Saint Columba’s Cave
Excavation
M.E.M. Donaldson, 1930; M. Campbell, 1959; AOC Archaeology, 2023.
Curation
?
Burials
MNI: 14+
Finds
Flint and quartz artefacts, pottery (Early Neolithic, Bronze Age, Early Iron Age, Roman, Medieval and Post-Medieval), bone and antler artefacts, animal bones.
Dates
| Period | Reliability |
|---|---|
| Bronze Age | 14C date obtained directly on human remains |
14C
2468 – 2304 cal. BC on human bone
External References
Bibliography
AOC Archaeology (2024) St Columba’s Cave. In Situ
Campbell, M. (1959-76) St Columba’s Cave, Ellary. Discovery and Excavation in Scotland 1959:7; 1962:7; 1973:11; 1975:16; 1976:18.
Campbell, M. & Sandeman, M. (1964) Mid Argyll: an archaeological survey. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 95: 1-125.
Campbell, M. & Young, C. J. (1973) St Columba’s Cave. The Kist 3-12.
Teufel, L. (2023) St Columba’s Cave (SM13367), Knapdale. Photogrammetric survey and excavation. Discovery and Excavation in Scotland 24: 34-35.
Tolan-Smith, C. (2001) The Caves of Mid Argyll: an Archaeology of Human Use. SAS Monograph Series 20. Edinburgh.
Article Author Graham Mullan