Field Visit

Date 11 July 2016 - 21 July 2016

Event ID 1041103

Category Recording

Type Field Visit

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1041103

This project aims to investigate a number of recent spectacular underwater discoveries from lochs in Lewis, Outer Hebrides. A programme of non-invasive geophysical (sidescan sonar, dual frequency single beam echosounder), drone and diver based survey was carried out between the 11th and 21st July 2016. Three lochs were chosen for study: Arnish, Bhorgastail (also known as Carloway) and Langabhat. The results from work at all three sites indicate that artificial islets were a feature of the landscape during the Neolithic.

NB 42301 30238 Geophysical, aerial and ground survey at Loch Arnish worked well, with excellent results from both the sidescan and echosounder systems allowing for the loch to be mapped. The extent of the rubble foundations can be seen and plotted, as too can the variable depth of the loch and associated sediments. The crannog is clearly multi-period, with Neolithic and later pottery recovered by Chris Murray (in previous years), and later modifications (iron rings set into the crannog walls) also visible. Diver based survey was challenging but possible, with poor visibility slowing work and reducing the area that could be examined. A single piece of prehistoric pottery was found on the loch bed.

NB 21148 40955 Survey work at Loch Bhorgastail mapped the loch and surrounding landscape. Diver based survey was highly successful with good visibility. This allowed for the identification of numerous Neolithic pottery fragments in association with the artificial islet. No material culture from later periods was encountered, indicating a Neolithic date as being highly likely. Diagnostic sherds were recovered and are currently with Dr Mike Copper for analysis.

NB 21684 43805 Survey work at Loch Langabhat mapped the loch bed and surrounding landscape. A significant amount of Neolithic pottery was found underwater, in association with the artificial islet through diver survey. No later material culture was identified, strongly indicating a Neolithic date for construction.

Archive: Stornoway Museum (intended)

Funder: British Academy, Leverhulme Trust, and Honor Frost Foundation

Fraser Sturt and Duncan Garrow – University of Reading

(Source: DES, Volume 18)