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A geophysical survey on Machrie Moor, on the western side of the Isle of Arran (a small island off the west coast of Scotland), has revealed the outline of what may be a previously unknown, near-circular prehistoric monument, adding to the rich landscape of archaeological remains already documented in the area, including stone circles, standing stones, burial cairns, and cists.
The project, led by Dr Nick Hannon, the Senior Heritage Recording Manager at Historic Environment Scotland, was conducted between August and September 2022 with the aim of learning more about the effectiveness of geophysical survey techniques in peat environments, as well as providing a better understanding of the various monuments found across this landscape. Six circular monuments were already known to exist within the research area, but the team were surprised to reveal the outline of a seventh, oval-shaped anomaly during their survey. It appears to consist of 12 pits, with spacing for two more settings, and measures 28m by 25m (92ft by 82ft).
Several of the other stone circles on Machrie Moor have previously undergone excavation, establishing that they were built during the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age, in 3500-1500 BC. At least two of these monuments are known to have begun as rings of timber posts that were later replaced with stones, and all were found to contain burials (including both cremations and inhumations). The exact details of the team’s new discovery cannot be fully ascertained without excavation, but it is believed to be broadly contemporary with these other monuments. As its pits appear to be empty, it is currently unknown whether they once held uprights, whether stones or timber posts, which were subsequently removed. A large rectangular anomaly found within the circle, measuring 9m by 4m (30ft by 13ft), could hint at the presence of burials, but this too would require excavation to be confirmed.
Nick said: ‘We are tremendously excited about this new discovery. We know that there is a lot of archaeology yet to uncover at Machrie Moor, but the discovery of a new circle completely surpassed our expectations. The tools we use to learn about what’s underground are constantly developing, and we can learn more and more about our buried history without disturbing the earth and potentially damaging archaeological remains. Discoveries like this one remind us why we do this work – to look after Scotland’s heritage and uncover more of our past in the process.’
Text: Kathryn Krakowka / Image: Historic Environment Scotland
