Monument record MHG53627 - Mesolithic occupation site, Barr River North, Morvern

During mounding for broadleaf planting, a sizeable assemblage of chipped stone artefacts were recovered. Initial exploration by Forestry Comission staff, and subsequent recovery from a wider area by Pete Madden, recovered 150 pieces of flint. These flints were found in conjunction with charcoal rich deposits.
The assemblage was subject to initial evaluation by Dr Nyree Finlay, University of Glasgow. The quality and condition of the material, including a microlith, associated manufacturing debris, such as quartz shatter, and several other retouched pieces indicates the probable presence of an in situ Mesolithic site at this location. Bronze Age activity is also evident as indicated by the recovery of an isolated barbed and tanged arrowhead from the vicinity. At least six raw materials were noted in the assemblage: flint, mudstone, chalcedony and two other, as yet unidentifie, materials. The general impression is that the flint-working is very competent in character and well excuted.
During to the regional, and national, importance of the assemblage, further evaluation work is proposed on this site. A key aim of this work is the recovery of datable material, possibly from the charcoal rich deposits already identified. <1><2>

<1> Finlay, N, Dr., 07/2010, Barr River, Morven: Lithic Assemblage Evaluation (Text/Report). SHG24849.

<2> Ritchie, M, 07/2010, Invitation to Tender: Archaeological Evaluation of Barr River North Mesolithic site, Morvern (Text/Report). SHG24850.