Find Spot record MHG20133 - Pollen Analysis, Lochan nam Peathraichean

As part of an on-going multi-disciplinary research and archaeological excavation programme, sampling sites were sought which would supply evidence for research into vegetational and environmental history of area. In seeking to link archaeological evidence for long histories of land-use to vegetational history, three site types were investigated: 1 a regional scale site; 2 an intermediate or meso-scale site; 3 a local scale site. (For local scale site see NC50SE 97) The regional scale site, a large loch, was selected, but during this field season it could not be sampled because of its status as a protected nesting site. The meso-scale site, Lochan nam Peathraichean, was chosen because it offers a small water surface catchment with little inwash or outwash. The main aim of the project is to establish the scale of human impact on the natural environment throughout the Holocene. The local wealth of archaeological information will enable more positive links to be made between the impact of people and the vegetation history of the landscape.
Sponsors: Historic Scotland, SERC, AOC (Scotland) Ltd.
M Smith 1992