Monument record MHG14544 - Dunnet Midden

Paul Humphreys is monitoring the condition of this site and says that finds/deposits are revealed in about 7 separate areas of rabbit disturbance. - HAW 2/2003

ND27SW 35 219 706.
Midden containing sea shells, fragments of animal and fish bones recently exposed due to erosion of dune area along roadside by grazing sheep. Also evidence of stone walling.
L J Myatt 1992.

ND 219 706 Limited investigation of a midden deposit was carried out over 7 days September 1995, as part of Highland Archaeology Week. The feature, which consisted of a deposit of marine shell and animal bone and elements of masonry, had been previously identified eroding from side of sand dune (Myatt 1992). Excavation revealed that deposit had accumulated against a revetment wall, probably built in order to stabilise an active sand dune. A number of soil horizons were identified at a lower level and these may indicate agricultural practice in an area periodically buried by active dune movement. Further portion of wall, possibly from a building, was identified several metres to N of eroding section. A well-preserved antler comb was recovered from midden-rich matrix of this wall and indicates late Norse activity.
Southernmost trench included further walling which appears to represent another building, with a complex accumulation of deposits on both sides. A fine bone pin with decorated head was recovered from W side of wall and may indicate use of site at an earlier date than that evidenced by comb. A fragment of shale armlet was also recovered in close proximity to this wall and pin.
Sponsors: Highland Regional Council, Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise, Caithness Field Club.
T Pollard 1995.

See Assoc. Docs for excavation report.