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.
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.
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.
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.
We hope that the good weather will continue to hold out for the closing for the site later this week!
Iona Guichot, BA Archaeology Student
