Reassessing Neolithic Diets in Western Scotland

Although marine resources are known to have been exploited by both foragers and early farmers in Scotland, the importance of seafood diets Neolithic groups has widely debated. Here we present paired stable isotope (δ13C δ15N) radiocarbon measurements on Early human remains from Raschoille Cave Oban. These compared with published data for other sites western Scotland used re-evaluate use first farmers. The Late Mesolithic were modelled using Linear Bayesian (FRUITS) mixing models. Our FRUITS dietary models indicate that obtained much their protein calories resources, consistent predominance shellfish, fish sea mammal shell middens. Of note is large proportion plant foods, which like farming groups. appear relatively homogeneous across Scotland. Plant foods primary source calories. Meat and/or dairy terrestrial mammals most important protein. Marine were, at most, a minor component ‘lifetime’ diet.