A first season of fieldwork has taken place in the Kilmartin, Kilmichael Glassary, and North Knapdale parishes led by Heather F. James from Glasgow University Archaeology Department. As part of her research she is looking into the possible medieval origins of the deserted settlements in this area of Argyll. A number of sites have been described, photographed, measured, and any structures not shown on the 1st edition OS maps were located by GPS. Historic maps and documentary evidence were investigated for information relating to the origin and development of these settlements.

A second season of topographic survey will resume in February 2004 with some small scale excavation taking place at Easter 2004.

This research project is funded by Historic Scotland and the Forestry Commission.

Contact: h.james@archaeology.gla.ac.uk