Uncovering the hidden history of Higgin's Neuk : an archaeological documentary and environmental investigation of a palimpsest landscape

Abstract

As part of the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative, an archaeological project was undertaken at the site of Higgins Neuk, adjacent to the south approach of the Clackmannanshire Bridge, at the mouth of the Pow Burn. The primary objective of the work was to test the hypothesis that this was the site of the royal dockyards built by James IV for the maintenance and fitting out of the ships of his navy during the Anglo-Scots wars, as suggested by historical research. Further, the project also aimed to characterise the industrial and maritime archaeology of this small area which is nevertheless broadly representative of the wider Inner Forth landscape and the history of human interaction with the river, exploitation of its resources and management of the environment. Features on the site include a mill and waterfront infrastructure associated with a ferry crossing. Techniques employed included coring, geophysics, metal detecting, topographic survey and excavation and all aspects of the work involved volunteers from the local community and further afield.