ARCHAEOLOGISTS are set to investigate Scotland’s earliest tombs in a bid to answer “some of the biggest questions in Scottish archaeological research”.
The major project will focus on some of the earliest stone-built megalithic monuments in Britain, with the aim of understanding when they were built and who built them.
While the exact locations to be studied have not been confirmed, archaeologists are expected to work at multiple locations in Scotland over the next two years, including ones in Argyll and Bute, the Outer Hebrides, and the Highlands.
Researchers plan to excavate tombs to find material that can be carbon-dated, such as the remains of ancient bones or charcoal (for example, burnt plants or nuts).
Experts currently believe the chambered cairns around Scotland to be between 6300 and 5800 years old.
Dr Helen Spencer, the head of research at the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, said: “This was a hugely important time in Scottish prehistory, which is why it's so crucial that we address the gaps in our knowledge.
“There’s been a lot of debate about the transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to farming, including how much was due to migration during the Neolithic period and if any of the changes were driven by local populations who took on and adapted to this new way of life.
“If we can date and sequence the building of these tombs, we can more precisely date when these first farmers (probably from northern France) arrived and therefore the start of farming in Scotland and how fast it spread from the continent. These results would help answer what are arguably some of the biggest questions in Scottish archaeological research.”
Upon her death in 2021, Henshall left the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland a bequest of £100,000 to fund projects that would develop and undertake impactful research on pre-Roman archaeology.
Dr Simon Gilmour, the director of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, said: “By leaving a gift in her will, Audrey Henshall made a lasting contribution to the future study of Scotland’s past, and the society is thrilled to award this first grant to Scotland’s Earliest Megalithic Monuments.
“As their application stated, Archaeology Scotland’s project will honour, ‘through research and public engagement on Early Neolithic megalithic monuments, the legacy of Audrey Henshall and [celebrate] her major contribution to Neolithic archaeology’.”
Archaeology Scotland director Dr Gavin MacGregor said: “Archaeology Scotland is exceptionally grateful to the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland for supporting the Scotland’s Earliest Megalithic Monuments Project through the Audrey Henshall Legacy Fund.
“This grant will allow us to support more communities to learn about and care for Scotland’s monuments, building on our existing Adopt-A-Monument scheme.
“The results of our investigations will enable us to more widely tell stories of those who built them and together celebrate the pioneering work which Audrey championed to advance their study.”
