Two Iron Age duns in western Scotland

This report discusses the excavation of two stone-walled duns situated in North Knapdale, Argyll and Bute, led by Kilmartin Museum. Substantial areas both sites were excavated, providing a good stratigraphic record development structures. Both proved to be multiphase, six radiocarbon dates established fairly restricted period occupation for last centuries 1st millennium BC first AD. These are important contributions an ongoing debate on chronology forts as there so few reliable this class monument. At Barnluasgan oval structure enclosing craggy knoll was replaced smaller circular one. Balure, contrast, primary had series successive enclosures added. structures internal post holes hearths, suggesting they roofed ‘dun-houses’. No intramural features seen, but median wall faces present. Artefacts sparse, is usual period, included unusual decorated rotary quern, rare glass toggles. There detailed reports artefacts palaeobotanical remains. The landscape context explored, discussion places relation debates classification Atlantic Scotland.