
Large neolithic farmers' hall unearthed in Carnoustie
Archaeologists said stone tools were also discovered carefully deposited at the site, which they said offered "tantalising traces" of the hall's role in the local community's beliefs and rituals.Among the tools were items made from rocks found in other parts of Scotland, suggesting the building attracted visitors from further afield.The finds included fragments of Arran pitchstone and smoky quartz from the Highlands.
Beverley Ballin Smith, one of the co-authors of a new report on the discovery, said: "It was fully formed, architecturally sophisticated, large, complex and required skills of design, planning, execution and carpentry."A smaller hall, measuring 20m (66ft) by 8m (26ft), was found to have been built next to the large one.Archaeologists said in the smaller hall there was a hearth with the charred remains of cereal grains and hazel nutshells.They said these were signs of "feasting and celebrating".Angus Council commissioned the dig at the site of new pitches near Carnoustie High School.
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The Independent
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