Neolithic domesticity and other prehistoric anomalies: excavations at Laigh Newton, East Ayrshire

Abstract

A series of archaeological evaluations and excavations at Laigh Newton in East Ayrshire revealed evidence for intermittent occupation of this valley terrace between the Mesolithic and the Late Iron Age. The plough-truncated archaeology included the remains of a rectangular building and associated features of the mid-late fourth millennium BC, a more ephemeral structure and related pits of the mid third millennium BC, a charcoal-burning pit of the mid-first millennium AD and two other rectilinear structures of indeterminate date.

medieval farmstead at Laigh Newton North-West, East Ayrshire

“…main areas of archaeological activity. Laigh Newton West proved to be predominantly prehistoric (see Toolis 2011) and Laigh Newton North-West, described here, was late medieval in date. This work was carried out between March and May 2007.…”

“…Heather F. James Four slightly sunken, possibly oval or rectilinearshaped structures (A, B, E and F) were spread across a terrace below the prehistoric site of Laigh Newton West (Toolis 2011). These structures were associated with a palisaded enclosure, a large outer ditch and fragmentary remains of other timber structures and were sealed by a deep deposit of post-medieval plough soil (0.4m to 1.5m).…”

“…The site of Laigh Newton North-West lies within an area rich in archaeological remains from the prehistoric and medieval periods, being on a significant east-west route along the River Irvine. The prehistoric remains on the nearby upper terrace date from the Mesolithic to the Iron Age (see Toolis 2011). To the east of the site is Loudoun Hill, a significant landmark, to the south of which was a Roman fort belonging to the Flavian and Antonine periods, which has been destroyed by quarrying (NS63NW1).…”