Inverness archaeology finds at new golf course date back 3500 years
A range of historical items, including a 3500 year old Bronze Age cremation urn, have been found during the construction of a new golf course, near Inverness.
Archaeological excavations at Old Petty at Castle Stuart, Cabot Highlands have uncovered a range of historical evidence dating back thousands of years.
The discoveries include remnants of Neolithic wooden buildings, a prehistoric ceremonial circle and evidence for medieval field systems and grain-drying kilns.
The excavations, conducted by Avon Archaeology Highland, revealed at least 25 prehistoric wooden buildings alongside artifacts such as flint tools, quern stones, and a rare prehistoric chariot wheel.
These findings are said to paint a picture of ancient life in the Highlands, from ceremonial practices to agricultural innovation, between the Middle Ages and 6,000 years ago.
Stuart McColm, vice-president of Golf Development, Cabot, said: "This has been a remarkable journey from pre-historic times to the present, right here on our doorstep. It’s humbling to think that our new championship course, Old Petty, will rest on such historically rich ground. We're proud to preserve this heritage while creating a world-class golf experience."
In keeping with Scottish archaeological best practice, efforts have been made to ensure the preservation of key features, including the prehistoric ceremonial circle, which has been carefully reburied in-situ.
Andy Young, principal archaeologist at Avon Archaeology Highland, praised the collaboration: "The partnership with Cabot Highlands has been exemplary. Their commitment to preserving the past while shaping the future is a model for responsible development.
“I’m always happy to see new archaeology emerge from the ground but some of the discoveries we have made, particularly relating to early Neolithic settlement and later prehistoric ceremonial/funerary activity, are properly exceptional.
“The evidence gathered during the Cabot Highlands project adds a substantial and important new body of information for past human activity in Scotland as a whole but, most significantly, for the history of Highland Region.”
The findings will be documented in detail, with final reports and radiocarbon dating expected in 2025, coinciding with the opening of the new Old Petty golf course.
Finds (artefacts such as pottery, worked stone, flint tools and metal objects) will ultimately be submitted to Treasure Trove Scotland and, depending upon their perceived importance, will most likely will be retained by either The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh or Inverness Museum.
