Dr Clive Waddington, of Archaeology Research Services Ltd, said the evidence being found at Lochinver made it different from Moray’s other Bronze Age and Iron Age sites.
He said the later metal-working could possibly have been in response to the Roman invasion of Scotland, with iron needed for weapons.
Dr Waddington added: “Something happens on this site that removes any further activity.
“We have got these burnt timbers and abandoned pits for making charcoal.
“We have got pits with roasted ore – a valuable commodity – ready for smelting but just abandoned.”
Two cauldrons have also been found buried, possibly by the Lochinver’s residents in an effort to hide them from Roman soldiers.
Dr Waddington said it was possible Lochinver was abandoned in the aftermath of Mons Grapius which saw Roman troops and cavalry defeat 30,000 Caledonians.
Suggested locations of the battle include Dunning in Perthshire, Carpow in Fife, Bennachie in Aberdeenshire and Culloden in the Highlands.
Dr Waddington said: “The battle was a big victory for the Romans and could explain why some sites were burned down, with Romans torching sites as they came through after the battle.”
