Heritage snatched from the sea!

Archaeologists use latest technology to record the exciting finds of prehistoric and Viking remains at Swandro on Rousay before the site disappears into the sea.

A team of archaeologists from Bradford University and Orkney College UHI are investigating eroding archaeological remains along the coast of Rousay as part of the international ‘Islands of Change’ research project which involves researchers and students from City University New York and other partners from the Global Human Ecodynamics Alliance. University of Bradford’s Steve Dockrill describes the archaeological potential of the of the island as being outstanding. “it will allow us to look at important issues such as the longevity of settlements and resilience against climatic and environmental change. The past is providing information relevant to present day problems associated with global warming.”

Rousay is the focus of the Orkney fieldwork, with geophysical survey and recording of the coastal sections of the brochs at Mid Howe, North Howe and South Howe being undertaken in previous years. The sheer density and quality of archaeological remains on Rousay make it a magnet for both tourists and researchers, with the amount of tombs such as the magnificent Mid Howe causing it to be dubbed ‘the Egypt of the North’. The team had not expected that there was so much more to be discovered; when attention shifted from the brochs to the Viking age hall and cemetery area, and the enigmatic mound at Swandro, eagle eyed team member Dr Julie Bond of Bradford University saw upright stones poking up through the storm beach.

Through clearing a lot of storm beach, the archaeologists have now detected a huge building lying partly under the sea which may be an Iron Age broch. The site has the potential to tell us more about the interaction between the native, Pictish, population and the Vikings – both of whom are buried in the nearby Westness cemetery. Viking specialist Julie Gibson is particularly intrigued by this possibility, saying “hidden beneath the sand here could be the evidence of the first contact between Scandinavian immigrants and Pictish folk”.

The site will also tell us a lot about sea level changes in the past, and what we can do to preserve or record sites which are being rapidly eroded by the sea due to climate change. A 3-D laser scanner was brought into use by ORCA Marine archaeologist Mark Littlewood, producing remarkable accurate images of the site and as Julie Bond of Bradford University said “showing the way ahead for recording this world-class archaeology in the face of sea level rises”.

Tourists have been thrilled to be shown around the site, with one visitor from the USA declaring the visit to be the best experience in her Orkney tour. Archaeologists from Orkney College Dr Jane Downes and Rousay-born Dr Ingrid Mainland, are particularly interested in how these coastal sites can be made more accessible to all; an on-site meeting with Visit Orkney’s Islands Manager Barbara Foulkes gave the ideal opportunity to discuss cultural heritage and tourism developments. The team is grateful for support from Orkney Islands Council. Ally Keir, Orkney College’s Leader-funded Archaeology and Sustainable Development Officer, says “we’re really looking forward to sharing our findings at our family-fun Open Day on Sunday 17th July”.



Contacts
Jane Downes  07919985106
Steve Dockrill  07584418388