Possible Mesolithic activity in the west of Arran: evidence from peat deposits

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Abstract
Summary Pollen and charcoal analyses of peat cores from Machrie Moor in the west of Arran are presented. These reveal evidence for disturbance and burning of the vegetation during the Mesolithic period at a level radiocarbon dated to 8665±155bp (GU–1427). The nature of the fires and their possible sources, either natural or anthropogenic, are discussed in the light of data from other Scottish sites of this period. The conclusion drawn is that the fires were most probably of human origin and that Arran supported a Mesolithic population for which the archaeological evidence remains to be discovered.

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