Archaeo-ichthyological Evidence for Long-term Socioeconomic Trends in Northern Scotland: 3500 BC to AD 1500

Abstract The north-east mainland of Scotland and the archipelagos Orkney and Shetland formed a distinct geographical and cultural region throughout the Holocene. Synthesis of over 40 archaeo-ichthyological assemblages dating from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages reveals long-term patterns of marine resource exploitation. Some deep-water fishing may have occurred in the earliest periods, but littoral taxa were of considerable importance until the end of the Iron Age. The Iron Age/Viking Age transition was marked by increased exploitation of large cod family fishes, probably caught from boats with hand lines. This change could imply a substantial migration of Norse primary producers in addition to Norse elite dominance of the Iron Age population. Cod fishing may have intensified in the Middle Ages—possibly to fuel an export trade in dried fish. The size of Mediaeval fish assemblages is greater and butchery patterns are consistent with the production of dried products. However, comparable procedures of recovery and analysis would improve interpretation of these patterns. Recommendations are offered to enhance the effectiveness of future zooarchaeological syntheses.