EAB20841 - Watching Brief at Balnagask Motte, 2024

Four test pits were excavated by hand into the sloped sides of Balnagask Motte. No archaeological features were identified within any of the test pits. Pieces of 19th to 21st Century glass, pottery, and plastic were found within the topsoil. The base of a modern metal post was located in situ in the topsoil of uppermost test pit. The stratigraphy of the motte appeared consistent across all test pits with topsoil overlying compact natural sand and gravel containing frequent rounded stones. It is suggested that the motte may have been constructed on a natural glacial mound. However, the test pits were too small to obtain a true indication of the profile of the underlying natural deposits relative to the surface slope of the motte. Attempts were made to sink boreholes into the base of each of the test pits, but none were successfully completed.