Document record MAB51813 - ALASTREAN
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Summary
The remains of a substantial building, with associated paved and cobbled floors, were uncovered during an evaluation at Alastrean Quarry prior to proposed expansion.
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred NJ 4940 0445 (120m by 111m) Centred at - Polygon: Unknown Extent |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | NJ40SE |
| Authority | Aberdeenshire |
| Civil Parish | Tarland |
Type and Period (3)
Full Description
The remains of a substantial building, with associated paved and cobbled floors, were uncovered during an evaluation at Alastrean Quarry prior to proposed expansion. Archaeological features were found in three trenches, along with fragments of clay pipe bowls, iron nails and slag. Areas of burning were evident directly above the structural features which may indicate that the buildings were deliberately destroyed. The structures may represent the remains of a manor, as there are references to a manor having stood 'near Kincraigie' which lies just to the south.(See NJ40SE0051). A watching brief carried out in November 2012 during topsoil stripping for an extension of the quarry to the west recorded two pits, the larger of which was very similar to the hearth feature excavated in 2000 and contained large pieces of iron working waste and slag. It appears probable that the building is related to the iron working on the site. Subsequent radiocarbon dating of one of the pits dates it to the Early Medieval period and suggests that if the building is contempory, then this is a very rare survival from this period.
Period Notes
Charcoal from Pit 2 (alnus glutinosa) was radiocarbon dated to 1159+/-29 (which equates to 778 AD - 969 AD at 2 sigma). The calibrated date was calculated using OxCal 4.2. The sample reference number is SUERC-44613 (GU29578).
PRINTS 1-4, PRINTS 1-4 (Ground Photograph). SAB17530.
PRINTS1-4, PRINTS1-4 (Ground Photograph). SAB17531.
Murray, JC, 2000, Alastrean Quarry, Tarland - An Assessment, report (Bibliographic reference). SAB2870.
MURRAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SERVICES, 2012, ALASTREAN QUARRY, TARLAND, ABERDEENSHIRE:ARCAHEOLOGICAL WATCHING BRIEF, MAS 2012-29 (Bibliographic reference). SAB5030.
ARCHAEOLOGY SCOTLAND, 2014, DISCOVERY AND EXCAVATION IN SCOTLAND, NEW SERIES, VOLUME 14, 2013, p.31-32 (Bibliographic reference). SAB5483.
Other Statuses/References
- Authority: ASH;
- NMR Card Number: NJ40SE98;
- NRHE Numlink: 181042;
- Old Historic Environment Record Ref: NJ40SE0077;
External Links (1)
- https://www.trove.scot/place/181042 (trove.scot link)
Sources/Archives (5)
- --- SAB17530 Ground Photograph: PRINTS 1-4. Black & White. PRINTS 1-4.
- --- SAB17531 Ground Photograph: PRINTS1-4. Colour Negative. PRINTS1-4.
- --- SAB2870 Bibliographic reference: Murray, JC. 2000. Alastrean Quarry, Tarland - An Assessment. Y. Y. report.
- --- SAB5030 Bibliographic reference: MURRAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SERVICES. 2012. ALASTREAN QUARRY, TARLAND, ABERDEENSHIRE:ARCAHEOLOGICAL WATCHING BRIEF. MAS 2012-29.
- --- SAB5483 Bibliographic reference: ARCHAEOLOGY SCOTLAND. 2014. DISCOVERY AND EXCAVATION IN SCOTLAND, NEW SERIES, VOLUME 14, 2013. p.31-32.
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (3)
Record last edited
Jun 6 2014 3:29PM
