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The Society of Neolithic Scotland

© Matthew White

At the same time that work was being carried out on the stone monuments and henges, life for the Neolithic people was changing. Their previous existence had been that of a hunter-gatherer society but gradually the new idea of farming spread and seems to have been extensive by about 3750 BC. At this time, Scotland was heavily wooded but not completely covered by forest. There were sizeable natural clearings around lochs and rivers, which would have provided good grazing.

The burning of woodland seems to have been commonplace at this time. Hunters would set fire to woodland around the shores of some lochs above 1200 - 1300 feet. This was probably to improve grazing for deer, which meant that the animals would be easier to find. As farming became more popular, the clearing of land by fire took place.

Wheat and barley were being cultivated. It is possible that, at first, hoes and digging sticks were used but, as farming became more intensive, a rudimentary plough (called an 'ard') was needed.

There would be failures and frustration as the people struggled to learn a new way of life. Although some farming was taking place, hunting, fishing and gathering would still have been employed as a source of food. There may even have been conflict between those who wished to follow the new way and those who wanted to follow the traditional paths of their forebears. There is some evidence in Europe that some kind of tribal warfare existed and, if we draw parallels from other hunter gatherer societies that survived into the 20th century, it is not unlikely that life in the Neolithic was as peaceable as some believe.

In addition to possible conflict with other family groups, we have to remember that Scotland was not as tame then as it is now. Wolves and bears would have roamed the densely wooded areas.

Excavations in Orkney (Knap of Howar, 3600 - 3100 BC) have discovered the bones of domesticated cattle, sheep and pigs, as well as wild deer, whales and seals. Sea fishing used baited dropnets and the type of fish remains excavated suggest that the boats went as far as five miles from shore.

The culture seems to have been more advanced than many people believe. This was not a society of 'savages' but one where art was appreciated and people enjoyed fine workmanship. For example, a rope made of twisted leather with a carved wooden handle has been excavated. Bone needles, jewellery and decorated pottery have all been found at various sites as well as embossing tools. Weaving was certainly known although, owing to the difficulties of preservation, none has survived from the period. It is assumed that clothing was woven from plant fibres such as nettles or from animal hair but the only evidence is in the form of impressions on pottery. Reeds would have been twisted into baskets.

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