Balbridie is the site of a Neolithic timber-house in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, situated in the south Deeside near the B9077 road. This archaeological site is one of the earliest permanent neolithic settlements in Scotland dating to 3400 to 4000 BC. In a European context, Whittle has indicated the rarity of such large Neolithic timber houses, citing Balbridie, a hall in Cambridgeshire and Fengate as a small set of such finds. The site is situated in the Deeside to the north of the Durris Forest. Historical structures in this local area include Crathes Castle, Maryculter House, Netherley House and Muchalls Castle.

Discovery

The Balbridie site was not discovered until the year 1976 when aerial photography revealed cropmarks suggesting a very large structure in an otherwise agricultural area. Subsequent archaeological work on site allowed the conceptual reconstruction of an enormous timber structure including the identification of large timber postholes.

Relationship to other very early features

The vicinity of Balbridie includes a number of other notable archaeological features including the Neolithic site of Bucharn. Watt has pointed out that this local area attracted an unusual density of very early settlement in Scotland, possibly being the earliest area of permanent settlement in that country. Balbridie is not only close to the River Dee but also to the Elsick Mounth trackway; this ancient route was used by the Romans in their northern movement through Scotland, specifically connecting Raedykes to Normandykes Roman Camps.

See also

• Coy Burn

References