Initial Survey
Although survey due to begin on 7 April 2008, work actually began two days earlier on 5 April. The weather forecast was for cold winds and perhaps snow from the north. At the time of writing this, however, the morning was bright and clear - a good omen. Wrong!
We experienced horizontal sleet, snow and rain during our 2 weeks of survey work. However, working to a tight timescale determined by the period of hire of the geophysical equipment, we had no choice to brave the elements. Happily, there were a few bright, warm periods too which, when accompanied by birdsong from above, reminded us that this really was Springtime.
The land covered by the surveys included the Butcher’s Field, targeted areas of the Glebe Field and a 20 metre strip of the eastmost part of Craigielaw Golf Club. See location map below.
The surveys involved the use of both a gradiometer and a magnetometer. Using the gradiometer was simple enough; it was the endless movement involved in setting down and moving grid lines and the remote probes, which numbed the brain and lead to so many recording errors!
The report of the survey is still awaited but photographs will be posted here shortly.
In the meantime, the report from the University of Stirling on their historical research element of the project has been received. It may be read here.
Second Survey Period
Survey work is due to commence again on 26 June and with two early mornings of Ground Penetrating Radar work on the land above the legendary “Smugglers’ Cave”. The cave is located within a area of land scheduled by Historic Scotland. The background to its scheduling lies in the three concentric crop mark rings which appear like magic in aerial photographs of the site. In the absence of any other logical reasons why the cave should be so elaborately constructed, we believe that it is an extensive souterrain (underground passage or storage area) built by the iron age dwellers of the cave above.
Work will also start on trench excavation of the medieval harbour quay. This survey period will end on 7 July. Any persons wishing to volunteer should contact us here, or via 01875 870075 or 0131 244 4929.