Category: The Cairns

The excavations at The Cairns have now come to an end for this year. With the site safely covered up, it’s time for site director Martin Carruthers to sum up…

As the site is covered over for another year, finds supervisor Kev looks back on the 2025 season.

The last day of excavation before the site is covered up for the penultimate time.

A gallery of aerial shots showing excavation site today.

The final week of excavation began with great progress across the site.

A busy day on site for the open day, but some important findings and milestones reached too…

Another day of finds – including a ring bead, spindle whorl and a ‘secret chamber’.

Today’s update from volunteer digger Emma Feasey.

Work continues apace inside and outside the broch and the adjacent souterrain.

The penultimate week of excavation got under way at The Cairns today.

Torrential rain saw excavation cancelled today, so here’s some more images from day 19.

The weather caused problems again but not before some nice finds and a surprising discovery from the “cells”.

Sunshine and another day replete with finds – including two perforated antler mounts.

After weather curtailed work yesterday, the sun shone on The Cairns today.

Last time Martin updated us with progress inside the broch. Today we take a look at what lies outside…

Site director Martin Carruthers reflects on the first three weeks of the 2025 and looks ahead to the remainder.

Today’s update on The Cairns excavation from BA (Hons) student Grace Honeyman.