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A ‘rare’ ancient chariot wheel was discovered in Scotland alongside another 3500-year-old item

A prehistoric iron chariot-wheel tyre has been unearthed at the site of a new golf course
A prehistoric iron chariot-wheel tyre has been unearthed at the site of a new golf course(Image: PA)

Archaeologists have unearthed a prehistoric chariot wheel ahead of construction on a new golf course in the Scottish Highlands.

The “rare” wheel was one of several discoveries found at the site of a new championship golf course near Inverness, Scotland.

The excavations, conducted by Avon Archaeology Highland, also uncovered a 3,500-year-old Bronze Age cremation urn, flint tools, quern stones and remnants of Neolithic wooden buildings.

Archaeologists have said the discoveries “paint a picture of ancient life in the Highlands, from ceremonial practices to agricultural innovation.”

A medieval corn-dryer unearthed at the Old Petty Championship Golf Course site
A medieval corn-dryer unearthed at the Old Petty Championship Golf Course site(Image: PA)

The findings were made at the site of the upcoming Old Petty Championship Golf Course at Cabot Highlands. Stuart McColm, Vice-President of Golf Development, Cabot, said: “This has been a remarkable journey from pre-historic times to the present, right here on our doorstep.

“It’s humbling to think that our new championship course, Old Petty, will rest on such historically rich ground. We’re proud to preserve this heritage while creating a world-class golf experience.”

A Bronze Age Cordoned Urn, before reconstruction, also unearthed at the archaeological site
A Bronze Age Cordoned Urn, before reconstruction, also unearthed at the archaeological site(Image: PA)

Efforts have been made to ensure the preservation of key features, in keeping with Scottish archaeological best practice. This includes the prehistoric ceremonial circle, which has been carefully reburied.

Andy Young, Principal Archaeologist at Avon Archaeology Highland, praised the collaboration: “The partnership with Cabot Highlands has been exemplary. Their commitment to preserving the past while shaping the future is a model for responsible development.”

Iron Age quern stones were among the artefacts unearthed at the golf site
Iron Age quern stones were among the artefacts unearthed at the golf site(Image: PA)

Young added: “Always happy to see new archaeology emerge from the ground but some of the discoveries we have made, particularly relating to early Neolithic settlement and later prehistoric ceremonial/funerary activity, are properly exceptional.”

Asked which part of the discovery he believes is most important, he said: “Depends somewhat on your particular heritage interests, but I guess the discovery of the ceremonial/funerary prehistoric palisade circle, inside of which was a cremation pit containing the remains of a chariot wheel – not all the chariots were in East Yorkshire, it seems.”

An Iron Age roundhouse enclosure uncovered at Cabot, near Inverness
An Iron Age roundhouse enclosure uncovered at Cabot, near Inverness(Image: PA)

The findings will be documented in detail in 2025 after the items are radiocarbon dated.

Published: 2025-04-24 16:38:14 | Author: [email protected] (Bethan Finighan) | Source: MEN – News
Link: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Tags: #Archaeology #breakthrough #rare #prehistoric #chariot #wheel #unearthed #golf #site

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