The questions below apply specifically to the medieval period in the Highlands. Some research questions in the Land and Environment section 3.9 may also apply to this period.
Many research questions from the original National ScARF and other regional research frameworks are also relevant and applicable in the Highlands. These will soon be all be searchable and available all together through our our new digital platform facility.
Environment
HARF Qu 9.1: What was the impact of the Little Ice Age?
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The impact of the Little Ice Age should be examined at different areas in the Highlands.Status:
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01/09/2021Date of next review:
01/09/2024Found in the following Frameworks:
The Scottish Archaeological Research FrameworkHARF Qu 9.2: What areas had woodlands in the medieval period and what was growing?
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Woodland cover should be mapped. There is great variety in the Highlands during this period, with some areas mainly treeless, but others able to source large timber.Status:
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01/09/2021Date of next review:
01/09/2024Found in the following Frameworks:
The Scottish Archaeological Research FrameworkSettlements
HARF Qu 9.10: What was the nature of shielings in different areas of the Highlands?
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The nature, dating and construction of shielings should be explored, for different areas of the Highlands.Status:
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01/09/2021Date of next review:
01/09/2024Found in the following Frameworks:
The Scottish Archaeological Research FrameworkHARF Qu 9.3: Where were the rural settlments?
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The search for rural settlements and building traditions remains a key issue (see National ScARF and Argyll recommendations). Areas with documentary evidence (admittedly sparse) provide one focus. Building on landscape survey already carried out, further landscape survey work with documentary evidence provide one focus for research. Intensive survey, geophysics and test-pits to assess soils, stratigraphy and the range of dating on sites with potential Medieval occupation, followed by large scale excavation are needed.Status:
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01/09/2021Date of next review:
01/09/2024Found in the following Frameworks:
The Scottish Archaeological Research FrameworkHARF Qu 9.4: What were the building traditions in different areas of the Highland region?
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The search for rural settlements and building traditions remains a key issue (see National ScARF and Argyll recommendations). Areas with documentary evidence (admittedly sparse) provide one focus. Building on landscape survey already carried out, further landscape survey work with documentary evidence provide one focus for research. Intensive survey, geophysics and test-pits to assess soils, stratigraphy and the range of dating on sites with potential Medieval occupation, followed by large scale excavation are needed.Status:
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01/09/2021Date of next review:
01/09/2024Found in the following Frameworks:
The Scottish Archaeological Research FrameworkHARF Qu 9.5: Can we distinguish between house styles in the different political areas of the Highlands at an elite and poorer level?
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01/09/2021Date of next review:
01/09/2024Found in the following Frameworks:
The Scottish Archaeological Research FrameworkHARF Qu 9.6: Do houses in the early part of the period in the Norse areas resemble those from the Northern Isles?
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01/09/2024Found in the following Frameworks:
The Scottish Archaeological Research FrameworkHARF Qu 9.7: How were caves used during the medieval period?
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Further investigation of activity in caves would be warranted, given the fact we now know of Medieval occupation on east and west coasts. The Rosemarkie Caves project is providing good information for the east. This should be matched now by projects in the west, building on identification by the Scotlands First Settlers project.Status:
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01/09/2021Date of next review:
01/09/2024Found in the following Frameworks:
The Scottish Archaeological Research FrameworkHARF Qu 9.9: What were the roots of the emerging burghs such as Dingwall, Inverness and Dornoch?
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The archaeology of Dingwall could be further explored, to try and determine its Norse and Scots roots. The Medieval site of Dornoch also has great potential, with a wealth of metal detected finds and its religious significance. All burgh sites can be compared to the evidence emerging from Cromarty. A great deal of information about Medieval Inverness is available, as well as areas outside the burgh ditch; these should be pulled together. Taken as a whole, these then would give an idea of the urban life in the southern Highlands.Status:
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01/09/2021Date of next review:
01/09/2024Found in the following Frameworks:
The Scottish Archaeological Research FrameworkDaily Life
HARF Qu 9.8: Does artefactual evidence show different material culture in the areas of Lordship of the Isles?
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Further investigations of castles, with attention towards different characteristics in different areas of the Highlands is needed. Those most at risk should be prioritised. Analysis of artefactual evidence is needed, including pulling together finds from Urquhart Castle.Status:
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01/09/2021Date of next review:
01/09/2024Found in the following Frameworks:
The Scottish Archaeological Research FrameworkReligion and Ritual
HARF Qu 9.11: Who is being buried at chapels as opposed to parish churches?
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01/09/2024Found in the following Frameworks:
The Scottish Archaeological Research FrameworkHARF Qu 9.12: Are there local or regional styles of gravemarkers?
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Investigation of Medieval gravemarkers: what survives? are there local or regional styles?Status:
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01/09/2021Date of next review:
01/09/2024Found in the following Frameworks:
The Scottish Archaeological Research FrameworkHARF Qu 9.13: What are the dates of holy wells, how long did they last and how were they used?
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01/09/2021Date of next review:
01/09/2024Found in the following Frameworks:
The Scottish Archaeological Research FrameworkCraft and Industry
HARF Qu 9.14: Can grass-tempered ceramic wares be localised and dated further?
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Further analysis of grass-tempered ceramics is needed to provide good dated contexts. Can these wares be localised further? Comparisons with the Northern and Western Isles pottery can also then be made.Status:
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01/09/2021Date of next review:
01/09/2024Found in the following Frameworks:
The Scottish Archaeological Research FrameworkTransport and Mobility
HARF Qu 9.15: What was the mobility of individuals and populations?
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More isotope analysis on human remains will provide evidence to put the Portmahomack studies in context. Is there similar mobility indicated?Status:
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01/09/2021Date of next review:
01/09/2024Found in the following Frameworks:
The Scottish Archaeological Research FrameworkAre there research recommendations that you think are missing?
Why not add your comment below which will be flagged to ScARF (or get in touch with ScARF directly) and new questions will be considered for addition at the next revision.