Mountcastle Quarry, Letham, Fife

Headland Archaeology Ltd was commissioned to monitor topsoil stripping for an extension to Mountcastle sand and gravel quarry, on behalf of Hanson PLC. Key to the success of this phase of work was a proactive response that allowed the client to continue with extraction.

Two prehistoric features were identified, a circular pit containing a complete late Neolithic Grooved Ware vessel, and a penannular ring-ditch c. 7 m wide. The ring-ditch could date to between the late Bronze Age and Early Historic period.

With full consultation with the planning archaeologist, the fieldwork was quickly completed and Headland is proceeding apace with the academic publication that will clear the final outstanding planning condition.