Why build in a Scottish firth? An assessment of the topographic and environmental conditions that were prevalent for the building of a marine crannog in north-east Scotland

Two groups of marine crannogs, situated in intertidal environments, have provided evidence of the occupation of former shorelines in the latter part of the 1st millennium BC. This paper outlines the approach used to assess the archaeological and palaeoenvironmental potential of one such site. By applying survey, archaeological and palaeoenvironmental sampling and analysis techniques, the chosen example is investigated. Results from the investigations indicate that conditions have altered since the crannog was built and occupied, and the remaining deposits provide evidence of some of the conditions prevalent before and during the building phases and the subsequent environmental changes.