Our Bronze Age ancestors may have been cutting down pine trees that were more than 300 years old, according to archaeologists who have examined tree stumps uncovered during construction of Kilbraur wind farm near Golspie in Sutherland.  

The ancient stumps, which appeared to have been cut with tools, were discovered in sections of peat being moved in preparation for the construction of the wind farm opened late last year.  They were carefully removed from the site by Headland Archaeology whose in-house specialists have been able to establish their age and what had happened to them.  

Now after months of extensive examination and scientific analysis, the archaeologists are set to unveil their findings at the Highland Archaeology Conference later this year and the stumps look like they will find a home at the Museum of Edinburgh.

Analysis carried out by Headland suggests the tool marks on two different pine stumps were cut by metal axes of probable Bronze Age date. Further analysis of the stumps shows that the trees were of a great age when they were cut or died, with one being 343 years old.

The archaeologists have been able to build up a picture of the environment in which the pine trees were growing and how this has changed over the years, using pollen and plant data.  These show that over a period of approximately 5,000 years the landscape changed from boggy land fringed by woodland, through to pine woodland on heathland and finally to open heathland.

Willie Heller, Chief Executive of Falck Renewables, said: “We take our commitments as a developer very seriously, and work hard to protect the environment when we are building a wind farm.  Part of this responsibility is to ensure we protect any archaeological finds.  

“We and our consultants at Headland Archaeology worked closely with the Highland Council to ensure the impact of the wind farm on the archaeology has been kept to a minimum.  It’s interesting that it seems this site was also used by our ancestors as a source of energy.  They may well have been cutting wood for cooking or heating their homes and we are now harnessing the wind for the same purpose.”

 Dr Christopher Lowe, Operations Manager at Headland Archaeology, said, “This was a fascinating discovery which has given an important insight into how the local landscape has changed.  In recognition of the importance of these findings they will be presented to the Highland Archaeology Conference this year.

“Headland is pleased to have been able to work alongside Falck Renewables on this important project and would very much like to acknowledge their sensitive approach in dealing with archaeological issues, during both the design and construction phases of the project.”