Upper Palaeolithic evidence from Kilmelfort Cave, Argyll: a re-evaluation of the lithic assemblage

Abstract

An assemblage of flint and quartz artefacts recovered during the destruction of Kilmelfort Cave,
\nArgyll, in 1956, was initially attributed to the Mesolithic period. In this paper the assemblage is reanalysed
\nand the conclusion that it represents the residue of human occupation at the site during
\nthe Late Glacial Interstadial is reached. Typological considerations indicate the assemblage is
\nof Curve-Backed Point Group (Federmessergruppen) affiliation and likely to date to the 12th
\nmillennium 14C yr bp. Significantly, the evidence from Kilmelfort provides the first substantive
\nindication of the presence of Late Upper Palaeolithic hunters in Scotland.