The Mesolithic in Scotland: East meets West

• DOI: 10.3366/saj.2002.24.2.101
• Publication Date: 2010-09-15T08:34:36Z
• Authors: NYREE FINLAY; GRAEME WARREN; CAROLINE WICKHAM-...
• Keywords: 0601 history and archaeology; 06 humanities and the arts

This paper reviews recent trends and developments in the study of the Mesolithic period in Scotland and places them in their historical context. The last decade has witnessed a flourishing of research activity, not just in terms of discovery and excavation, but also artefact studies, dating programmes, and other types of research. The contribution of development-led projects is challenging traditional interpretations that have relied heavily on the evidence from the maritime west. These and other major issues such as chronology, subsistence strategies and archaeological signatures are reviewed and some future research priorities are suggested.