The Cairns Day Seventeen 2017 - Archaeology Orkney

Karoline and Marianne setting up a sampling grid in the broch today — Karoline and Marianne setting up a sample grid in the broch

Fantastic weather at the Cairns site today, some lovely sun and minimal wind, optimal for excavation.

A few good finds today, such as a large iron nail, found in the Southwest corner extension. Samples of the possible ditch have been taken. Many pieces of bone and antler were recovered from the souterrain (Structure F) itself to the great enjoyment of the diggers there.

The large deer antler from the revetment rubble in the SW extension — The large deer antler from the revetment rubble in the SW Extension Trench

Another great moment of the day was the removal of a whole deer antler, broken in several places, from the southwest trench butting the south wall of the Broch. This antler was underneath rubble, along with a couple pieces of vertebrae. Samples have been taken from the trench for study at the university.

Pottery sherds emerging from deposits around the entrance to the well inside the broch

Inside the Broch, here was quite a lot of pottery found around the entrance to ‘the well’, and the floor is becoming clearer and cleaner every day. The ‘cat’ remains will soon make their appearance, ready for Ingrid Mainland (UHI Archaeology lecturer and faunal remains specialist) to study.

The revetment wall which follows the line of the construction terrace and then swings around to abut the broch outer wallface — The revetment wall which follows the line of the construction terrace and then swings round to the broch outer wall face

Several samples were taken, many pictures were taken, new finds were uncovered and overall it has been a successful day. There are some very happy archaeologists and student archaeologists at the site today.