'Whole prehistory of Fife' found in one field, experts say

Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of around 10,000 years of human activity at a site in Guardbridge near St Andrews. Excavations between 2017 and 2021 revealed a Mesolithic hunter‑gatherer campsite, pits with burnt cereal grains from early Neolithic farmers, Bronze Age sword moulds, and wool‑weaving tools.

Radiocarbon dating of a fire pit places Mesolithic activity around 4320–4051 BC, suggesting a small group camped to hunt and fish by the estuary. The earliest finds were flint tools from 10,000 BC.

The dig, directed by Maureen Kilpatrick, shows continuous human presence in the area and provides a detailed record of Fife’s prehistoric past.