bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Sculptured Relief of the Roman Period at Colinton
Authors: MacDonald George
Published: March 2023

The stone was built into the wall of a garden and was examined in situ. It is possibly part of the upper half of an altar comprising a very substantial remnant of a dedication to the threefold group of " mother goddesses," whose worship was so popular in certain districts during the earliest centuries of the Christian era. As many as four or five hundred monuments relating to their worship have survived. Some\r\nof these are reliefs; some are inscriptions; many are combinations of the two. It was probably set up by Roman auxiliary troops in the first or second century. There is no other evidence of Roman activity at Colinton so it is likely to have been brought from elsewhere, possibly nearby Cramond.
Notice of Four Ancient Scottish Standards, with Detailed Description of the Recently Discovered Marchmont Standard
Authors: Paul James Balfour
Published: March 2023

The Standard, which was very long and narrow in proportion to its length and terminated in a pointed, rounded, or swallow-tailed end was originally designed for fixing immediately below the head of a lance, and then styled a Pennon, gradually evolved a much more ornate character. The flag was no longer an appendage to a\r\nlance but was carried on a pole shaft of its own, and served as a rallying point or as indicating the noble or knight to whom his attendant "plump of spears" and other vassals belonged. The Cavers Standard, the Standard of Keith, Earl Marischal, the Bellenden Standard and the Marchmont Standard are described in detail.
Notes on the Excavation of an Artificial Mound at Kidsneuk, Bogside, Parish of Irvine, Ayrshire
Authors: Watson G P H
Published: March 2023

The mound is 15 feet high. The crest diameter is 25 feet; the diameter at base is 103 feet by 73 feet. On the north there appeared to be the outline of a ditch and rampart, and on the west a feature resembling a berm. It was concluded that the mound is largely if not entirely artificial, that it had an elevation of only 10 feet above the glacis, and now lies entirely below its covering of blown sand, that any defences must have been of an extremely light nature, and, that the occupation was spread over a considerable period, dating from the thirteenth or fourteenth centuries.
Anniversary meeting
Authors: - -
Published: March 2023

The usual business was conducted at the Anniversary meeting, including the election of new Fellows and the presentation of a list of deceased Fellows. Other reports presented included: A report on the number of Fellows on the Society’s Roll Brief obituaries for some of the Fellows who died in the previous yearA report on the progress of the Society’s forthcoming publicationsA report on the items added to the Society’s museum and library collections over the previous sessionA note on the Rhind Lectureship from the current session (to take place in March 1919)A note thanking Lord Abercromby for serving as the Society’s President for the past five yearsThe Treasurer presented the Annual Report on the Society’s finances

 

Meeting notes for 9 December, 1918 are appended.
Some Further Early Orkney Armorials
Authors: Clouston J Storer
Published: March 2023

Almost all of the armorials are in stone and they almost all come from the sixteenth or early seventeenth century. They include a number which for many years had been hidden beneath the raised floor of the choir of St Magnus' Cathedral and have only recently come to light. The include the Cragy coat on the ancient font now in Stromness Episcopal Church, and one found beneath the floor of the Birsay Parish Kirk, now built into the wall of the vestibule. All the others come from St Magnus Cathedral'. The impression is that arms-bearing in Orkney was on something like the same basis as in Norway; an arbitrary system under which some landowners were "af vaaben" and others were not; the privilege being originally associated with a certain\r\nposition in the Kings or Earl's "hird," and always having remained the subject of special grant or of some kind of sanction. In Scotland the terms " gentleman" and " freeholder" are used synonymously in old statutes, and each member of this class seems to have been expected, as a matter of obligation as much as of privilege, to have the " seale of his armes " ready for use when required.
Communal Mortars in the Province of Cordoba (Argentine Republic)
Authors: Gardner G A
Published: March 2023

Throughout the north-western provinces of the Argentine Republic, there may be seen in the outcrops of rock which occur with frequency in these mountainous regions, numbers of cylindrical or cup-shaped holes. These are generally considered to have been communal or village mortars. The heavy stone pestles employed are sometimes found in them, and the present inhabitants of the districts still use some of the mortars, replacing the ancient stone pestles with wooden ones.
The Doune of Invernochty
Authors: Simpson W Douglas
Published: March 2023

The Doune of Invernochty is a very conspicuous mound situated at the confluence of the Nochty water with the Don. The mound is natural in origin but it was surrounded by earthworks and later a medieval castle in stone and lime was built. The remains are still visible. A detailed plan and description of the Doune is presented. It is identified as a mount-and-bailey fortress of Norman construction. The earthworks of the Doune are assigned to some period in the twelfth or early thirteenth century. A persistent tradition bears that the mediaeval church of Invernochty (Strathdon), which about the year 1200 was granted by the Earl of Mar to the Priory of Monymusk and in the fourteenth century became a prebend of St Machar's Cathedral, stood originally on the Doune of Invernochty.
Note on a Pottery Mask and Sherds of Mediaeval Pottery found at the Bass of Inverurie, with some particulars of the Bass
Authors: Curle Alexander O
Published: March 2023

The sherds were found while digging in an extension of the cemetery and consist of a bearded mask, a segment of the base of a large jug, and a portion of the lip of a similar vessel. The mask appears to have been fairly common on pitchers of the fourteenth century. The second piece of pottery, the segment of the base of a large jar, shows a continuous row of impressed thumb-marks around its edge, and by this feature tends to confirm the fourteenth-century date of the pottery mask. The third object is a portion of the lip of a pitcher of a light-red body coated with a thick lead glaze of deep-green colour and may be of 12th or 13 century. The Bass is a mound, in shape a truncated cone, about 50 feet in height, which occupies a strong position on the right bank of the Ury, close to the southern end of the royal burgh of Inverurie and is classified as a mount-and-bailey castle of Norman type.
Meeting notes
Authors: - -
Published: March 2023

Meeting notes for 10 February 1919.
Note on the 'Household Plenishings belonging to the deceist Andro Hog, Writer to the Signet, publicklie rouped and sold upon the 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th Days of Octr., 1691 Yeares.'
Authors: Scott-Moncrieff Robert
Published: March 2023

A roup roll contains an inventory of what purports to be the "haill household plenishings" of a middle-class professional man in the person of a Writer to the Signet who lived and died in Edinburgh in the latter half of the seventeenth century. A roup roll contains even more than an ordinary inventory, in that it gives not only a list of belongings but also the prices received for each article and the names of the purchasers. This book also contains minutes of meeting, notes as to balances due to and by his clients, and the annual accounts dealing with the trust\r\nfunds until 28th April 1710. The entire contents of the document are transcribed.
Preliminaries
Authors: - -
Published: March 2023

Front matter for Volume 53

Table of contents

List of illustrations

Laws of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

List of the Fellows November 1919

List of Corresponding members 1919

List of Honorary members November 1919

List of the Lady Associates November 1919

Societies, Institutions, &c., Exchanging publications
Silver Cup at St Mary's College, St Andrews
Authors: Watts W W
Published: March 2023

The St Andrews Cup under consideration was made in London, and bears the hall-mark for 1613-14. It is an uncommon form of secular wine-cup and is unlikely to have been used as a chalice since the nature of the decoration precludes the satisfactory cleansing of the bowl after use. Secular vessels have frequently been presented to churches and used for chalices, but at the period when this cup was made there was a definite prescribed form of communion cup in England which was in general closely adhered to.
The Stone Circle at Broomend of Crichie, Aberdeenshire
Authors: Ritchie James
Published: March 2023

The circle forms part of a notable group of prehistoric monuments which has been extensively written about. A second larger circle was destroyed in the eighteenth century. Four stone cists included two which contained double burials and a unique horn spoon. An avenue extends from the circle to the area in which the cists were found. The surviving circle comprises a circular ditch and bank with a circle of stones within and a number of associated cremation deposits. A cist at the centre contained a skeleton and a cremation burial. One of the stones forming the circle is carved with the long-jawed animal usually called the elephant, and beneath it the crescent.\r\ncrossed by the V-shaped rod.
Further Discoveries of Bronze Age Urns in Hut-Circles in the Parish of Muirkirk, Ayrshire
Authors: Fairbairn Archibald
Published: March 2023

Pottery fragments were recovered within a floor level during excavation of a hut-circle and comparison with material from other sites suggests a Bronze Age date for the sherds.
Meeting notes
Authors: - -
Published: March 2023

Meeting notes for 10 May 1920.
Report of the Excavation on Traprain Law in the Summer of 1919
Authors: Curle Alexander O
Published: March 2023

Further excavation on the higher levels revealed stone foundations for turf walls, and hearths representing successive periods of occupation. The artefacts are described and illustrated in detail. Early activity is represented by two stone axes and a few Bronze Age objects. Personal items from the main period of occupation include brooches, rings, glass beads, glass and shale armlets, and clasps. Harness mountings, terrets, iron tools, spearheads, coins and pottery. The discovery of a hoard of Roman silver plate is particularly noteworthy. It included bowls, cups, spoons, a miscellaneous collection of pieces of plate and four coins which suggest a date in the early fifth century. Certain of the pieces have a religious character and all are described in detail. The hoard is provisionally interpreted as spoils from a variety of European locations.
Report on the Excavation of Dun Beag, a Broch near Struan, Skye
Authors: Callander J Graham
Published: March 2023

During excavation the inner court as well as two small cells, a staircase, and the greater part of a gallery, all within the thickness of the wall, were cleared out; also, a section of the outer face of the wall on the southern arc, which was obscured by fallen stones, was laid bare. An interesting assortment of relics in stone, pottery, glass, and metal was recovered. These included rotary querns, a stone cup, an iron knife and a glass armlet. A number of items were much later in date and not linked to the main period of occupation of the broch.
Meeting notes
Authors: - -
Published: March 2023

Meeting notes for 14 March 1921.
Clothing found on a Skeleton discovered at Quintfall Hill, Barrock Estate, near Wick
Authors: Orr Stewart
Published: March 2023

The skeleton of a man, dressed in a complete suit of clothing, was found in a peat moss, lying with the arms straight along the sides, on its face, at a depth of three\r\nfeet from the surface. The body was wrapped in a plaid or blanket, and as this was unfolded the cap and shoes were found above the knees. The hair was long and of reddish colour. Evidently the man had met with a violent death, as the skull showed the mark of a heavy blow. The clothing, in a wonderful state of preservation, consisted of a round, flat bonnet or cap; an outer jacket or coat, tight fitting to the waist and very full-skirted; an inner coat of similar shape and material; an outer pair of breeches cut very wide; an inner pair of breeches, of similar\r\ncut and material; a pair of hose or stockings made of the same cloth as the clothes; a pair of light, low-heeled leather shoes, in fragments; a plaid or blanket'; and a detached shaped piece of cloth.
The Orkney Bailies and their Wattel
Authors: Clouston J Storer
Published: March 2023

It has previously been considered that the tax called the " Wattel formed (in the case of Orkney) a payment to the parish bailies, or (in the case of Shetland) to the corresponding underfouds. The word probably derives from veizla ( = veitsla), the\r\nreception or entertainment which the Norse kings, or their barons and stewards, were entitled by law to exact from the landowners of the different districts visited. In Orkney the earl would, of course, take the place of the king, and that this obligation should then crystallise into a tax, and its name be corrupted from "veitsla" into "wattel," seem very natural developments. The earliest documentary evidence is contained in the grants of the island of Burray to the Bishop of Orkney in 1494, and of the lordships of Orkney and Shetland to Lord Sinclair in 1501, and in Lord Sinclair's rentals of 1492 and 1502-03.
A Hoard of Coins found at Perth
Authors: MacDonald George
Published: March 2023

The hoard consisted of a mass of coins adhering to one another firmly. Probably the money had been contained in a bag of canvas or leather, which had rotted away completely in the course of centuries. The total was made up of 18 pieces of gold, 611 of silver, and 499 of billon (an alloy that contains gold or silver with copper or another base metal). The hoard must have been concealed not long after the accession of James IV in 1488. He is the latest king represented, and his coins are relatively very few in number.
A Bronze Age Hoard from Glen Trool, Stewartry of Kirkcudbright
Authors: Callander J Graham
Published: March 2023

The objects consisted of a rapier blade, a spear-head, a flanged axe, a knife, two small chisels or punches, two small bars of square section, a razor, a pin, and fragments of a twisted tore, all of bronze, and a number of amber beads. Some time later a second razor and two beads, one of glass and the other of amber, were found. This group of relics consists of a series of weapons, tools, instruments of toilet, and ornaments which belonged to, and were used by, a single individual, and consequently is to be classified as a personal hoard in contradistinction to the stock of a merchant or founder.
Notices of (1) Cinerary Urns from Kingskettle, Fife, and (2) An Early Iron Age Cist on Kippit Hill, Dolphinton
Authors: Callander J Graham , Bryce Thomas H
Published: March 2023

A group of five urns containing cremated human remains were found in a cluster at Kingskettle. One of the deposits included two barbed arrowheads which were calcined. It is suggested that the arrowheads may have been the cause of death of the associated individual. A very well constructed short cist contained the remains of a mature adult male. He was accompanied by a small thin plate of corroded iron.
The Broch of Dun Troddan, Gleann Beag, Glenelg, Inverness-shire
Authors: Curle Alexander O
Published: March 2023

Dun Troddan also known as the Upper Broch lies a quarter of a mile from Dun Telve, the Lower Broch. Excavation revealed that the ground plan of Dun Troddan survived intact while in part it survives to a height of 25 feet showing remains of three galleries. Eleven postholes and hearths survived in the interior. Artefacts included worked bone, burnt animal bone. a paste bead, part of a rotary quern and a large number of ovoid pebbles which may have served as missiles.
Anniversary meeting
Authors: - -
Published: March 2023

The usual business was conducted at the Anniversary meeting, including the election of new Fellows and the presentation of a list of deceased Fellows. Other reports presented included: A report on the number of Fellows on the Society’s Roll Brief obituaries for some of the Fellows who died in the previous yearA report on the progress of the Society’s forthcoming publicationsA report on the items added to the Society’s museum and library collections over the previous sessionA report on the Society’s excavations in ScotlandA note on the Rhind Lecturers for 1921 and 1922Mr Callander then read the Treasurer’s Annual Report on the Society’s finances.

 

Meeting notes for 12 December, 1921 are appended.
Some Roxburgh Grave-Slabs and a Coped Stone at Ancrum
Authors: Craw J Hewat
Published: March 2023

A description of six grave slabs found before 1857 is reproduced along with the account of further stones made in the 18th century. One of these commemorated a Johanna Bullock. A coped grave-cover was found in the churchyard at Ancrum.
Observations on the Pre-Neolithic Industries of Scotland
Authors: Breuil The Abbê H
Published: March 2023

The appearance of the Campbeltown tools, taken as a whole, is that of a poor upper palaeolithic series, chiefly consisting of flakes showing a Magdalenian aspect. These flakes were detached from nuclei, the angles of which are sometimes battered, many show no re-working, but numerous notches resulting from use; a small number are re-worked into end scrapers; and one shows a small point in the centre of its semicircular end. The marine 25-30-foot terrace on which the tools were found corresponds also to the Azilian caves at Oban. The difference in period between\r\nthe two groups cannot, then, be very considerable. What characterises nearly all the flints gathered from the Azilian kitchen-middens and contemporary littoral caves of Scotland is that they are not a normal outfit of tools, but with the residue of tools used to such a degree that they were no longer capable of further service. Flint being scarce, the smallest fragments had been used until they were almost completely destroyed. Flakers made of stone, bone and deer-horn were also present in the Azilian deposits of Scotland. The theory that they were used for detaching the edible parts of limpets from their shells is discounted. Bone harpoons from a variety of deposits are also considered.
Some Observations regarding the Use of Armorial Bearings by the Native Families of Orkney
Authors: Traill H L Norton
Published: March 2023

It is argued that the use of the armorial bearings by various members of the Scollay family was an example of the misappropriation by a native Orkney family of a Scottish\r\ncoat of arms, in this case that of the Kinnaird family. Other examples are presented and include the Banks family who appear to have misappropriated the arms of the Marjoribanks.
Meeting notes
Authors: - -
Published: March 2023

Meeting notes for 8 May 1922.
A Cross-Slab found at St John's Chapel, Canisbay, Caithness
Authors: Nicolson John
Published: March 2023

A slab lined grave was located inside the doorway in the western gable of the chapel. The slab which formed the end of the grave was part of a cross-slab of yellow sandstone bearing a plain incised cross with hollows at the intersections of the arms and the shaft. The shaft tapered slightly towards the base. The whole design was enclosed within a rectangular panel. The inside lintel of the door of the chapel and two other long, narrow stones formed the cover of the grave.
A Rune-Inscribed Stone from Birsay, Orkney
Authors: Marwick Hugh
Published: March 2023

The stone was built into the wall of the ruined chapel so that the inscription could not be seen until the stone was moved. Part of the inscription was transcribed as 'Philippus carved (these) runes', the remainder was indistinct. It is suggested that there are two separate inscriptions which were carved at different times.
The Monypenny Breviary
Authors: Van de Put Albert
Published: March 2023

The Monypennys of Ardwenny held lands in the duchy of Berry in France from the mid-fifteenth to the mid-sixteenth century. The manuscript is a thick tome with numerous illuminations. It was produced by the school of Bourges in the early 16th century and one its main illuminators was almost certainly Jacquelin de Molisson. The contents of the breviary are presented in detail.
Meeting notes
Authors: - -
Published: March 2023

Meeting notes for 12 February 1923.
Meeting notes
Authors: - -
Published: March 2023

Meeting notes for 9 April 1923.
Skipness Castle
Authors: Graham Angus , Collingwood R G
Published: March 2023

This new account of the castle was prompted by the removal of farm buildings which increased visibility and allowed for the production of large-scale accurate plans. It is concluded that a ditch, mound and motte never existed as had previously been argued. The strategic value of the site is small, and its military aspect may be summed up by saying that the castle is capable enough of looking after itself but does not appear to be looking after anything else. The whole structure is now\r\nreduced to a bare enceinte with a keep in its north-east corner which is described and illustrated in detail. The earlier account of the castle is largely discounted.
The Deuchny Hill Fort
Authors: Watson R R Boog
Published: March 2023

A detailed plan of the hill fort is presented. Examination of the highest part shows that though the natural formation is almost entirely rock, there is evidence of a more or less continuous rampart or wall along the edge of the plateau on the top of the hill. The entrance or gateway is at the south-east end. There is no indication of any water supply, unless it be one or two places where there seem to be earth-filled hollows. Surface finds include a mortar and a fragment of a jet armlet.
Bronze Age Gold Ornaments found in Arran and Wigtownshire, with Suggestions as to their Method of Use
Authors: Mann Ludovic McLellan
Published: March 2023

The ornaments include a fine, hollow, penannular ring and a larger possible bracelet. There were also found about two dozen fragments of pottery characteristic of a late phase of the Bronze Period, and belonging to two vessels. The penannular object is of a type usually considered to be worn as an earring though it is argued here that it is more likely to have been worn as a hair ornament. The larger object has been made by bending into oval shape a solid gold rod, somewhat thickened in the middle of its length, and by bringing the ends nearly together. To either end has been most skilfully melted on or sweated a calyx or trumpet-shaped piece. This is also interpreted as a hair ornament.
Meeting notes
Authors: - -
Published: March 2023

Meeting notes for 8 January 1923.
On the Method employed in using the So-called 'Otter or Beaver Traps.'
Authors: Graham-Smith G S
Published: March 2023

One of the so-called otter or beaver traps was discovered during peat digging on the Moss of Auquharney, Aberdeenshire, together with three fragments of a stout stick, apparently used in connection with the trap. This trap appears to be the only one of its kind hitherto discovered in Scotland. Most writers have regarded them as traps to catch otters, beavers, wild-fowl, fish, etc., but no very satisfactory explanation of their mode of use has been given, while others have considered them to be machines for making peat blocks, musical instruments, models of boats, etc. The writer is of opinion that these traps were constructed for the capture of large animals, such as deer, and suggests that their remains are only found in peat because in other situations they have perished.
Discoveries in North-Western Wigtownshire
Authors: Mann Ludovic McLellan
Published: March 2023

A cinerary urn containing cremated bone and charcoal was recovered from a previously disturbed burial. An accompanying incense cup contained larger fragments of bone and charcoal. The bones in the latter were those of a child while the bones in the former could not be identified. The pit had been lined with stones. An axe hammer and mould were found a short distance away. The mould is of an unusual type while parallels for the axe hammer are presented. An 'apron' made from moss fibres was found close to a cairn.
Anniversary meeting
Authors: - -
Published: March 2023

Before the Anniversary meeting began the Chair announced that one of the candidates for Vice-President, Dr George Neilson, recently died. A brief obituary detailing his achievements was then read. After this statement, the usual business was conducted including the election of new Fellows and the presentation of a list of deceased Fellows. Other reports presented included:A report on the number of Fellows on the Society’s RollBrief obituaries for some of the Fellows who died in the previous yearA report on the progress of the Society’s forthcoming publicationsA report on the items added to the Society’s museum and library collections over the previous sessionA report on the Society’s excavations in ScotlandA note on the Rhind Lectures and the Chalmers-Jervise PrizeTreasurer then presented the Annual Report on the Society’s finances. Meeting notes for 10 December, 1923 are appended.
Meeting notes
Authors: - -
Published: March 2023

Meeting notes for 14 January 1924.
An Account of several Antiquities in Gairloch Parish, Ross-shire
Authors: Thomson William
Published: March 2023

The robbed dun at Creag an Fhamhair is described and illustrated. Stone walls, an entrance and an outer earthwork have been identified. The ruin at Obhair Latha, meaning " The Day's Work." consists of four columns of rude, strong masonry with apertures and was a defensive structure. The vitrified fort at Gairloch is said to have been used as a stronghold by the Macbeaths, and subsequently the M'Leods.
On Two Bronze Spoons from an Early Iron Age Grave near Burnmouth, Berwickshire
Authors: Craw James Hewat , Robinson Arthur
Published: March 2023

The grave was built with small boulders in two or three irregular courses with sandstone slabs as covers. The skeleton of a man lay on his right side with his legs slightly flexed. Between the hands and the skull lay, within a small area, an iron\r\nknife, two bronze spoons, the jaws and other bones of a young pig, several fragments of coal, and a small piece of wood, probably part of the handle of the knife. The spoons are rare and have not previously been found in Scotland. All known examples from Britain are described in detail. The detailed report on the skeleton focuses on morphology and metric measurements.
Dornoch Cathedral: the High Church of Caithness
Authors: Simpson W Douglas
Published: March 2023

The nineteenth-century restoration obliterated most of the ancient church whose construction commenced in the early thirteenth century. An architectural description is presented along with the limited documentary evidence available. Notable features include the sarcophagus of Sir Richard de Moravia.
Account of the Excavations on Traprain Law during the Summer of 1923
Authors: Cree James E
Published: March 2023

The results of a further season of excavation are summarised. Features included hearths, paved areas and stone foundations. The main focus of the article is on the artefacts of Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman date. The latter include brooches, pins, dress fasteners, glass and jet armlets and beads.
Short Stone Cist found in the Parish of Kinneff and Catterline, Kincardineshire
Authors: Reid R W , Fraser J R
Published: March 2023

The roof or covering of the cist was peculiar when compared with the coverings of similar cists found in Aberdeenshire, in that, instead of its being formed of one layer of stones, it consisted of many such stones arranged in three layers. One of the stones in the upper layer had carved markings on its underside. The cist contained a crouched adult male skeleton aged upwards of forty years, an incomplete urn and a quartzite implement. A detailed report on the skeleton is included.
Two Sculptured Stones recently found in Orkney
Authors: Marwick Hugh
Published: March 2023

A sculptured stone was found in the vicinity of a broch at Chapel Knowe. It has a very delicately incised human figure wearing a gown or cloak reaching below the knees, depicted in profile looking towards the left. A symbol stone from Greens, St Andrew's was discovered during drain digging. The symbols include a mirror, crescent and V-shaped rod.
The Pringles of Fountainhall and Soutra
Authors: Pringle Alexander
Published: March 2023

The Pringle family occupied Fountainhall for a period of fifty years and also owned Soutra. The derivation of the name is considered and a documentary history of the family is presented.
Roman Coins found in Scotland. II
Authors: Macdonald George
Published: March 2023

The article is intended as a supplement to the author's earlier work and presents a catalogue of new discoveries although these have no bearing on the general conclusions already published.
Account of the Discovery of a Cinerary Urn with other Relics, near Marchhouse, Muirkirk, and the Excavation of an Earth-house at Yardhouses, Carnwath
Authors: Fairbairn Archibald
Published: March 2023

The urn, on discovery by workmen, was in an inverted position, covering a large deposit of burnt bones, and containing as well a small urn of the incense-cup type, an unburnt bone pin polished and pointed at one end, a bronze awl pointed at one end and flattened at the other, and an unworked flake of chert. Detailed investigation revealed a second urn with burnt bone. Both had been buried within a cairn, now almost totally denuded. The stone-built earth-house comprised a single chamber and a passageway. The roof of the chamber had not survived. Pottery, charcoal and animal bone were recovered.
The Excavation of Coull Castle, Aberdeenshire
Authors: Simpson W Douglas
Published: March 2023

The castle, which was the seat of the Durwards is located next to the medieval church. A historical background with documentary records is presented. Erected comparatively early in the thirteenth century, the Castle of Coull belongs to the older type of stone fortress characterised by a single envelope and the presence of a donjon. The excavation is described in detail with many plans and illustrations. All of the surviving components of the castle have been revealed. The ruins are now in very poor condition. A detailed report on the pottery and other artefacts is included.
Preliminaries
Authors: - -
Published: March 2023

Front matter for Volume 58

Table of contents

List of illustrations

Laws of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

List of the Fellows November 1924

List of Corresponding members 1924

List of Honorary members November 1924

List of the Lady Associates November 1924

Societies, Institutions, &c., Exchanging publications
Battle Site in Gorten Bay, Kentra, Ardnamurchan
Authors: Lethbridge Thomas C
Published: March 2023

Gorten Bay is traditionally the site of two battles, one between the Scots and the Scandinavians and one 'later'. A variety of artefacts have been recovered including Viking clinch nails and glass, medieval weapons and a coin of Edward I. Later finds include a coin of Charles II and musket balls and these may hint at a third skirmish.
Some Old Scottish Dances
Authors: Carruthers A Stanley
Published: March 2023

An account of a notebook containing six or seven pages of instructions for dances. In this book there are also " Rules for pronouncing ye French." The date of the entries is uncertain but may be 18th-century. The instructions are reproduced in full.
The Architectural History of Bothwell Castle
Authors: Simpson W Douglas
Published: March 2023

The now ruined castle has a very complex architectural history and dates mainly, if not entirely, to the 13th and 14th century. There is very little surviving documentary evidence. Gilbert de Moravia, Bishop of Caithness from 1223 to 1245, who founded Kildrummy Castle, belonged to the same distinguished family that owned the Castle of Bothwell. Alike in their great size and in their architectural development, these two sister castles stand entirely apart from the native military structures of their time in Scotland. A summary historical and architectural survey is presented.
The Mutiny Stones, Berwickshire
Authors: Craw James Hewat
Published: March 2023

The long cairn was first excavated in 1871 and nothing of significance was revealed. The discovery of a wall in this excavation proves that the monument must be included in the category of the long cairns, which enclosed chambers of one sort or another.
Notes on (1) a Bronze Age Grave at Craigscorry, Beauly, Inverness-shire, and (2) Two Urns from Aberdeenshire
Authors: Callander J Graham
Published: March 2023

A skeleton was buried with a small, pointed bronze blade, two other small pieces of bronze, a barbed and stemmed arrow-head without its shaft, and a flint knife, the last two objects being calcined. The grave was cut into the natural rock and had a cover slab. The condition of the bone suggests that it had been partially burnt and may well have been a failed attempt at cremation. Brief accounts of a beaker from a cist at Elrick Hill, a Food Vessel and a socketed axe from Pitcaple are also presented.
Long Cairns and other Prehistoric Monuments in Aberdeenshire and Banffshire, and a Short cist at Bruceton, Alyth, Perthshire
Authors: Callander J Graham
Published: March 2023

A note on the topography of a variety of monuments including two long cairns, a standing stone, round cairns and hut circles. A short cist discovered at Bruceton contained the fragmented remains of an adult of uncertain sex. Other cists have been discovered in the vicinity over the years.
Notes on a Portrait at Abbotsford
Authors: Bell Walter Leonard
Published: March 2023

The 16th-century portrait is part of Sir Walter Scott's collection at Abbotsford. The subject, Sir Thomas Hervey, was one of the Herveys of Ickworth, Co. Suffolk, and was Knight Marshal to Queen Mary I of England, Mary Tudor. A coat of arms is also depicted. The Knight Marshal was an officer of the English Royal Household with the functions of a domestic magistrate '” a sort of Chief of Police.
Meeting notes
Authors: - -
Published: March 2023

Meeting notes for 11 May 1925.
Notes on Discoveries in St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall
Authors: Mooney John
Published: March 2023

Four skeletons buried in a row, heads to the west, were found in the choir between the two lines of pillars, right on the main axis of the church; and in one of the graves the upper portion of a crosier and what appears to be a chalice and paten were also found suggesting this was the grave of a bishop. An oak case containing human bones was found in one of the pillars and are supposed to be part of the skeleton of St Magnus. The report refers to earlier discoveries of human bone and considers whether they might be the remains of St Magnus and St Rognvald. The fact that the bones were hidden in pillars suggests they were moved at some point for safekeeping.
Recent Discoveries in Arran
Authors: Mann Ludovic McLellan
Published: March 2023

A round cairn with passage, central chamber, and ring of stones was excavated near Carmahome. The central circular chamber was well-constructed with flooring and walls formed of vertically set slabs. The chamber sat within a circle of originally ten uprights, all covered by the cairn. A flint knife was found below one of the floor slabs. Three fragments of bronze axe-heads of the flanged or early palstave type were found at Pirnmill during building work. The axe-heads are very similar, yet were made in different moulds. The little hoard was probably left by an itinerant founder; it was not a merchant's stock or a personal hoard. The axes were old before\r\nthey were deposited in the ground, as they have anciently been broken up into convenient fragments, perhaps for the crucible.
The Old-Celtic Inscribed and Sculptured Stone at Auquhollie, Kincardineshire, and Ogam in Scotland
Authors: Diack Francis C
Published: March 2023

The Lang Steen is a large unshaped monolith which bears an inscription in ogam and a double disc connected by a cross-bar. The inscription is interpreted as 'Avuo Anunao soothsayer of Dovenio'.
Excavation of a Chambered Cairn at Ham, Caithness, and of a Hut-Circle and Two Earth-Houses at Freswick Links, Caithness
Authors: Edwards Arthur J H
Published: March 2023

Excavation of a round cairn at Ham revealed a single chamber and an entranceway. The presence of only limpet shells and fish bones within the chamber suggested that it had been re-used as a habitation. A stone-built hut circle had an entrance, a paved floor and a possible hearth. Two earth-houses lay side by side and were of broadly similar form with two chambers and an entranceway. Limpet shells were found in both structures. The larger earth-house also contained the skull and mandible of a child, a saddle quern and rubber. A few sherds of pottery were found outside. One of the lintels in the chamber of an earth-house at Crichton Mains has the carved figure of a pegasus or winged horse.
Notes on Five Documents relating to the Lands of Feoroule in Roxburghshire, dating from 1453 to 1542
Authors: Douglas William
Published: March 2023

Five documents relating to land conveyancing were found among a number of charters relating to the extinct barony of Cleish. They appear in full translation and comprise a Letter of Reversion dated 1453, two notarial copies of an Instrument of Resignation dated 1499, a gift of Reversion dated 1541 and a crown letter dated 1542.
Preliminaries
Authors: - -
Published: March 2023

Front matter for Volume 59

Table of contents

List of illustrations

Laws of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

List of the Fellows November 1925

List of Corresponding members 1925

List of Honorary members November 1925

List of the Lady Associates November 1925

Societies, Institutions, &c., Exchanging publications
The Development of Balvenie Castle
Authors: Simpson W Douglas
Published: March 2023

The ruined castle at Balvenie occupied a position of tactical and strategic importance. The article describes construction phases in the 13th, 15th and 16th centuries demonstrating that the castle evolved from a primitive and purely military castle of enciente into a fortified residence.
Excavation of a number of Graves in a Mound at Ackergill, Caithness
Authors: Edwards Arthur J H , Bryce Thomas H
Published: March 2023

A number of stone-built long cists within a long mound were excavated. Graves 1-4 were contained within square or nearly square settings of stone, in the form of a kerb, either built, or composed. of slabs set on edge. The burials were made in cists, and the cists were surrounded and covered with boulders and stones, with a top layer of white quartzite pebbles covering all. Each cist contained a single individual, although in the same enclosure there might be one or more cists.\r\nIn graves 5 and 6 the outer construction and shape differ. In each case the inner receptacle for the burials consisted of a sub-oval stone-lined chamber or large built cist, in which there were two or more burials, but the external form of the monument might be either rectangular or circular. The only artefact was a bronze chain around the neck of one of the individuals. There is evidence to suggest that burial took place over an extended period.
Domestic Candlesticks from the Fourteenth to the end of the Eighteenth Century
Authors: Curle Alexander O
Published: March 2023

A review of the development of the domestic candlestick starting in the fourteenth century when the socket candlestick seems first to make its appearance in Europe. The article draws on material from Scotland, England, France and Holland.
The Excavation of a Prehistoric and Mediaeval Site near Blackside, Muirkirk, Ayrshire
Authors: Fairbairn Archibald
Published: March 2023

Evidence of Bronze Age occupation was recovered in the form of pottery, charcoal and heat-cracked stones. A saddle quern and part of a jet armlet are likely to be of Iron Age date. Mediaeval activity comprised a substantial earthwork which probably functioned as a sheep-fold. A post-medieval silver button and a brass shoe-buckle were also recovered.
Notice of (1) Certain Bronze Implements from Dumfriesshire; and (2) a Symbol Stone from East Lomond Hill, Fife, recently presented to the National Museum
Authors: Corrie John M
Published: March 2023

A hoard from Greyfriars Church comprised four axes and two spearheads. Only three axes survive although there are plaster casts of all the objects in the National Museum. An axe from Dunscore and an axe and spearhead from Springfield Hill are also reported. A small slab discovered in East Lomond depicts a bull in a pecked design.
An Early Orkney Castle
Authors: Clouston J Storer
Published: March 2023

Report on excavation of a Viking fortified residence which comprised a primitive 'keep' with at least two buildings in the courtyard which were identified as a drinking hall and a bathroom. Much of the stonework had been robbed out and only one or two courses survived. It stands at the end of Gernaness peninsula.
Discovery of Stone Cists at Stenness, Orkney
Authors: Marwick James G
Published: March 2023

A group of six stone-built cists was discovered during ploughing. Three contained unburnt human bone at the west end and a water worn stone at the east end. Two were empty while the sixth cist, which lay at a depth of five feet below the others, contained only ashes. A flat triangular stone was found adjacent to one of the large cists and was found to be incised. The markings consist of eight bands of lattice patterns between single marginal lines cut across the edge of the stone.
Culross Abbey and its Charters, with Notes on a Fifteenth-century Transumpt
Authors: Douglas William
Published: March 2023

The foundation of the Abbey of Culross is dated to 1217 in a charter granted by Malcolm, Earl of Fife. The presence of three Celtic stones in the churchyard and links to the legends of St Serf and St Kentigern hint at the presence of an earlier church on the site. The discovery of a fifteenth-century transumpt or copy prompted the translation of many earlier charters contained therein. Later documents include a monks' charter of 1568.
Preliminaries
Authors: - -
Published: March 2023

Front matter for Volume 60

[The publication year is identified as 1927 in the printed text – likely a misprint.]

Table of contents

List of illustrations

Laws of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

List of the Fellows November 1926

List of Corresponding members 1926

List of Honorary members November 1926

List of the Lady Associates November 1926

Societies, Institutions, &c., Exchanging publications
Anniversary meeting
Authors: - -
Published: March 2023

The usual business of the meeting was conducted including the election of new Fellows and the presentation of a list of deceased Fellows. Other reports presented included:A report on the number of Fellows on the Society’s RollBrief obituaries for some of the Fellows who died in the previous yearA report on the progress of the Society’s forthcoming publicationsA report on the items added to the Society’s museum and library collections over the previous sessionA report on the Society’s excavations in ScotlandA note on the Rhind Lectures and the Chalmers-Jervise PrizeTreasurer then presented the Annual Report on the Society’s finances. Meeting notes for 13 December, 1926 are appended.
Notes on Flint and other Implements found near Selkirk
Authors: Mason J B
Published: March 2023

Finds from Lauriston Scaurs include arrowheads, scrapers, cores, fragments of mediaeval pottery, a silver penny of Henry III, two lead whorls, several seventeenth-century coins in poor condition, some gun flints, and an elfin pipe-head of a very early type. At South Common Farm a knife, a scraper, two barbed arrow-heads, flakes, cores, scrapers, two pigmy implements and part of a jet armlet were recovered. Finds from the farms at Smedheugh, Greenhead, Greenhill and Whitelaw comprise a similar range of flint tools and jet armlet fragments. Pitchstone was present at all the locations.
Preliminary Report on Caves containing Palaeolithic Relics, near Inchnadamph, Sutherland
Authors: Callander J Graham , Cree James E , Ritchie James
Published: March 2023

Excavation revealed a deposit of reindeer antlers representing more than 400 individual deer. Some antler was worked. Bones of the cave bear and the Arctic Fox were also recovered. More recent activity was represented by two human skeletons, an awl and a pin.
Meeting notes
Authors: - -
Published: March 2023

Meeting notes for 14 March 1927.
Excavation of Graves at Ackergill and of an Earth-house at Freswick Links, Caithness, and a Description of the Discovery of a Viking Grave at Reay, Caithness
Authors: Edwards Arthur J H , Bryce Thomas H
Published: March 2023

Further excavation at Ackergill near Wick revealed a further five long cists containing extended burials. Three of the cists were located within kerbed four-sided enclosures beneath a single mound. A smaller adjacent mound sealed the other two cists. The stone-built earth-house consisted of two curvilinear chambers and a passageway. A layer of clay covered the floor and parts of the walls. A midden located nearby included pottery sherds, animal and fish bones. The grave at Reay contained an extended male skeleton buried with an iron axe, shield boss, sickle, bronze ring-headed pin and a whetstone.
Meeting notes
Authors: - -
Published: March 2023

Meeting notes for 11 April 1927.
A Symbol Stone from Fiscavaig, Skye; an Early Iron Age Hoard from Crichie, Aberdeenshire; and Cinerary Urns from Seamill, West Kilbride, Ayrshire
Authors: Callander J Graham
Published: March 2023

A carved stone found on the beach at Fiscavaig was decorated with a spectacle ornament, a Z-shaped rod and a V-shaped rod, both with floriated ends, and a crescent symbol. These symbols are only found in Scotland. A hoard found near Crichie comprised a bronze terret, a bronze ferrule for the butt of a spearhead, three complete pin heads of shale and part of a fourth. A group of five urns from Seamill found at different times are thought to have been part of a cemetery. Four contained cremated bone and one was buried within a small stone cist. Some of the bones from a single urn were stained green.
Note on a Stone Circle at Melgum Lodge, near Tarland, Aberdeenshire
Authors: Simpson W Douglas
Published: March 2023

A small stone circle comprises six surviving stones, two of which have been disturbed. The tallest stone measures only three and a half feet from the existing ground surface.
A Stone Cist and its Contents found at Piekie Farm, near Boarhills, Fife
Authors: Waterston David
Published: March 2023

An east-west aligned stone cist contained the remains of a partially disarticulated adult male skeleton aged 50-60 years. A white quartz pebble was associated. The skeleton exhibited an ante-mortem injury to the pelvis and left femur, chronic infection and peri-mortem trauma to the skull and the spine.
Notice of a Bronze Sword and Socketed Axe, believed to be Part of a Hoard found when Digging the Foundations of Houses in Grosvenor Crescent, Edinburgh, about the year 1869
Authors: Cree James E
Published: March 2023

A bronze sword purchased by the author is believed to be one of a group of 14 or 15 which formed a hoard discovered in the 19th century. The provenance of the socketed axe is unknown.
Corgarff Castle, Aberdeenshire
Authors: Simpson W Douglas
Published: March 2023

Corgarff Castle began as a rubble-built tower in the 16th century and was extensively remodelled after the Jacobite Rebellion. The author presents a detailed architectural account based on a survey of the remains and earlier plans. A detailed historical account highlights the confusion in some documentary sources between Corgarff and Towie Castles.