Blackpotts, ST Abbs, Scottish Borders

Blackpotts, St Abbs, Scottish Borders
Evaluation, Survey and Gorse Clearance

June 2009
Carried out on behalf of The National Trust for Scotland
Buildings Archaeologist and Heritage Consultant
TRAPRAIN HOUSE
LUGGATE BURN
WHITTINGEHAME
EAST LOTHIAN
EH41 4QA
T : 01620 861643 E : INFO@BAJR.ORG

Table of Contents
2
1.0 SUMMARY 2
2.0 INTRODUCTION 3
3.0 OBJECTIVES 6
4.0 METHODOLOGY 7
5.0 RESULTS 9
5.1 Fieldwork 9
5.2 The Trenches 11
5.2.1 Trench 1 11
5.2.2 Trench 2 11
5.2.3 Trench 3 12
5.2.4 Trench 4 12
5.2.5 Trench 5 13
5.2.6 Trench 6 13
5.2.7 Trench 7 13
5.2.8 Trench 8 13
5.3 Survey 14
5.4 Artefacts 15
6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 16
ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure 1: Location plan.
Figure 2: Site Plan
Figure 3: Trench plans and sections
Appendix 1: Context List

Appendix 2: Photo List
Appendix 3: Artefact List
Appendix 4: Stratigraphic matrix
References
DES Entry
Photo Thumbnails
Blackpotts, St Abbs, Scottish Borders 2009
North Sea
Inverness
Aberdeen
Glasgow Edinburgh
100 km
0 10km
Blackpotts Settlement
This map is based on an Ordnance Survey digital map reproduced with the permission of HM Stationery Office © Crown Copyright NTS licence No. 100023880.
0 1km
Figure 1: Location Plan

Blackpotts, St Abbs, Scottish Borders - 2009
1.0 SUMMARY
1.1 An archaeological survey and evaluation in part to remove intrusive

gorse was undertaken at Blackpotts Settlement, St Abb’s Head, Scottish
Borders, upon land owned by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). This
programme of works formed part of the Trust’s Thistle Camp initiative
based on the use of volunteers.
1.2 Blackpotts is believed to be an Iron Age settlement and has recently

been de-scheduled by Historic Scotland. The investigation took the
form of one main trench, three test trenches, four test pits and an EDM
topographic survey. In addition, removal of all detrimental gorse
vegetation was achieved.
1.3 8 Trenches and trial pits were opened to investigate the potential of the
surviving archaeology and characterise it’s depth, condition and date. It
became clear that dating material was almost entirely absent from the
record and the features recorded (including the bank, well ditch and
posthole) were not indicative of any particular period. Due to the gorse
cover and the burning associated with control in the past, the thin
topsoil was scorched and may affect any charcoal recovered from
anything other than a deep secure context. The depth of topsoil in the
hill was thin, and came down directly onto bedrock in most cases, while
the slope wash covering the glacial till surrounding the hill made
distinguishing even the substantive feature of the ditch a difficult
activity.
However, there is clear evidence for surviving archaeology on the site as

a whole, including features such as a rock cut well which may provide
evidence from waterlogged deposits. The single posthole also shows
the potential for further structural features and with further analysis of
this area and the wear pattern on the bedrock as well as investigation of
the possible structural platforms on the lower levels it may be possible
to provide a better understanding of the period(s) that the site can be
assigned to. Evidence from two Roman coins that were uncovered by
the owner of a nearby house (only 200m from the site) may suggest a
4th-century date, as both coins were identified by Nick Holmes at the
National Museum of Scotland as bronze nummus.
Topographic survey of the area also allowed the enhancement of a

Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of
Scotland (RCAHMS) plan. This significantly increased the understanding
of the layout and potential for further hut/structure platforms as well as
provide further detail on the lower platforms and quarries that had
been obscured by gorse.
1.4 Further work might entail investigation of the surrounding ditch at the
base of the slope to the north of the site, open area excavation on the
summit of the hill, to expand Trench 1 and provide more evidence of the
putative structure.
Page 2
2.0 INTRODUCTION
2.1 Site location
The site is located on the east Berwickshire coast approximately 6.5km

north of the Scottish Border. The NTS St Abb’s property consists of three
separate sections of land (Fig. 1) The site of Blackpotts is described in
the NMRS (NT96NW.51] as; “What may be a settlement, disturbed by
extensive surface quarrying, occupies a rocky knoll 250m NNW of Blackpotts
farmhouse. Oval on plan, it measures about 41m by 35m within a stony
bank, which has been reduced to a scarp for much of its circuit.” this
monument is centred on NT 90419 67674 near the Blackpotts cottages.
2.2 Site History and Background (collated by Dr Daniel Rhodes)
Prehistoric
St Abb’s has a long cultural history known to go back at least 3000 years.
The earliest remains known are two Late Bronze Age (2000-500 BC) gold
armlets discovered in 1931 on the shoreline below Kirk Hill (NT96NW.9).
This presumably relates to around the same period as when the cairn of
Bell Hill (NT96NW.10) was in use, half a mile down the coast. Further
prehistoric activity is visible in the landscape, typified by small hilltop
settlements and promontory forts: there are several of these in the
vicinity of St Abb’s Head.
Although these remains are limited to the non-cultivated areas, they

show that over time St Abb’s had a relatively continuous pattern of
settlement. At Blackpotts, one of the numerous settlements in the area,
there is a possible low rampart or bank and although no ditch is visible
on the surface, the possibility exists that the rocky knoll on which the
site is located was surrounded by such a construction. The oval plan, (41
by 35m) has the faint remains of three possible building platforms,
partly disturbed by later quarrying. The site may well date to the Iron
Age (500 BC – AD 500), although since no previous intrusive
investigation has been carried out, this remained uncertain. Also dating
to the Iron Age is a small promontory fort to the north-west, with
double ditch, at Brander Heugh (NT87SE.2).
Early Medieval (AD 500 – c.1000)
Kirk Hill (NT96NW.5) is the largest and most complex site at St Abb’s,
consisting of a hilltop 3ha in area. It has within it the remains of a 7th-
century Anglian monastery, known as Colodaesburg, and the medieval
church of St Aebbe. The church lies within its own enclosure, which in
turn lies within a larger enclosure that includes the entire top of the hill.
Page 3
According to excavations carried out in the 1980s by the Alcocks (1986)1,

there is evidence of Roman period cultivation, although this is limited to
a few finds of Roman pottery. This evidence lay below a double palisade
rampart, filled with wicker, which has been dated to AD 630-770. This
takes occupation of the Kirk Hill into the Dark Ages, although it appears
to have none of the features associated with a monastic settlement.
Therefore it is possible that the Anglian monastery was built within a
recently disused fortification, rather than being heavily defended itself.
Later Medieval, Post-Medieval and Recent
The landscape of St Abb’s is characterised by farmland, the fossilised

evidence of which can be found over the entire headland and beyond,
in the form of drystone boundaries, dykes and rig and furrow traces
(NT96NW.43, NT96NW.48, and NT96NW.50). The rig shows how
intensive agriculture was possible during more climatically favourable
periods, most especially during the 18th century. These traces of rig and
furrow are fairly widespread across the property. The trackways and
settlements associated with them are less widespread, although they
are nevertheless known to have existed.
St Abb’s ‘Nunnery’ (NT96NW.6) is located on a headland north of the

present lighthouse (NT96NW.39). Its name belies a more recent past
than was previously recorded, as archaeologists now believe the site to
be a high to late medieval fortification (1200-1500). The remains of a
longhouse are visible and are presumed to be the remains of Rampart
Hall, shown on Blackadder’s 18th century map of St Abb’s. These
remains lie to the seaward side of a ruined, mortared wall and ditch that
cuts the headland off from the rest of St Abb’s.
Along the coast at Brander Heugh are the remains of a track leading
down the cliff to Lumsdaine Shore (NT87SE.10). This track was used to
bring goods off-loaded at high tide to the farms on the headland above.
The main commodity landed was fertiliser, such as lime, which was
moved by sea due to its bulk. A path to the shore is noted on
Blackadder’s map of 1797, and was presumably in use for some time
before, although this appears to be the earliest account available.
Other evidence of recent human activity at St Abb’s is varied, with the

remains of a golf course (NT96NW.45) and an artificially constructed loch
present on the Head, both dating from around the turn of the century.
The nine-hole golf course was built in 1888 and operated for
approximately 20 years (eight earthworks associated with it are visible).
Mire Loch was created in 1900, by damming the mire to create a trout
pond. Previously, in the early 19th century, the site had been drained.
This was presumably because of its boggy, and therefore potentially
fertile, nature.
1
Alcock, L., Alcock, E.A. and Foster, S.M., 1986, ‘Reconnaissance excavations on the early historic
fortifications and other royal sites in Scotland, 1974-1984, Excavations near St Abb’s, Berwickshire,
1980’, proc. Soc. Antiq. Scotl 116 (1986), 255-279
Page 4
In the 19th century the focus of human activity changed on the Head
with the construction of the lighthouse (NT96NW.39) in 1862. The
remains associated with the lighthouse include the harbour at Pettico
Wick (NT97NW47), with its jetty and store, as well as the foundations for
the keepers’ cottages and the remains of two separate gardens. Also
parts of the headland complex are the remains of a Lloyd’s signal
station, for the identification of passing shipping.
Page 5
3.0 OBJECTIVES
3.1 The overriding aims of the fieldwork were to determine the character,
extent, condition, quality, date and significance of the feature believed to
be an Iron Age settlement at Blackpotts and to carry out stabilising works
designed to prevent the degradation of the site. With this in mind the
specific objectives were:
3.1.1 Conduct a topographic survey of the site and its immediate surroundings.
3.1.2 Conduct a systematic sampling programme using a hand augur to

establish the depth and significance of any archaeological deposits within
the site. [Not carried out due to lack of time and suitable auguring
equipment.]
3.1.3 Investigate through small-scale hand trenching the significance of

internal archaeological features.
3.1.4 Excavate by hand a small investigative trench across the possible external
bank and ditch of the feature upon its northern side.
3.1.5 Remove from the site the gorse that contributed to the ongoing erosion.
3.1.6 Give basic training to Thistle Camp volunteers in archaeological survey,

excavation and recording techniques.
3.2 Should any archaeological deposits or materials be discovered during the

course of the investigation, suitable small samples would be recovered for
identification and dating purposes. It was the explicit aim of the proposed
project to retain in situ as much as possible of any anthropogenic material
that might be encountered.
Page 6
4.0 METHODOLOGY
4.1 Intrusive investigation was undertaken using hand excavation of trenches

and test pits. The trench locations were established following onsite
examination of the topographic features, locations of probable sub
surface archaeology and to produce a broken section across the site from
south to north.
The main Trench 1 was hand excavated and initially measured 1m east to
west by 6m north to south, though the possibility of extension was fully
utilised. Trenches 2 and 3 were established to check the location, depth
and character of any potential enclosing ditch to the north and south
respectively. Trench 4 examined a possible platform to the south and the
revetment wall, while test pits 5-8 examined various locations within the
main enclosure. (see Figure 2)
Where possible, the trenches were excavated to bedrock or what was

assumed to be a natural glacial till.
4.2 Survey of the site was carried out using a total station, where coordinates
were hand written and post processed in Penmap software. Locations of
trenches and other relevant features were recorded. An arbitrary datum
was established, which was later referenced to Ordnance Survey
coordinates and Height Datums.
Plate 1: Surveying breaks of slope and trenches.
Page 7
T2
quarry
quarry
quarry
quarry T1
well?
T7
(possible)
T5 T6
well?
T4 T8
T3
0 20 m
Fence Line
Figure 2: Site Plan

5.0 RESULTS
5.1 Fieldwork
The work was undertaken over 6 days between the 13th – 20th June 2009,
and concentrated on evaluating a staggered cross-section from south to
north over the site, with trenches located to investigate features such as
the ditches, banks and platforms.
The various datasets from the investigation are presented in the appendix
section; Context list (Appendix 1), Photographic list (Appendix 2), and
Artefact list (Appendix 3).
Plate 2: Aerial view of site looking south, showing Blackpotts cottages (top left) and trenches. Photo: James Allan
Page 9
Trench 1
0 1m
South North
1005
2001/3
revetment
1002
2009 2008 1003

extent of
excavtion Bank 2004
cut 2007
Trench 2
extent of
excavtion
section
1007
Ditch
cut 2007
Trench 2
0
4003
1007
4002
1006
1006
4003
South North
section
1001
1009 4004 Bank
1010
1010 revetment
cut 1008 4004
cut 1008
0 1m
Trench 4
5m
1011
Trench 1
Figure3: Trench plans and sections

5.2 The Trenches (see Figure 2)
5.2.1 Trench 1
The initial trench was 5m north-south by 1m east-west, set on the northern edge of
the upper platform. The trench was later extended to the south, first by 3m x 2m
and subsequently a further 6m x 1m extension. Removal of the thin topsoil [1001]
exposed the shallow depth of the soil covering the bedrock [1007] which was
composed of a heavily worn whinstone. This did show however, that occupation
had taken place on the surface where the bedrock was worn by use. Furthermore
in areas where there were hollows in the natural rock, they appeared to have been
infilled with flat stones to level the surface [1006].
A single defined feature was located in the final southern extension. This was a cut
[1008] that extended to a depth of 1.50m beneath the ground surface and 1.20m
beneath the bedrock level. The conical profile and flat base could relate to the
construction of a significant post setting. Fill [1010] which showed signs of
‘tipping’ into a void and which extended around the feature may indicate the
removal of a post. The concave fill [1009] of silt that filled the central part of the
upper fill, allows for the partial reconstruction of the post diameter, given the
displacement that is easy to recognise in the posthole section (see Fig. 3). The post
would have had a diameter of between 0.5 – 0.6 metres. The flat base is also
evidence of the feature being a large posthole. The shape of the cut was
influenced by the bedrock material that would make any cut feature difficult to
create as a vertical sided hole and would necessitate an angled cut that was wider
at the top.
The north end of the trench was located over a slight revetment bank formed of
silty soil and whin rubble [1002] this was retained to the north by a line of larger
boulders [1002] though these only survived to a single course (if indeed they were
any higher). Directly to the southern interior of this revetment, a slight dip was
possible evidence for the location of the bank material being dug directly from
next to the bank – and the subsequent infill of clean silt seen in context [1004] was
a natural build up. Exterior to the bank was a shattered material [1005] that may
simply result from the exposed bedrock being subject to frost and weather
shattering.
5.2.2 Trench 2
The trench was located at the base of the north slope of the site and measured 5m
north-south and 1m east-west. The location was selected in order to examine the
possibility of a ditch.
The removal of c. 0.16m of topsoil [2001] revealed a potential ditch fill [2003] that
lay across the centre of the trench (see Plate 3) bounded to the north by natural
glacial till [2004] and to the south by slope wash [2002] from the raised knoll on
which the main site sits. The natural clays [2005] were exposed in a deliberate
overcut to establish the ditch profile – with a potential width of 1.40m and depth
of c. 0.85m
Although the fill of the ditch [2006], later renumbered [2008], was of very similar
material to the slopewash and natural, it was possible to determine an interface
between the natural [2005] and the fill. This proceeded to resolve itself into a fairly
recognisable ditch profile to the south, where the 45º angle continued up onto the
Page 11
slope of the knoll to the south, and enough of a return on the north side was
excavated to confirm the nature of the feature [cut 2007] and its path.
Plate 3: Ditch [2007] showing profile and tip lines in fill [2008]
The base was sub rounded, and reached a maximum depth of 0.85m. In addition,
the natural rubble fill [2008] shows signs of tipping, from a slow rather than
intentional infill. However, this evidence is contradicted by the natural appearance
of the infill soils, which were almost impossible to distinguish from the natural
subsoil.
5.2.3 Trench 3
The trench was located to the south of the main site, external to the
revetment/bank and measured 5m north-south and 1m east-west. The location
was picked in order to examine the possibility of a ditch being present.
The removal of topsoil [3001] revealed a subsoil of mixed clay and angular stones
which was stripped off to reveal a more natural deposit of orange brown silty clay
[3003]. No trace of a ditch was located. However, given the nature of the deposits,
this is not conclusive evidence for the lack of a ditch on the south side of the site as
a maximum depth of only 0.30m was examined in the hard clay soil.
5.2.4 Trench 4
The trench ( 5m north-south and 1m east-west) was located on the lower platform
that seems to curve around the site from the north-west corner to the upper
platform on which Trench 1 was located. Removal of gorse allowed for the
complete examination of this area, with a trench crossing south to north over the
revetment and platform makeup.
Page 12
Removal of topsoil [4001] again came down immediately onto a layer of worn
whinstone bedrock [4002] at the north end, and a level of large to medium
whinstone [4003] that extended the flat platform out to the south from the natural
bedrock. Forming a revetment to this material was a line of large whinstone
boulders [4004] on the southern edge of the trench up to 0.50m wide and 0.30m
high.
The infilled material [4003] was irregular in depth, depending on the underlying
bedrock, but ranged from 0.20m – 0.50m.
5.2.5 Trench 5
The trench was a small 1m x 1m test pit, designed to investigate the depth of
bedrock, and soil makeup at different locations on the upper platform. The topsoil
[5001] was removed and exposed signs of heat-affected soil (from gorse burning)
that came down onto bedrock [5002] a further 0.05m down.
5.2.6 Trench 6
[6001] was removed and exposed signs of heat affected soil (from gorse burning)
5.2.7 Trench 7
[7001] was removed and exposed signs of heat affected soil (from gorse burning)
5.2.8 Trench 8
The trench was located at the site of a small pool, located c. 5m to the north east of
Trench 4 on the same lower platform.
The removal of topsoil [8001] and a further cleaning of subsoil [8002]

revealed a rock-cut feature with squared edges and steep vertical sides
[8003] of which only one corner was
examined. The interior of this cut was
filled with angular whinstone rocks of
various sizes [8004], however, removal
down to a depth of c. 0.20m beneath the
ground surface showed that the feature
was filled with water.
Plate 4: Water filled feature [8003] with rock-cut rectangular sides to east.
Page 13
5.3 Survey
The survey was carried out using a total station and reflector pole with
resulting 3D coordinates collected in a site notebook. The transferred
coordinates were entered into Penmap software, to produce a 10cm
contour plot.
The survey enhanced the original RCAHMS survey, and provided further
refined detail on the topographic form of the settlement, both natural and
man-made. The results form the basis of Figure 2.
Page 14
5.4 Artefacts
Very few artefacts were recovered during the investigation; but there was a
complete lack of ceramics. However, six possible pot boilers were
recovered, formed of roughly fist-sized water-worn cobbles, they had been
cracked and heat affected. (three examples are shown below)
Plate 5: Examples of 3 recovered heat affected cobbles, interpreted as pot boilers.
Within Trench 1, a form of slag or cramp was recovered in sealed context

layer [1004], and although perhaps associated with gorse burning rather
than human activity, samples were taken for further analysis. Modern
glass and a recent iron object were also recovered from topsoil deposits in
[1001], [3001], [3002] and [4001].
Page 15
6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The programme of evaluation has shown the existence human occupation

on the site of Blackpotts.
During the course of the evaluation, it soon became clear that cut features
would be rare on this site, given the nature of the bedrock that lay only
0.08m to 0.10m below the current ground surface.
Trench 1 however, did show that occupation had taken place at this
location, with worn bedrock, and infilled holes showing deliberate activity
to provide a level surface. A single large posthole, although significant,
does not allow for any form of reconstruction of any structure. It was
interesting to note that rather than rotting in place, where a definitive post
pipe would have been visible, it seems likely that the post was removed,
evidenced by both the ring of packing material around the cut, and the
pattern of fill, which shows the packing slipping into a void. No dateable
finds were recovered from this area (or any area), however a number of
cracked pot boilers give evidence to a date that may range anywhere from
the Bronze Age to the Early Historic where these items were commonly
used on domestic sites.
Two further pot boilers were recovered near the rock-cut water feature
(Trench 8). This feature and a possible other (see Fig. 2) located on the
upper platform, may represent wells/springs that were utilised as water
sources.
The lower platform that curves around the south side of the site (see
Figure 2) , with its low revetment bank, ( [1002/1003] and [4004] ) around
the exterior face, may have had two functions. One may have been to
extend into a platform into which structures could be built, partly cut into
the natural slope. Another would have been to allow access to the site in a
spiral route, running from the north-west corner (where sadly a recent
quarry has removed a possible entrance) around to the south and
returning up to the upper platform. Visual assessment of the slope to the
east and north of this lower route/platform, revealed a number of rounded
hollows, that may represent recessed platforms which may indicate
storage or animal structures.
Trench 4 itself showed how the natural bedrock itself had been extended
out to form a wider (c. 4m) platform, formed by backfilling between the
natural rock and the surrounding bedrock.
One thing that became clear from examination of the bank which
surrounded the upper edge of some of the hill was its relatively small size;
material for the bank would have been hard to produce from the shallow
soils of the knoll. It is therefore hard to imagine this site as defensive, and
rather a small settlement, with perhaps a small fence surrounding the
upper edge of the knoll.
Page 16
The ditch was located in Trench 2, after much difficulty, and only after
great perseverance, on the northern side, where strangely the slope to the
settlement is at its highest and steepest. Only 0.85m deep, it would hardly
have formed a significant defensive barrier, but may be more to do with
impressions – for show – rather than practical reasons. If the entrance was
in the north-west, then approaching the site from the north would appear
logical, and from this view would have been impressive: a large slope,
surrounded by a ditch, with the upper platform structures and fence,
silhouetted against the skyline.
Given absence of datable finds the potential exists that the site could
easily be a prehistoric settlement with round thatched houses, or even a
small early historic site, perhaps even both.
Recommendations for further study would include a continuing

examination of the surrounding ditch and a more systematic investigation
of both the known water feature (Trench 8) and the upper platform
around Trench 1, where a larger area excavation would expose further
features that may show the layout of the structures that once stood there;
it would also useful to track the extent of the ditch. The recovery of dating
evidence is also critical to understanding this site.
Page 17
Appendix 1 Context Register
Context List – Blackpotts, St Abbs, Scottish Borders – 2009 – BP09

Context Description
1001 Topsoil (mid-brown thin silty)
Medium sized sub rounded whinstone (c. 250mm diameter) part of banked
1002 revetment
Light-brown silty matrix with small angular stone fragments, part of banked material
1003 behind bank revetment
1004 Dark brown organic rooty silt to south of enclosure bank
Light brown silty matrix with frequent angular small whinstone, shattered brash to
1005 exterior of revetment bank.
1006 Medium sized flat angular whinstone set in natural bedrock hollows to level surface
1007 Heavily fractured and worn whin bedrock
1008 Oval shaped steep-sided cut through bedrock with rounded base c. 1.50m deep
1009 Light brown silt fill of 1008 with no inclusions showing no sign of a post pipe.
Brashy small angular stone fragments mounded around the cut 1008, possible
1010 debris from construction.
2001 Topsoil (mid-brown thin silt)
2002 Mid-brown silty matrix with occasional small angular whin fragments. (slopewash?)
2003 Mid-brown silt with frequent small angular whinstone (possible top fill of ditch)
Mid-brown silt with occasional small angular whinstone fragments and occasional
2004 larger stones
Orangey - mid-brown silty clay with occasional sub rounded stones (possible
2005 overcut into natural)
2006 Mid-brown silty clay (THIS CONTEXT WAS RENUMBERED 2008)
2007 Ditch Cut, steep sloping sides cut into natural - flat base, and return slope to north
Mid-brown silty clay with moderate angular medium to large angular whinstone (Fill
2008 of ditch 2007)
Mid-brown silty clay with occasional angular whinstone fragments (Fill of ditch
2009 2007)
3002 Mid-brown silty clay with occasional angular stones
3003 Orangey brown silty clay (natural subsoils)
4001 Topsoil (mid-brown thin silt)
4002 Shattered whinstone bedrock
Large and moderate sized angular whinstone with occasional rounded pebbles, set
4003 in mid-brown silty matrix
4004 Revetment wall of large angular and subrounded whinstone 1.10m wide
5002 Dark brown organic rooty silt
Page 18
Context List – Blackpotts, St Abbs, Scottish Borders – 2009 – BP09

Context Description
8002 Dark brown organic rooty silt with frequent small angular whinstone fragments
Rectangular cut into Shattered whinstone bedrock with steep sides, not fully
8003 excavated.
8004 Angular whinstone infill of cut 8003
Appendix 2 Photo Register (Digital)
Photo Record List – Blackpotts, St Abbs, Scottish Borders – 2009 – BP09

Photo Site Direction
ID Code Description from Date
1 BP09 First day, unloading the tools. # Jun-09
2 BP09 First Day, the team gathers. # Jun-09
3 BP09 Trench 2 after removal of topsoil south Jun-09
4 BP09 Trench 1 (initial trench prior to extensions) south Jun-09
after removal of topsoil - banked enclosure to
rear
5 BP09 Trench 1 (initial trench prior to extensions) south Jun-09
after removal of topsoil - banked enclosure to
front - note revetment
6 BP09 Sheep in Trench 2! # Jun-09
7 BP09 Sondage in north end of Trench 2, showing south Jun-09
slopewash 2005
8 BP09 General view of Blackpotts site - south Jun-09
9 BP09 General view of Blackpotts site - east Jun-09
10 BP09 General view of Blackpotts site - north Jun-09
11 BP09 General view of Blackpotts site - west Jun-09
12 BP09 Working shot # Jun-09
13 BP09 Working shot # Jun-09
14 BP09 Extension to south of Trench 1 after topsoil south Jun-09
strip
15 BP09 Extension to south of Trench 1 after topsoil south Jun-09
strip showing new trench
16 BP09 Slag in situ within feature 1006 Vertical Jun-09
17 BP09 Slag in situ within feature 1006 Vertical Jun-09
18 BP09 Trench 3 after removal of topsoil south Jun-09
19 BP09 Trench 3 sondage at north end to determine south Jun-09
overburden.
20 BP09 Iron obj in revetment at south end of Trench 4 Vertical Jun-09
21 BP09 Trench 4 after removal of topsoil (south end) - south Jun-09
showing revetment
22 BP09 Trench 1, south extension, showing bedrock south Jun-09
now apparent
23 BP09 Trench 1, (north area) showing bedrock and south Jun-09
loose infilling
24 BP09 Trench 1, ) showing bedrock and loose brash north Jun-09
infilling - the foreground shows the bank with
Page 19

stone revetment
25 BP09 Part of photo mosaic of Trench 1 after final Vertical Jun-09
clean
clean
clean
clean
clean
clean
clean
clean
clean
clean
clean
clean
clean
clean
clean
clean
clean
clean
clean
clean
45 BP09 Trench 1 extended south area, with brash east Jun-09
deposit 1009 and possible cut 1008
46 BP09 View over Trench 4 with bedrock 4002 to rear, south Jun-09
rock infill 4003 and revetment 4004 to
foreground
47 BP09 View over Trench 4 with bedrock 4002 to north Jun-09
foreground, rock infill 4003 and revetment
4004 to rear
48 BP09 Trench 5 after topsoil removal showing 5002 south Jun-09
Page 20

(heat affected from gorse burning)
51 BP09 Trench 8 after removal of topsoil, showing north Jun-09
bedrock cut face.
52 BP09 Rainbow at Blackpotts # Jun-09
55 BP09 General working shot # Jun-09
57 BP09 Jim excavating posthole feature 1008 # Jun-09
58 BP09 General working shot with Fiona on the Level # Jun-09
60 BP09 Getting ready for lunch # Jun-09
61 BP09 View from Blackpotts west Jun-09
62 BP09 The team # Jun-09
63 BP09 The team # Jun-09
64 BP09 Trench 8 - showing water filled feature north Jun-09
65 BP09 Trench 8 - showing water filled feature south Jun-09
66 BP09 Trench 8 - showing water filled feature west Jun-09
67 BP09 View of east facing section of the ditch in east Jun-09
Trench 2
68 BP09 View of ditch - Trench 2 north Jun-09
69 BP09 View of ditch - Trench 2 south Jun-09
70 BP09 View of ditch - Trench 2 oblique southeast Jun-09
71 BP09 Trench 4 showing revetment bank and south Jun-09
interior fill removed to bedrock level
72 BP09 Trench 4 removed to bedrock level at north south Jun-09
end
73 BP09 Working shot at Trench 4 # Jun-09
77 BP09 Section of post cut 1008 with silty fill 1009 and east Jun-09
surrounding brash debris 1010
78 BP09 Section of post cut 1008 with silty fill 1009 and south Jun-09
surrounding brash debris 1010
79 BP09 Trench 5 - bedrock south Jun-09
Page 21
Appendix 3 Artefact List
Artefact Record List – Blackpotts, St Abbs, Scottish Borders – 2009 – BP09

Trench Context Description
1 [1001] 3 Glass bottle fragments
[1003] 1 Pot Boiler fragment
[1004] Sample of possible cramp or slag (8 bags)
2 [2003] Sample of burnt Clay ?
3 [3001] 5 Glass bottle fragments
[3002] 3 Glass bottle fragments

1 Quartz Pebble Fragment
4 [4001] 3 Iron Obj – part of cast iron item. Pipe?
8 [8001] 1 Pot Boiler fragment
[8002] 2 Pot Boiler fragments
Acknowledgments
Special thanks must go to the team members
Christine McPherson
Katherine Reed
Fiona Conn
Jim Shearer
Jane Thompson
James Allan
Gitta Dorsch
And
Kevin Rideout (Property Manager), Daniel Rhodes, Margaret Struckmeier, Robin

Turner, and Derek Alexander
References
Maps:
1st Ed Ordnance Survey Map 1853
Reports:
NMRS MS/899/44 (Headland Archaeology Ltd 16/10/1997)
Page 22
Discovery and Excavation Scotland

LOCAL AUTHORITY: Scottish Borders
PROJECT TITLE/SITE NAME: Blackpotts Settlement
PROJECT CODE: BP09
PARISH: Coldingham
NAME OF CONTRIBUTOR: David Connolly
NAME OF ORGANISATION: (Connolly Heritage Consultancy)
TYPE(S) OF PROJECT: Evaluation and Survey
NMRS NO(S): NT96NW 19
SITE/MONUMENT TYPE(S): Settlement
SIGNIFICANT FINDS: none
NGR (2 letters, 8 or 10 figures) NT 9056 6750
START DATE (this season) 13th June 2009
END DATE (this season) 20th June 2009
PREVIOUS WORK (incl. DES ref.) Recording field visit by Headland Archaeology – (DES 1997)
8 Trenches and trial pits were opened to investigate the potential of the surviving archaeology and
MAIN (NARRATIVE)
characterise it’s depth, condition and date. It became clear that dating material was almost entirely
DESCRIPTION: absent from the record and the features recorded (including the bank, well ditch and posthole) were
(May include information from other not indicative of any particular period. Due to the gorse cover and the burning associated with
fields) control in the past, the thin topsoil was scorched and may affect any charcoal recovered from
anything other than a deep secure context. The depth of topsoil in the hill was thin, and came down
directly onto bedrock in most cases, while the slope wash covering the glacial till surrounding the
hill made distinguishing even the substantive feature of the ditch a difficult activity.
However, there is clear evidence for surviving archaeology on the site as a whole, including
features such as a rock cut well which may provide evidence from waterlogged deposits. The
single posthole also shows the potential for further structural features and with further analysis of
this area and the wear pattern on the bedrock as well as investigation of the possible structural
platforms on the lower levels it may be possible to provide a better understanding of the period(s)
that the site can be assigned to. Evidence from two Roman coins that were uncovered by the
owner of a nearby house (only 200m from the site) may suggest a 4th century date, as both coins
were identified by Nick Holmes at the National Museum of Scotland as bronze nummus, of mid to
late 4th century date.
Topographic survey of the area also allowed the enhancement of a Royal Commission on the
Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) plan. This significantly increased the
understanding of the layout and potential for further hut/structure platforms as well as provide
further detail on the lower platforms and quarries that had been obscured by gorse.
PROPOSED FUTURE WORK: none
CAPTION(S) FOR ILLUSTRS: -
SPONSOR OR FUNDING BODY: The National Trust for Scotland
ADDRESS OF MAIN Connolly Heritage Consultancy

CONTRIBUTOR: Traprain House
Luggate Burn
East Lothian
EH41 4QA
EMAIL ADDRESS: info@bajr.org
ARCHIVE LOCATION RCAHMS / NTS
Page 23

Blackpotts, ST Abbs, Scottish Borders - 2009

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Evaluation, Survey and Gorse Clearance

Carried out on behalf of The National Trust for Scotland

Buildings Archaeologist and Heritage Consultant

T : 01620 861643 E : INFO@BAJR.ORG

6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 16

Figure 1: Location plan.

Figure 2: Site Plan

Figure 3: Trench plans and sections

Appendix 1: Context List

Figure 1: Location Plan

1.1 An archaeological survey and evaluation in part to remove intrusive

1.2 Blackpotts is believed to be an Iron Age settlement and has recently

However, there is clear evidence for surviving archaeology on the site as

Topographic survey of the area also allowed the enhancement of a

2.1 Site location

The site is located on the east Berwickshire coast approximately 6.5km

2.2 Site History and Background (collated by Dr Daniel Rhodes)

Although these remains are limited to the non-cultivated areas, they

Early Medieval (AD 500 – c.1000)

According to excavations carried out in the 1980s by the Alcocks (1986)1,

Later Medieval, Post-Medieval and Recent

The landscape of St Abb’s is characterised by farmland, the fossilised

St Abb’s ‘Nunnery’ (NT96NW.6) is located on a headland north of the

Other evidence of recent human activity at St Abb’s is varied, with the

3.1.2 Conduct a systematic sampling programme using a hand augur to

3.1.3 Investigate through small-scale hand trenching the significance of

3.1.6 Give basic training to Thistle Camp volunteers in archaeological survey,

3.2 Should any archaeological deposits or materials be discovered during the

4.1 Intrusive investigation was undertaken using hand excavation of trenches

Where possible, the trenches were excavated to bedrock or what was

Plate 1: Surveying breaks of slope and trenches.

Figure 2: Site Plan

2009 2008 1003

Figure3: Trench plans and sections

5.2 The Trenches (see Figure 2)

The removal of topsoil [8001] and a further cleaning of subsoil [8002]

Plate 5: Examples of 3 recovered heat affected cobbles, interpreted as pot boilers.

Within Trench 1, a form of slag or cramp was recovered in sealed context

6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The programme of evaluation has shown the existence human occupation

Recommendations for further study would include a continuing

Appendix 1 Context Register

Context List – Blackpotts, St Abbs, Scottish Borders – 2009 – BP09

Context List – Blackpotts, St Abbs, Scottish Borders – 2009 – BP09

Appendix 2 Photo Register (Digital)

Photo Record List – Blackpotts, St Abbs, Scottish Borders – 2009 – BP09

Photo Record List – Blackpotts, St Abbs, Scottish Borders – 2009 – BP09

Photo Record List – Blackpotts, St Abbs, Scottish Borders – 2009 – BP09

Appendix 3 Artefact List

Artefact Record List – Blackpotts, St Abbs, Scottish Borders – 2009 – BP09

[1004] Sample of possible cramp or slag (8 bags)

[1006] 1 Pot Boiler fragment

2 [2003] Sample of burnt Clay ?

[2008] 1 Pot Boiler fragment

3 [3001] 5 Glass bottle fragments

[3002] 3 Glass bottle fragments

8 [8001] 1 Pot Boiler fragment

[8002] 2 Pot Boiler fragments

Special thanks must go to the team members

Kevin Rideout (Property Manager), Daniel Rhodes, Margaret Struckmeier, Robin

1st Ed Ordnance Survey Map 1853

NMRS MS/899/44 (Headland Archaeology Ltd 16/10/1997)