A multi-disciplinary chronology for Alt Clut, Castle Roack, Dumbarton

Abstract

Small scale excavations at this early British stronghold were performed as part of a long term research programme on early historic fortifications in Scotland (here listed). Historical, archaeological and 14C evidence are combined to produce a historical account, identify the fortification implied by Bede in 731, and attribute its destruction to the Vikings Olafr and Ivarr the Boneless in 870. The 14C dates are best read as implying construction after 600, possibly after 650. Au(adp)

A Norse Viking-age grave from Cruach Mhor, Islay

“…In conclusion, although it is not possible to state that any specific item necessarily represents a grave deposit, parallels can be drawn for the occurrence of most of the objects from Cruach Mhor in Viking women's graves. All of the finds, with the exception of the pair of oval brooches, are equally consistent with finds from Viking-period settlement sites (eg Jarlshof: Hamilton 1956, 93ff andBirsay: Curie 1982), and this possibility cannot be totally ruled out, especially as there are indications of Viking-period settlement activity on the site (Alcock 1976). However, the combination of characteristically Scandinavian ornaments with agricultural and textile implements is entirely in keeping with the known pattern of women's burials of the ninth or 10th centuries in Scandinavia (cf Schetelig 1912).…”