Palynological Evidence for the Growing of Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) in Medieval and Historical Scotland
- Source: Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers New Series Vol 15 No 1 (1990)
- Authors: Kevin J. Edwards and Graeme Whittington
(Abstract from article) Hemp has been exploited for its fibers since prehistoric times. For a number of areas in Britain and continental Europe, palynological data have produces evidence of Cannabis growth and retting. The extent of its cultivation and utilization in Scotland has not, however, been the subject of previous investigation. Palynological studies in Scotland have generally taken place in highland or northern areas which were not favoured for intensive arable agriculture. The pollen records from two sites in Fife, eastern Scotland, reveal that hemp cultivation was, during medieval and later historical times, an important component in the local farming economy. The spatial and temporal variation evident from the paleoecological record may have resulted from differences in land and labour availability, market factors, or, indirectly, climatic change. In the absence of detailed long-term documentary evidence for hemp cultivation in Scotland, it is suggested that pollen analyses from well-chosen sites can provide a comprehensive data source.