Unearthing the early Neolithic in the shadow of Wideford Hill

An excavation of a Neolithic settlement site in St Ola is approaching the end of its first week.

The site, at Smerquoy, was reported to archaeologist Christopher Gee several years ago by the landowner, Billy Sinclair. A visit to the area resulted in the discovery of several hammer stones, a saddle quern rubber, pottery and flint.

A systematic fieldwalk brought to light flint scrapers, a flint knife, a possible mace, an Iron Age glass bead and a small Neolithic axe lying among the stubble. A magnetometer survey then showed up positive anomalies consistent with areas of occupation in the areas of the finds.

So far, the team of diggers has revealed the remains of a well-preserved Early Neolithic house.

Click here for excavation details.