Landscapes of production: exploring the palaeoenvironmental context of stone tool quarrying, manufacture, use and deposition on neolithic Shetland

Abstract

This thesis uses high-resolution analysis of pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs and microscopic charcoal to investigate vegetation dynamics and human–environment interactions in Neolithic Shetland, across three sites in Northmavine and west Mainland. The research addresses key questions concerning spatial and temporal variations in vegetation cover, the character of landscape changes associated with known archaeological activity, in particular, the quarrying and use of riebeckite felsite, and the timing and extent of these human modifications.

Riebeckite felsite was important in Shetland from the start of the Neolithic, but little was known about the landscape of north-west Mainland where this material was quarried. This study presents pollen analytical data from sediment cores taken from the Burn of Oxensetter, close to the felsite quarry landscape in Northmavine, and from Mooshie Field in north-west Mainland, near to the archaeological site at Modesty where, in 1895, a hoard of polished felsite artefacts was recovered from a structure that was subsequently dated to the early Neolithic. An additional sediment core has been analysed from the Neolithic to Bronze Age settlement site of Scord of Brouster, with a view to improving the chronology for human–landscape interactions at this key site. Results demonstrated considerable spatial variability in vegetation across Shetland. West Mainland exhibited more extensive tree cover compared to other regions, with extensive open birch–hazel woodlands. At the Burn of Oxensetter, evidence suggests early Neolithic clearance of willow carr, potentially to facilitate pastoral agriculture and access to the nearby felsite quarries. Anthropogenic impacts were detected from approximately 3770 cal BC, characterized by intensive grazing and woodland modifications. At Scord of Brouster, woodland clearance began around 3170 cal BC, contemporary with the first phase of archaeologically identified settlement. At Mooshie Field, despite the proximity of radiocarbon dated Neolithic archaeological activity, vegetation impacts during this period were minor. The study reveals complex patterns of landscape modification during the Neolithic period that have implications for our understanding of prehistoric settlement strategies, providing evidence for diversified land-use practices, varying intensity of pastoral agriculture and the management and conservation of scarce woodland resources.

Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2027.

Date of Award	Jul 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	QUADRAT Doctoral Training Programme
Supervisor	William Megarry (Supervisor) & Gill Plunkett (Supervisor)