round houses that would have used to fence off specific areas. The entire area around the Knockromie Meadows site and beyond suggests it was occupied throughout history with evidence of Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman settlements. Previous excavations in 2007 and 2008 by AOC in a field adjacent to the current site uncovered remains indicative of people living in the area over 2,000 years ago. These included a souterrain - an underground storage passage - and several structures thought to be granaries. The floors of these latter features were raised up on posts to stop vermin and moisture getting to the grain. A cluster of postholes was also found, thought to be evidence of a multi-phase structure, possibly a roundhouse. Springfield is delighted to have the archaeologists recovering and recording the area's early settlement history, before covering up the site. The excavations prior to construction is a standard procedure triggered by an archaeological survey which was carried out as part of the site's planning permission. It ensures that Scotland has a clearer picture of the previous land use by humans. The costs involved in the archaeological dig are being met by Springfield. Knock News Issue 41 July 2010. |
Posted by drewbhoy17th August 2010ce Edited 17th August 2010ce
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