Sheriffside 2012
A cropmark enclosure at Sheriffside, Gifford in East Lothian (NMRS NT56NE 43), was first identified in 1981 as a double ditched enclosure representing a ploughed out and flattened hillfort whose ditches survive below the ground and affect the growth of crops. No further investigations of the site had been made.
It was unclear how Sheriffside related to the various other enclosures across the northern edge of the Lammermuir hills (e.g. White Castle etc.). Given this, the site was targeted for research by Rampart Scotland.
In May 2011, Rampart Scotland undertook a programme of geophysical survey and evaluation to characterise and date the enclosure. In the event, excavation revealed that the part of the site under investigation did not comprise an enclosure but rather a platform settlement dating to the closing centuries BC and early 1st century AD (Connolly et al 2011). From the limited excavations in 2011 (see report below), it is still not clear if there is in fact an enclosure on the site, and if there is, it may have been superseded by the platform settlement. However, the only way to determine this is to continue the investigations.
The plan for the 2012 season is to open a trench on the west side of the site.
- Project Dates: 6-9 April 2012
- Location: Gifford, East Lothian, Scotland (approx. 25 miles east of Edinburgh)
- Cost: £10 per day or £30 for 4 days. Preference will be given to those coming for all four days. (The participation payment will go towards the cost of c14 dating)
- Project type: Open to students and volunteers from 16 years of age upwards (under 16s can come but must be accompanied by an adult) – Places are limited so early booking is recommended
- Accommodation: None provided. However, the landowner has given permission for camping in a field near the site. There will be a portaloo
- Experience required: None, as guidance will be given
- What to wear: It is recommended that you come prepared with warm, light-weight clothing, a waterproof coat and stout boots, sun block and a hat
- What to bring: Please bring your own archaeology trowel (you can buy one at Past Horizons) and a packed lunch. You will need to make your own way to site. Parking is available but limited at Sheriffside farm, so please car share if possible
Sign up:
For more information, or to book your place contact the Project co-director, David Connolly at: info@bajr.org
Our 2011 site report is available below (Season 1 – Project 3)
read, print or download…
click far right button for full-screen view.