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Fair Isle, Eas Brecks, Bird Observatory And Hostel
Hostel (20th Century), Observatory (20th Century)
Site Name Fair Isle, Eas Brecks, Bird Observatory And Hostel
Classification Hostel (20th Century), Observatory (20th Century)
Alternative Name(s) Mavers Geo; Easbrecks; North Haven
Canmore ID 113454
Site Number HZ27SW 212
NGR HZ 22211 72355
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/113454
- Council Shetland Islands
- Parish Dunrossness
- Former Region Shetland Islands Area
- Former District Shetland
- Former County Shetland
HY27SW 212 2222 7235
Bird Observatory (Hostel) [NAT]
OS 1:10,000 map, 1973.
Archaeological Evaluation (October 2020)
HZ 22214 72354 An evaluation was carried out on the site of the former Fair Isle Bird Observatory (FIBO) building, which burnt down in 2019. The evaluation was required in advance of the proposed rebuild of the FIBO building because a local person had reportedly identified archaeological remains on the site during groundwork for the 2009 build. Fragments of curvilinear paving or walling, and further stone-built structures, had been evident, and a number of artefacts had been retrieved that are likely Iron Age in date.
The fieldwork was carried out in October 2020, with twelve trenches excavated across the site. No archaeological deposits or features were identified during the excavation. Trenches sited specifically over the position of the possible archaeological site showed that significant disturbance had taken place.
As part of the reporting, historic photos of the FIBO buildings in the 1960s and 1980s were examined. These showed that a circular turf covered structure had been situated on the NE side of the buildings, confirming the presence of a site within the FIBO grounds. This area had been significantly impacted by various services and includes a live electricity cable running along the SW edge of the current road.
During the fieldwork, the archaeologist carrying out the evaluation was invited to view the artefacts retrieved in 2009. The assemblage comprises prehistoric ceramics, stone tools including a knocking stone and quern and various other pounding and hammering tools, worked steatite, slag, a spindle whorl, and pumice.
Archive: NRHE (intended)
Funder: Fair Isle Bird Observatory Trust
Mary Peteranna and Sam Williamson – AOC Archaeology Group
(Source: DES Vol 22)
