The excavation of a late Neolithic henge-type enclosure at Balfarg, Markinch, Fife, Scotland, 1977-78

The earthwork enclosure of henge type at Balfarg, Fife has standing within it two orthostats and has been recognised by means of aerial photography since 1947. The site was totally excavated in advance of projected housing construction in 1977 and 1978. The excavation revealed clear evidence for the existence of a main timber circle, 25 m in diameter, set concentrically to the enclosure ditch. This timber circle was associated with a substantial assemblage of grooved ware as well as other material. There is some evidence to suggest that five other concentric timber circles exist on the site which, where any evidence survives, would appear to be palisade-type structures. Massive natural erosion and agricultural damage to the site has also meant that the precise plan of stone settings on the site will never be known but there is evidence to suggest that two stone circles have existed on the site one outwith the other with the western entrance to the site marked by a single portal stone. There is some evidence to suggest that the stone settings are later than the timber structures. Close to the centre of the monument a slab covered pit concealed an inhumation of a young adult accompanied by a handled beaker.