https://www.clachtollbroch.com/story daily 0.75 2022-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611049529096-UK07VXYAQQXK19J2FM0W/Aerial+photograph+showing+ring-shaped+ruinous+remains+on+a+rocky+coastline%2C+with+mountainous+landscape+in+the+distance Story - A beacon of the Iron Age Clachtoll Broch maintains a presence in the landscape now as it did two thousand years ago. Explore the broch through these pages, and discover how the local community saved it from the sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1623769328873-2Y1ZV7BWQCQU6H760V2M/IMG_2064.JPG Story - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611236809464-CR2D1DIHPWFPCXCE5RVV/Ten+people+at+work+in+the+broch%2C+crouching+or+kneeling+to+dig+amongst+the+stone+and+soil+deposits Story https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611237016595-ZXUF3M6NAQ79Q88YQTUJ/View+of+the+broch+showing+drystone+structure+in+distance%2C+with+rubble+covering+the+ground+in+front+of+it+and+upright+stones+in+the+foreground Story https://www.clachtollbroch.com/artefacts daily 0.75 2021-07-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611246252903-2K7Z2HKSNPA3HPVKFGER/A+piece+of+wood+against+a+40cm+scale%2C+in+muddy+environment Artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607096483412-59QP2GKIB18S73JHLDDN/pottery_crop.JPG Artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1625578641534-ZYHR42SAOJTTXTEH1ZO3/Clachtoll_SF44_2of3PC_01.JPG Artefacts - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607117479680-CM3EZZW8Z8COIX69W1FV/IMG_2049.jpg Artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1614958551004-9UEOC0GEU21UC0WR53WQ/A+small%2C+bowl-shaped+object+made+of+stone%2C+held+in+the+hand Artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607096304194-8LO9Q30BBA9INPNVVZQ2/clachtoll_comb_crop.jpg Artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611266777533-9R7FB7PCUDRNIUWUDQ2J/CT_spindlewhorl.jpg Artefacts Stone spindle whorl https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611262311696-UDPTHNROHLVSB5I7L30S/IMG_1898.JPG Artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611262499424-9C07F1ZYK0UARIE8XSD6/IMG_0599.JPG Artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611266878826-01NKBSFBSGHR3Q8O0880/IMG_0682.jpg Artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611266954374-4LYICFD81G7QQJAXOC97/IMG_5135.jpg Artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611262450217-3EUVDREWF8TZB043LOUA/IMG_4031.JPG Artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611262452976-QHWNJNHVA0NQU63UI05U/IMG_2038.JPG Artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611262471899-N6VJ4PRP4VA3KTATLSCH/IMG_2049.JPG Artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611262506369-ZCHDD7RJGATWQE85BP9W/IMG_0387.JPG Artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611267035540-PTTYCH9XNLKJXTYAI6P4/IMG_2170.jpg Artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611262470193-JC9UKD8ONBJIJ9COWOR0/IMG_5513.JPG Artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611262533211-K5JW84Z02QZON8L2RW9J/IMG_5160.JPG Artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611262566543-RJN1JNVJ54C9RGOYTFOD/IMG_1561.JPG Artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611262508800-8IPX9J8NWDDO5VBXYH9C/sf+195.jpg Artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611262521651-5O913ED25PRWAB6AJLZM/Picture1.png Artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611262528127-BG171Y2KJ3PR0Q1TE3P3/Picture3.jpg Artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611262541974-5RZC85OX3QDVJPYHKD4B/wood_crop.jpg Artefacts https://www.clachtollbroch.com/3dgallery daily 0.75 2021-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/e5bbacdb-3933-4a87-a764-c91f57928a2a/ClachtollMesh.gif 3D Gallery Clachtoll Broch- 3D model https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607521132317-OE5MUUNY7J20GGPWHTEH/sword_pommel_from_clachtoll_broch.gif 3D Gallery Sword Pommel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/90ee322d-c1ba-49dc-b919-ab097d9c0f87/stone_spindle_whorl_from_clachtoll_broch.gif 3D Gallery Stone spindle whorl https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/5889f6f4-422f-4a86-9328-aabf7bbaa7fd/clachtoll_brochAO.gif 3D Gallery Clachtoll Broch - model no opacity https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607520889864-4HATK92O9O8KI3QIXZBM/clachtoll_bone_pin.gif 3D Gallery Bone Pin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607521158272-37HLYXZMS17GCO48R529/whalebone_working_surface.gif 3D Gallery Whalebone Working Surface https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607520925970-OA2WL01Q005TAWDQ00GT/antler_comb_from_clachtoll_broch__assynt.gif 3D Gallery Antler Comb https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607591559771-MWPN6RGCVCQQIFV0A70I/bone_comb_from_clachtoll_broch.gif 3D Gallery Bone Comb https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607521176162-HD2WGXWDX0AIBRA1BUTK/whalebone_working_surface___tool_marks.gif 3D Gallery Whalebone Working Surface ( with tool marks) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/49cbde42-3312-4af4-88dc-76da548627b7/clachtoll_broch_TLS.gif 3D Gallery Clachtoll Broch - point cloud https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607521153347-NC37UIO052XXIQ43ST98/the__souterrain___clachtoll_broch.gif 3D Gallery The Souterrain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607520928206-GB05O9XJ6KYW96VL7RB8/clachtoll_broch_interior.gif 3D Gallery Broch Interior https://www.clachtollbroch.com/home daily 1.0 2022-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610723680593-K5EPJSRYEG6CYEND8BSB/Aerial+photograph+showing+ring-shape+ruinous+remains+on+a+rocky+coastal+knoll%2C+with+waves+crashing+in+the+distance Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610723096300-IHBUKF452D510VCB2DQX/A+bowl+made+from+stone%2C+held+in+a+gloved+hand+with+muddy+ground+in+background Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611239022046-KX4XJN0VQA8WU6RUXIC7/Woman+wearing+lab+coat%2C+looking+through+a+microscope Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/8fa9b598-d60c-4fea-8575-238473e064e4/0001.jpg Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/3a6586ca-69bb-48ce-b7de-e60e0c6dbc87/clachtoll+cover.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610720158728-69BU2B0KKQ5G01XKLPT5/Spinning+3S+model+of+a+stone+spindle+whorl+with+incised+decoration Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610721641501-WNQWAAAY6IKFREMD382X/Rotating+3D+image+of+large+greenish+stone+with+central+depression Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610720509629-C762M8HJAXEFD2RTA50I/Rotating+3D+model+of+antler+comb Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611268172799-EZRNWKDAJTR3OOADKY6Z/marker_small.png Home https://www.clachtollbroch.com/contact daily 0.75 2021-03-18 https://www.clachtollbroch.com/science daily 0.75 2022-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611244418065-8OT71RYB8EMB0U6UK873/Scientist+holding+a+scalpel%2C+collecting+samples+from+stone+vessel Science - Modern techniques are used to illuminate ancient lifestyles From cereal grains to soils, archaeologists examine the tiniest details to uncover the big picture https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611240538446-0PPLJVB3EA4499CITPMW/Buttercups+among+grass Science https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607429864103-TVKFE7WX8SQZ42I3R2AC/IMG_20170911_095620_crop.jpg Science https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1620310499158-KGSD8B29IJ5B2NZ18FXK/Blue+gloved+hands+working+on+an+iron+object+under+a+microscope Science https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610620155194-TVGNQMDVC0XEXME991YS/close+up+of+ears+of+barley+growing+in+a+field Science https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607428728577-5OLC30HGWM3JDLO55NKS/Blue+gloved+hands+hold+a+small+stone+vessel+and+a+scalpel Science https://www.clachtollbroch.com/visit daily 0.75 2022-03-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607431252885-LL5GDVV1P1VMMIJ024X1/Leaflet_web.jpg Visit - Walking Trails Historic Assynt has developed five walking trails to help you explore some of the fascinating heritage of Assynt. The trails highlight points of interest along the way, including geology, archaeology, history, wildlife, place names, and they even include a few relevant poems. The five trails so far are at Clachtoll, Cnoc nan Each, Eadar a’ Chalder, Kirkton and Ledbeg. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611316315712-K8UYQW7Z2EMCXN5FQD8M/take+responsibility+for+your+own+actions%2C+respect+the+interests+of+other+people%2C+care+for+the+environment Visit https://www.clachtollbroch.com/worked-bone daily 0.75 2021-04-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617696689471-R8O9RON2RUNCPMPRWSDH/A+bone+needle%2C+broken+at+the+eye%2C+cradled+in+a+gloved+hand Worked Bone - More than 50 worked bone and antler items were discovered at Clachtoll They provide valuable information about the types of activities that took place within the broch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617696005007-F0M9R0UHR59TKFJ2C8ZT/A+roughly+shaped+bone+toggle%2C+held+in+a+gloved+hand Worked Bone - Everyday Objects, Versatile Materials Bone and antler are versatile materials that were used to make a wide range of different objects during the Iron Age, including tools and personal ornaments. The community at Clachtoll Broch took advantage of locally available materials, creating objects from the bones of the sheep, goats and pigs they reared, as well as the antlers of wild red deer. Whale bone, likely scavenged from local beaches, was also used. A number of unfinished objects were found at the broch, like the toggle shown here. These part-worked finds tell us that bone and antler objects were being made on site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617696155654-93C2P66UHC2EQT5P2AYM/Perforated+needle+with+irregular+scratches+visible+on+its+surface Worked Bone - Tracing the Tools We have analysed traces on the surfaces of the bone and antler objects from Clachtoll Broch to look at how they were made. Few iron tools were found at the broch, but tool marks on the bone and antler objects provide evidence for the use of iron tools such as axes or cleavers, saws and fine blades. The objects were also shaped using pumice or sandstone pieces, used as files. The perforated needle shown here, for example, is covered with irregular scratches made during the manufacturing process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617707734381-I7PLCDRR95ABR8H0F9N2/Bone%2Brubber%252C%2Bshown%2Bheld%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bhand%2Bso%2Bas%2Bto%2Brub%2Bagainst%2Ba%2Bsurface Worked Bone This bone rubber may have been used in processing hides https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617707517791-6O109FTLLQIKHIG7SU8D/Bone+rubber%2C+pointed+at+one+end+and+rounded+at+the+other.+A+scale+shows+that+it+is+around+10cm+long Worked Bone Bone rubber https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617707775977-QQ7WSKYEABODIT04VYBB/A%2Bcomb%2Bmade%2Bfrom%2Bantler%252C%2Bwith%2Bsix%2Blong%2Bteeth%2Band%2Ba%2Bperforation%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bhandle.%2BIt%2Bis%2Bheld%2Bin%2Ba%2Bmuddy%252C%2Bgloved%2Bhand.jpg Worked Bone A long-handled comb on the day it was found https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617696335247-J4J6DNN1Q8JF95QBHCVR/A+bone+pin%2C+splayed+at+one+end.+It+is+held+in+gloved+hands. Worked Bone - Looking Good Dress accessories are among the most intimate of the objects discovered on archaeological sites. They conjure up images of the people who wore them. Three pins were found. They would have been worn as ornaments, fastening together cloaks or other garments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1609855460773-KYOA9QRRMSI29KX9QCC4/Pommel+shown+next+to+scale%2C+showing+it+is+a+little+over+3cm+in+length Worked Bone - Part of the Picture Some of the bone and antler objects found were components from objects made from two or more materials. Several handles would have been fitted to iron objects, such as knifes. A stand-out object within the group of bone and antler objects from Clachtoll Broch was a pommel made from whale bone. A pommel is a rounded knob fitted to the end of the handle of a sword or dagger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1609855672249-0H8P4BG6D5UK85W9H6ZB/View+of+pommel+from+above%2C+showing+perforation Worked Bone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1609855763970-111LW210TOTGC65V6D17/Oblique+view+of+the+pommel%2C+highlighting+the+circular+decoration Worked Bone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1609855877611-LGCG5L4QRC2CM8TN44YF/Pommel+held+in+blue+gloved+fingers Worked Bone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1609858713241-P4MY36PI3E4OPVSLYMQL/Illustration+showing+the+working+surface+of+the+whale+vertebra%2C+with+multiple+cut+marks+and+indentations Worked Bone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1609858668933-HDYTBS49R6N46R7UY5KP/Bone+working+surface+from+above%2C+showing+coarse+texture+and+multiple+cut+marks+and+indentations Worked Bone - Whalebone Working Surface Though perhaps not the most aesthetically pleasing, this bone object tells us a great deal about the activities of the people of the broch. It is made from the vertebra of an adult whale. It has been used as a chopping block and working surface – one side is covered with tool marks made during craft activities. The marks were formed by at least four different tools including diamond- and circular-tipped punches and perhaps a cleaver. These objects, probably made of iron, do not survive in the artefact assemblage, but their presence at the broch is evidenced through the marks they made on the whalebone working surface. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/12a897cc-5d05-433c-8457-c18f0fd6dd6d/IMG_3353.JPG Worked Bone A pin made from bone, with a splayed head at one end, tapering to a point at the other https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/08f1abce-8772-4a11-ade9-8226fee0cadc/IMG_3358.JPG Worked Bone Two tapering bone pins, held in gloved hands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/6d8d8df6-210b-4662-8ce7-47d0b423bc66/IMG_3354.JPG Worked Bone A pin made from bone, with a splayed head at one end, tapering to a point at the other https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/428dd70f-8928-405c-ae39-24cb402141a8/IMG_3374.JPG Worked Bone A broken pin broken into pieces, with a perforation at the rounded end. The point is missing. https://www.clachtollbroch.com/iron daily 0.75 2021-07-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1625576408045-4QVBH3F9I5WSSUATF1MO/Multiple+metal+fragments+representing+the+remains+of+a+socketed+spade Iron - Make it stand out Fragments of a socketed spade https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1625560087244-HPWKFTUQX65HSHEK1K5C/Clachtoll_SF44_2of3PC_01.JPG Iron - Make it stand out Reaping hook, for cutting and gathering crops https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1624983748506-SYCU38OSH1S1763D5ZPN/An+iron+nail%2C+dark+with+corrosion%2C+around+7cm+long%2C+shown+on+a+light+background+with+5cm+scale Iron - Fixtures, Fittings and Storage Although the organic interior decorations do not survive on any broch sites, at Clachtoll we have rare evidence of fixtures and fittings. A handful of nails were recovered, most likely used in joinery, perhaps for small personal items such as storage boxes rather than structural joinery. The item shown here is perhaps the shank of a nail used for larger items. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1624876134996-K84R4EF3GAQW4V1WGJJZ/An+iron+object+with+a+loop+at+one+end%2C+curving+downwords+at+the+other+end Iron - Decoration, Aesthetics and Symbolism Dress accessories are among the most intimate of objects discovered on archaeological sites. They conjure up images of the people who wore them. This iron pin would have been worn as an ornament, fastening together cloaks or other garments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1624987419017-6THAKE8KPDOCKF08L8L9/Illustration+showing+possible+appearance+of+shears+when+complete Iron The shears as they might have appeared when complete https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1624987565965-0MIN9F9EFA104AU7ZNBP/Fragments+of+iron+with+corrosion%2C+shown+against+a+10cm+scale Iron Fragments of a pair of shears https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1625559543523-7D1DL9F4LDM85A3X1JVT/A+curving%2C+corroded+iron+object+around+19cm+long Iron - Make it stand out Axe, for chopping wood https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1625559719212-77Q7OW7V3Y9Q1UA0L0OK/Clachtoll_SF109_PC_02.JPG Iron - Make it stand out Possible chisel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1625559244559-1YN1JWLKA00Z5Q2CC3VB/Rectangular%2C+corroded+iron+object Iron - Make it stand out Adze, for shaping wood https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1624873773677-LSQQVJMPNDVQ3873XSI4/IMG_1561.JPG Iron - Invisible Evidence And the other types of objects from Clachtoll also show us that iron was being used. For example, we have analysed traces on the surfaces of the bone and antler objects to understand how they were made. Tool marks show the use of iron tools such as axes or cleavers, saws and fine blades. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1624993474390-U6ZPUF6CXPW9MO72EK01/A+large%2C+lumpy+object%2C+brown+with+some+orange Iron - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.clachtollbroch.com/pottery daily 0.75 2021-06-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1623853498624-WJ51DUN8TOXOBRFCL0YD/a+sherd+of+brown+pottery%2C+with+the+rim+curving+outwards%2C+held+in+the+fingertips.+Land%2C+sea+and+sky+in+the+background. Pottery - The predominant type seems to have been vessels with an everted rim An everted rim is the best type for pouring. Such rim types are recovered from numerous sites and periods on many northern Atlantic sites in various guises. In broad terms, the vessels appear to fall into two general types: vases and urns/jars It is very likely that the small vases were for everyday use, perhaps for drinking, and the larger urns could be for storage or cooking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1623851289054-R3I14VLTYL5G9KBW7D9R/IMG_E0948.JPG Pottery - Make it stand out Ring-shaped impressed boss https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1623851614548-HWVH7WSBI95QKQUQQSYB/wavy+cordon.png Pottery - Make it stand out Wavy-cordon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1623851396904-T1RYUILE1V6I3XS6Z4EJ/IMG_0724.JPG Pottery - Make it stand out Wheat impressions https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1623852568500-WGK86H61LGX7WQMV99S1/Pot+sherd+with+impressions+beneath+the+rim+and+incised+geometric+pattern+on+the+shoulder Pottery - Most of the incised decoration was fine incision, creating geometric patterns like this https://www.clachtollbroch.com/science_copy2 daily 0.75 2020-12-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607119198134-8QJO9RP5AIZ1MF1I2HQT/New+Picture.png Science_Copy2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607430637756-C1WJ7DLG037R6Q8N8I7K/IMG_7924_crop.jpg Science_Copy2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607429864103-TVKFE7WX8SQZ42I3R2AC/IMG_20170911_095620_crop.jpg Science_Copy2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607428728577-5OLC30HGWM3JDLO55NKS/Blue+gloved+hands+hold+a+small+stone+vessel+and+a+scalpel Science_Copy2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607429537768-JBNNKD28VTIBZMUUWHLX/IMG_5429_crop.JPG Science_Copy2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607119877480-BSJ0MFO0D6PUFSD5UI55/New+Picture.png Science_Copy2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607119755850-DCMJS1NSTTUK4W2E4ZYQ/New+Picture+%281%29.png Science_Copy2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607429197921-EYY96ZGH561II25B3KDD/IMG_2300_crop.jpg Science_Copy2 https://www.clachtollbroch.com/science-1 daily 0.75 2020-12-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607428728577-5OLC30HGWM3JDLO55NKS/Blue+gloved+hands+hold+a+small+stone+vessel+and+a+scalpel Science (Copy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607119877480-BSJ0MFO0D6PUFSD5UI55/New+Picture.png Science (Copy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607429864103-TVKFE7WX8SQZ42I3R2AC/IMG_20170911_095620_crop.jpg Science (Copy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607119198134-8QJO9RP5AIZ1MF1I2HQT/New+Picture.png Science (Copy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607119755850-DCMJS1NSTTUK4W2E4ZYQ/New+Picture+%281%29.png Science (Copy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607430637756-C1WJ7DLG037R6Q8N8I7K/IMG_7924_crop.jpg Science (Copy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607429197921-EYY96ZGH561II25B3KDD/IMG_2300_crop.jpg Science (Copy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607429537768-JBNNKD28VTIBZMUUWHLX/IMG_5429_crop.JPG Science (Copy) https://www.clachtollbroch.com/3dmetalobjects daily 0.75 2021-07-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1609852195101-CTSCI8FKV6C0ZSR5HVRK/Metal_andBone_3Dprints_012.jpg 3D_MetalObjects - The reaping hook was among the objects selected for 3D printing A replica of the fragile iron object can be used for learning and engagement https://www.clachtollbroch.com/3d_boneobjects daily 0.75 2021-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1609852195101-CTSCI8FKV6C0ZSR5HVRK/Metal_andBone_3Dprints_012.jpg 3D_BoneObjects - Touching the past via 3D prints Many of the artefacts from the broch are fragile. These digital reconstructions were created from laser scan data and painted to replicate the originals exactly. They can be handled without risk of damage. https://www.clachtollbroch.com/3d_stoneobjects daily 0.75 2021-05-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1609844910746-1RNJTGZPMPXSO0G4R80U/Stone_3DPrints.jpg 3D_StoneObjects - Recreating the Past 3D replicas will be used for learning and outreach, providing a tactile experience https://www.clachtollbroch.com/3d-whalebone daily 0.75 2021-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607534932622-VA7R7UXTIHZP07C7E5BY/image-asset.jpeg 3D_WhaleboneSurface - This 3D print of the working surface brings the object to life A replica of the upper face of the working surface allows many hands to feel the pits and grooves of the original, without the risk of damage https://www.clachtollbroch.com/wood daily 0.75 2021-04-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617793886190-M068AX1L0RZS4OWV9HYW/Illustration+of+two+small+wooden+pins%2C+straight+sided+with+pointed+tips.+The+longer+is+around+5cm+in+length. Wood - Pins Two small pins were discovered, both made from a conifer wood. Squared off at one end and shaped to a tip at the other, they were most likely used in joinery, perhaps for small personal items such as storage boxes rather than structural joinery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617793179716-SINEX1WD6YDU0OBEM7AM/Rough%2Bout%2Billustration%2Bcrop-01.jpg Wood Measured illustration showing the curve of the bowl https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617718177174-ML845XV4YE5PPCRPNPDP/Clachtoll_SF217_DC2.jpg Wood The rough interior surface of the vessel fragment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617718141981-G5AXBSW0JLRY2BWA3UBT/Clachtoll_SF217_DC1.jpg Wood The smoother exterior surface of the vessel fragment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1609860369251-B6C72ZSYN7YHN38FOHQK/Photo+of+ten+splinters+of+wood%2C+ranging+from+around+3cm+to+10cm+in+length Wood - Iron Age fir-candles? Lots of splinters were also discovered, mostly of Scots pine. They may be the result of chopping wood for kindling. However, the tips of some are burnt, suggesting that they may have been used as tapers for lighting, a bit like candles. In the early modern period, splinters of resin-rich pine were used as ‘fir-candles’. About 50 pine splinters, all burnt at one end, were found at Oakbank Crannog in Loch Tay, testifying to the use of this practice in the Iron Age. Experiments have shown that single tapers do not burn well, but emit an even light when bundled together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617792999775-EW2SYRCYJ1QY3ED6QV4S/Spalula%2Billus%2Bcrop-01.jpg Wood - This object was fashioned from a thin splinter of Scots pine It is shaped like a knife blade and is leaf-shaped in cross-section. It might have been used as a spatula-like implement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617717380323-JIXD05A0M6XOK1KAZDV3/Clachtoll_SF248_DC2.JPG Wood - This object was fashioned from a thin splinter of Scots pine https://www.clachtollbroch.com/residues daily 0.75 2021-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1609840944414-UBYJN2QZV83640BQ646G/Stone+vessel+in+the+hand+of+an+archaeologist Residues - Numerous bowl-shaped stone vessels were discovered at Clachtoll These artefacts have traditionally been dubbed ‘lamps’, believed to have been used like candles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1609847248953-XORTAFHGOAUJ1L6ZJLB6/IMG_0945.jpg Residues https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1609842509562-TNO3DTBUZ7TIXZN9CXWZ/Blue+gloved+hands+hold+a+small+stone+vessel+and+a+scalpel Residues A scalpel is used to carefully remove residues from the vessels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1609844576873-WATKH41TRT01G8GKU8OP/Broken+stone+vessel+among+stones%2C+soil+and+black%2C+burnt+material Residues A broken vessel discovered among burnt material https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1609842552727-JTR22KO68WGZCEMVV3LX/Stone+vessel+in+the+hand+of+an+archaeologist Residues https://www.clachtollbroch.com/historic-assynt-journey daily 0.75 2021-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610370909145-NMOQ9194SUZ0AA4X2YLE/Rubble+in+foreground+with+ruined+broch+in+background Historic Assynt - Lots of people enjoy clambering around ruins… Especially if the ruins are unprotected and lie beside a well-used coastal path dominated by a mound of rubble spilling down from a rocky outcrop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610370673658-B60X0K723Z29PM1K5WOI/View%2Bof%2Brubble%2Band%2Bpatchy%2Bwalling Historic Assynt The ruins of Clachtoll Broch, which stand sentinel over Stoer Bay in Assynt on the exposed west coast of Sutherland, were in precisely that situation in the early years of this century. Local concerns were brought to the Assynt Community Council where it was suggested that Historic Assynt be asked to investigate what might be done. They had developed some experience of this kind of work having been set up in 1998 to conserve the ruins of Ardvreck Castle and Calda House and restore the former Parish Kirk in the medieval heart of Assynt at Inchnadamph. That project was drawing to an end (completed in 2008) and they had begun to turn their attention to understanding more about the wider archaeological heritage of Assynt. They had no thought of moving straight into another major project but agreed to jointly sponsor a public meeting with other concerned groups. That meeting revealed widespread worry about the safety of the broch and of its visitors, but also a hope that any eventual conservation work might provide an opportunity to discover more about the broch’s origins and use, and to improve public access and understanding. The meeting concluded that Historic Assynt should seek funding for a feasibility study and so began a close relationship between Historic Assynt and Clachtoll Broch which is ongoing nearly 15 years later! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610397245589-87UD7AVVISZYKDXKHVUF/Three+people+standing+on+a+rocky+knoll%2C+carrying+out+measured+survey Historic Assynt While all this was going on, Historic Assynt had become a participant in the nationwide Scotland’s Rural Past Project as part of its exploration of the area's wider archaeological heritage. This served to highlight the rich diversity of Assynt’s archaeological heritage but also revealed how little of that heritage had been investigated. Unless more understanding of this wider picture could be gained, the proposed conservation and excavation at the broch would be lacking any comprehensive local context. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610373614202-EHSXLATNIWQG0FZXLLSJ/IMG_2779.JPG Historic Assynt By 2008, twin foci for Historic Assynt’s work for the foreseeable future were identified: To work towards conservation, excavation, interpretation and improved access at Clachtoll Broch. To explore, survey and record the wider archaeological heritage of Assynt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610371803299-ZBVBF65LW3N5Q1MQDW1B/Outer+wallface+Contextx+7+and+8+%282%29+-+Copy.JPG Historic Assynt - The weight of the rubble within the broch was pushing the walls outwards Without intervention, collapse seemed inevitable https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610361015353-7VWIUJTDP4SJKAGNF18J/IMG_3676.jpg Historic Assynt Assynt's Hidden Lives: surveying sites across the parish, whatever the weather https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610361624381-LTJZGAJVWBY474ZOP114/IMG_3955.JPG Historic Assynt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610360233412-LGPU1F3139CMOLGNS8TO/IMG_0261.JPG Historic Assynt Life & Death in Assynt's Past: recording the interior of Loch Borralan chambered cairn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611329528889-UOL09RGJ4HXN4XC2IZ6E/IMG_2003_crop.JPG Historic Assynt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610358240050-QDNL036QS8PK21T12F06/561495_415035998551300_1709747341_n.jpg Historic Assynt Fire & Water: excavating a Bronze Age burnt mound at Stronechrubie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610362743499-F6CN602LE80GZZQVK5PI/emailP1000519.jpg Historic Assynt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610361532977-8Z618WK4FVA9OQ07HXML/IMG_1905.JPG Historic Assynt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610361431388-XQNUJ43ZI5UE7J5OK6LH/IMG_2346.JPG Historic Assynt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610372351624-2GDWLTYVXDBJYJMZL31A/Community%2Bat%2Bwork%2B1.jpg Historic Assynt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611329808374-TWLN2VKKPHHW5FIJ6SWI/43854278102_67c334008d_c.jpg Historic Assynt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611329798259-RSIJ77S4WPSUR60798O9/36523036840_48b15019cc_c.jpg Historic Assynt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610361544870-IQJ2959HJN3314WWERDY/IMG_2023.JPG Historic Assynt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610361951933-3XHG9BJ8FP9G87D1KJP4/IMG_20170916_152313.jpg Historic Assynt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610361950613-5F26N6XGB2WZWIP1PFIB/IMG_20190924_153339.jpg Historic Assynt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610362737736-AE7IEGJQ4YTPF0KOFGE7/emailP1000488.jpg Historic Assynt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610362743493-DK9U23J2TZKNLYSIZPFU/emailP1000504.jpg Historic Assynt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610362738955-967GKJHJNJ6CAY6Z3LZQ/emailP1000522.jpg Historic Assynt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610362743171-W9Y5MYHJKBLSKICXXM7K/emailP1000523.jpg Historic Assynt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610362741050-WT3MAMEK3D7KU7LTQK6O/emailP1000526.jpg Historic Assynt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610372022696-HNJFVUDR3OEO92FRZG2K/IMG_1977.JPG Historic Assynt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610361539118-79KD2UIMN4CZWFQTYUA7/IMG_2007.JPG Historic Assynt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610361968612-DWBY44MB0JWD5EZ6IND3/IMG_20190924_153316.jpg Historic Assynt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610361572595-K6QB9PVIJXZBD3Q9BL98/CT_spindlewhorl.jpeg Historic Assynt https://www.clachtollbroch.com/diet daily 0.75 2021-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610621181426-4B61Y6HC10BDXUI6NPHD/two+quern+stones+close+to+each+other+among+soil+deposits+and+stones%2C+exposed+during+the+excavations Diet Small amounts of flax were present among the cereal grains. While flax cultivation has many potential purposes including producing linseed oil and linen, the evidence from the broch suggests that it was most likely eaten. During the earliest occupation of the broch, the community seems to have practised a small-scale subsistence economy. This may have changed over time. By the final phase of occupation, the broch might have been become the focal point for the processing and storage of large quantities of grain, perhaps drawing in resources from the wider farming landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610552489894-SGBE7B3ZSPZMV2CCMF7A/Image+of+a+Shetland+sheep+with+light+brown+wool%2C+small+horns+and+a+dark+brown+head Diet - Farming The broch was home to a farming family. They reared cattle, sheep, possibly goats, and a few pigs. The cattle and sheep/goats provided milk which was used to make butter and cheese. The animals were kept until they reached their full size, grazing nearby and, in the winter, eating fodder grown on the farm and seaweed gathered from the shore. Once they had reached optimum size, they were slaughtered for their meat. Beef and lamb/mutton formed a much larger part of their diet than pork. The primary arable crop grown by the people of the broch was hulled barley. Hulled barley, unlike naked barley, has a tough husk that needs to be removed before the grain can be cooked or ground for flour. Numerous quernstones attest to the grinding of grain at the broch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610462641876-X3L6J3CXJW3YM6M0MVL5/Grey+seal+on+rocks+covered+by+seaweed Diet - Bounty of the Sea and Shore While the people of the broch grew or reared a significant proportion of their food, they also looked to the sea to supplement their diet. They fished either from the shore or from small boats, catching mostly saithe and pollack. Freshwater fish such as salmon were also available from nearby rivers and lochs. They may have smoked the fish, hanging them above the hearth in the broch to preserve them so that they could be set aside for the winter and early spring, when food stores were running low. Limpets and periwinkles were gathered from the shore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610462138393-J4B2Z3SGYNESR4M841CT/Close+up+of+the+hexagonal+pattern+of+honeycomb Diet Honeycomb was collected from wild honeybees https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610461824822-E7ZM6NWHDX4YN6OCV28Z/Red+deer+stag+in+wild+highland+landscape%2C+with+loch+and+mountains+in+the+distance Diet Venison was eaten at the broch only occasionally - a rare treat, perhaps https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610461381457-08QQNNP7W16YR6VU7KII/round%2C+blue+berries+on+a+leafless+bush+with+melting+winter+frost Diet Sloes have a sharp flavour, but they may have been favoured for their medicinal properties https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610551090459-I5LAZESA490GO5E4O4N1/Large%2C+heat+cracked+slab+with+stones+forming+a+kerb+along+one+edge Diet - Food Preparation and Cooking The massive central hearth at the broch was quite literally the heart of the home. Food was cooked around the edges of the fire, in ceramic pots, on hot, flat stones or in iron vessels such as cauldrons, although no evidence of the latter was found at Clachtoll. Small stones were heated and dropped into soups and stews to raise the temperature of the food. Plenty of these “pot boilers” were discovered at the broch. Food could also be roasted in the embers of the fire – hazelnuts were perhaps prepared in this way – or cooked on spits close to the flames. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610466779355-8MXTNH18DIJHYPPZSYQZ/Broken+stone+vessel+on+a+grey+background.+It+is+bowl-shaped+with+a+handle+protruding+from+one+side.+Linear+decorations+are+scored+into+the+side. Diet Food was prepared in stone and ceramic bowls and pots. Analysis of residues on a selection of these vessels showed that some were used for preparing only dairy products (milk, butter or cheese). Others were more multi-purpose, being used to process mainly dairy products but also marine resources such as fish, and leafy plants. Beeswax was identified on one of the vessels – was it used to store honeycomb? Or was the wax used to seal and preserve a foodstuff, in the same way that we used a layer of fat to preserve paté, for example? Wooden vessels and utensils were probably used too, and perhaps even leather vessels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610468668264-9N5P4H7VR4RBA3RWNFIL/A+large+blue-grey+stone%2C+a+little+more+than+50cm+in+diameter%2C+with+a+deep+circular+hollow+in+its+centre Diet - Set into the floor of the broch is a knocking stone… … a large stone with a deep recess in its upper surface. It was used for processing grain before consumption. It was full to the brim with grain when it was discovered - thousands of grains of barley, carbonised and perfectly preserved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610468487768-ZGFU8VI24ELWZLEQENX1/Stone+slabs+arranged+in+a+rectangular+setting Diet - A stone setting forming a box or tank may have been used in food preparation Other examples have been found with traces of clay linings which would have made the box watertight. No clay was identified within the tank at Clachtoll, but perhaps animals skins served a similar purpose. At any rate, the feature was filled with heat-cracked stones, animal bone and shell, making it highly likely that it was used in food preparation or cooking. https://www.clachtollbroch.com/flora-and-fauna daily 0.75 2021-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610623678898-TUW6N3LOHP9ZIFAM35T2/heather-2867480_1920.jpg Flora and Fauna - Flora Heather, bracken and sedge were collected and used as flooring, bedding, roofing, and later recycled as fuel when they had served their primary purpose. Large concentrations of heather and peat were discovered in contexts related to the final burning event, probably representing roofing material that had fallen during the fire. Bracken was discovered in Cell 2, which was used as a grain store. The bracken may have been used as flooring to help keep the grain from spoiling by raising it off the floor and helping it stay dry. Bracken has the added advantage of containing natural insecticides and flavonoids, both of which have antibiotic properties which would help protect the grain from mould. Analysis also revealed a handful of seaweed fragments, probably brought to the broch deliberately. Seaweed has a range of uses including as fuel and animal feed, and in medicine and thatching. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610632203988-M9EPTMGAR8QVWS99WPCE/Image+of+a+violet+flower+with+five+petals.+By+Bjorn+S. Flora and Fauna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610632252431-HO7ZKJY4DI7RC7IRDM21/buttercup-3355823_1920.jpg Flora and Fauna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610635635505-H5Z2NOPEA2B65MT0B9LJ/Brown+mouse+on+muddy+ground+scattered+with+seeds Flora and Fauna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610634909575-19T1KUFAH0R05BK5NFL9/Red+deer+stag+in+wild+highland+landscape%2C+with+mountains+in+the+distance Flora and Fauna - Fauna Almost 8000 animal bones and bone fragments were discovered at the broch. These help us to understand what species were around – whether farmed, domesticated or wild - in the Iron Age. Wild Mammals Wild mammal species identified in the bone assemblage include red deer, whale, seal (including grey seal) and cetacean (whale/dolphin). You can read more about the role of these animals in the diet and economy here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610634148483-Y4U3B2L7AA38CU7R9GCR/Cod+fish+swimming+in+dark+water Flora and Fauna - Fish Almost 1500 fish bones were found at the broch, recovered through the careful wet sieving of soil samples collected during the excavations. Around 90% of the identifiable fish bones were from fish from the cod family, mostly saithe and pollack. Bones from the sea scorpion family were also present in small numbers as well as rocklings, eel, salmon, trout, flatfish, ray, herring and butterfish. Most of these are marine species, which is to be expected given the broch’s coastal location, but the eel were probably caught in a freshwater stream or river, or one of the small lochs nearby. The fish remains found at Clachtoll mostly  comprised bodies without the heads. The heads were probably discarded soon after the fish were caught, perhaps along with the guts and most of the scales. Scales rarely survive for archaeologists to find, but we found six, probably belonging to cod. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610635384975-IRIDK35D8USOXNOBYHW2/Two%2Botters%2Bon%2Ba%2Briverbank%252C%2Bone%2Bbending%2Bits%2Bhead%2Bto%2Bdrink%2Bfrom%2Bthe%2Bwater Flora and Fauna Some of the fish bones recovered may represent otter activity, but not from the Iron Age. Otters sometimes set up home in abandoned buildings like the broch. Otters deliberately and repeatedly spraint – poo – near the entrances to their holts. This can result in a build-up of spraint over a period of time. In Cell 1 at Clachtoll Broch, higher proportions of sea scorpion family fish and rocklings were identified. These fish are not often eaten by humans but are enjoyed by otters. Though no otter bones were identified during the excavations, otters are known to populate the area around Clachtoll today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1610634740544-OLVMVJZR61I2D23TLQZ3/Calcined+sea+urchin+with+white+spikes+tipped+with+purple%2C+on+pebbles Flora and Fauna - Three fragments of calcined sea urchin were found at the broch Was the shell collected as a pretty object, or was the sea urchin eaten as part of a meal? https://www.clachtollbroch.com/layout-and-features daily 0.75 2021-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1619166703080-5QOT819KTON5IIHRINYP/Overall+broch+plan-01.jpg Layout and features - For the first time in 2000 years, the layout of the broch and its internal features is known https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611052704255-7J7YV3L60FUUG4YUN3ZS/A+significant+step+in+the+bedrock+is+visible+behind+the+central+hearth%2C+demarcated+by+reddening+of+a+massive+slab Layout and features - Levelling Off The broch sits high up on a prominent rocky coastal outcrop, flanked by sharp crags on the seaward side and a steep slope on the landward side. The broch’s builders quarried the bedrock footing, not only to gain stone that could be used in building the broch but also to level the floor. Nonetheless, the floor surface varies in elevation by over 1.7m from west to east. A significant step runs from north to south, effectively dividing the interior in two. Clefts and crevasses in the bedrock floor were filled with rounded cobbles and small stones and a layer of flooring – rushes, reeds and grasses – was laid down like a carpet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611069826568-HQ6G5GRV3UIEBYP4B9MB/Entrance+into+the+broch%2C+with+large+triangular+lintel+stone+above+the+doorway Layout and features - Entrance & Guard Cells The doorway into the broch is topped by a huge triangular stone. Passing under this, visitors to broch enter a roughly paved passage which leads through the massive thickness of the wall, into the interior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611152314408-AWCM744BNMO7S9Z47N7C/Rough+paving+stones+on+the+floor+of+the+entrance+passage%2C+with+drystone+walls+to+either+side Layout and features https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611069587184-1QZ869I4X6FFQVMO2XWA/Looking+through+the+low+doorway+from+one+of+the+cells+into+the+entrance+passage%2C+with+drystone+walls+to+all+sides Layout and features The entrance passage is flanked by two small rooms that would traditionally have been termed ‘guard cells’, but this reflects a once-popular view that brochs were primarily defensive structures with sentries posted by the doorway night and day. However, the cells in broch walls are now seen more as a by-product of the hollow walled design that allows them to attain their height. The cells themselves were probably mainly used for storage. To the right hand side of the entrance passage is Cell 4, which seems to have been carpeted in the same way as the interior of the broch, with natural grasses, reeds and rushes. Over this was was a layer of flagstones. No finds were discovered in this cell, making identification of its function or purpose all the more difficult. On the left hand side of the passage, Cell 1 appears to have been used as a midden or dump. A quarter of a metre of rubble overlay deep deposits of silt which included bone, broken pottery, fragments of wood, small pieces of string or cord, a possible spatula and what might be an unfinished wooden bowl. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611053760140-56IQQFUI6H86L656GLR1/Reddened+stone+slab+with+edge+set+stones+to+two+sites Layout and features - The Heart(h) of the Home At the heart of the broch, both literally and figuratively, was a massive hearth. The earliest hearth was formed of a massive sandstone flag laid on top of the lowest layer of flooring. The hearthstone is heavily fractured, cracked by the heat of the fire. Edge-set stones around the east and south-east formed a partial surround. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611054247712-C8962ESIWVSJKV68WX3C/The+rocky+broch+interior+with+traces+of+the+latest+hearth+represented+by+a+mass+of+stone+and+a+shattered%2C+reddened+slab Layout and features Over time, the second hearth became unusable and it too was replaced. A thick layer of ash and rubble was spread over the top and a huge central slab was laid down, surrounded by smaller flagstones. The hearth was bordered by edge-set kerb stones which were held in place by upright stone ‘posts’. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611053947538-I7FV5U0K8QRKM4CM17T5/A+reddened+stone+slab+shown+in+the+centre+of+the+broch%2C+with+an+arc+of+beach+cobbles+to+one+side Layout and features The first hearth was eventually replaced: it was levelled with mixed debris including shattered stone and ash, and a new slab was placed on top. Rounded beach cobbles were laid out in an arc around the new hearth, perhaps forming an activity area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611070619631-4C69NNVHN187G444HX17/A+vertical+profile+of+soil+deposits+showing+bands+of+different+colours.+Metal+tins+have+been+hammered+in+to+collect+samples+of+these+layers+in+their+stratigraphic+order. Layout and features - Flooring When the reeds, rushes and grasses that formed the flooring became too wet or dirty, new material was laid down on top of earlier layers. This resulted in an accumulation of deposits representing the duration of the broch’s occupation. It contained a wealth of information about the people of the broch in the items dropped and lost among the flooring. It held stories of pests too, who happily made their homes in the floor deposits. Read more about the animal and insect inhabitants of the broch here. In an early phase of the broch’s life, the flooring became so wet and dirty that drainage was installed in the form of a channel between the hearth and the doorway. This feature proved its worth during the excavations, draining water from the floor deposits and helping to keep the site dry while the archaeologists worked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611054775789-QDU7KM85925RDT1ZL13F/A+figure+excavates+the+broch.+Two+quern+stones+are+visible+amongst+stony+floor+deposits. Layout and features - During the period in which the second hearth was in use, numerous broken or discarded quern stones were laid down among the floor deposits Querns are often found among the foundations or flooring deposits of Iron Age homes. The reasons for this are not clearly understood, but querns may have formed part of a complex system of house-based ritual activities, perhaps linked to fertility and the life-cycle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611056553898-67UOJFNN3HQKTD4BZ6S8/The+souterrain+viewed+from+above%3A+a+curving+void+space+below+floor%2C+with+drystone+walling+along+the+sides+level Layout and features https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611056977556-E71P0ILCIU5VKP65OADI/Stone+slabs+arranged+in+a+rectangular+setting Layout and features - Stone tank To the north-west of hearth, a stone setting formed a rectangular shape formed a box or tank around half a metre deep. At other brochs, similar features have been interpreted as tanks for storing water. Here, there was no evidence of a clay lining to waterproof the tank. Perhaps the feature was lined with hides or other organic materials, to allow it to hold water? The box was filled with fire-cracked stone, animal bone and shell. This evidence, taken together with the feature’s position close to the hearth, make it seem likely that it was related to cooking or food preparation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611065935157-Z3KNHKHSEENJPM2ECLTY/An+archaeologist+with+a+trowel+removed+soil+from+a+greenish+boulder+with+a+deep+recess+on+its+upper+surface%2C+which+is+filled+with+blackened+cereal+grains Layout and features - Knocking Stone This large boulder set into a spread of clay was full to the brim of carbonised grain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611067585265-3NG0X2YTV5RVMWQQ5J6L/Two+archaeologists+collect+samples+of+burnt+material%2C+working+within+a+grid+marked+out+with+string Layout and features - Fire! All of the features outlined above were covered by a thick layer of charred debris which included large timbers, burnt heather and grasses, and cereal grains – the result of a massive fire which heralded the end of the broch’s occupation. A layer of sandy material overlay the charred debris, probably a mixture of wind-blown sands, natural soil development, and material eroded from the broch’s walls. The presence of this sandy layer suggests that the broch’s walls stood tall for some time after the fire, since the rubble overlay the sandy layer. It is not unusual for collapsed broch sites to have been reused or reoccupied in some way, but there was no convincing evidence for any secondary structures built amongst the rubble at Clachtoll. This suggests that the community of the broch did not attempt to rebuild after the fire, but moved elsewhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611141485145-X8VNEC6FH5X3N9LVM3WF/IMG_2064.JPG Layout and features - Storage Solutions Cell 2 is accessed via a doorway located around 1m above the floor level of the broch. This drop is replicated within the cell, suggesting that the space was accessed via a wooden ladder or steps of some kind. Analysis of the deposits within the cell suggests that it was used for the storage of sheaves of grain, and perhaps processed grain too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611150976966-TUNSFQZ486ETKHZU0DGZ/View+of+the+stonework+inside+Cell+2 Layout and features The character of the stonework of Cell 2 suggests that it may not have been part of the original design of the broch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611150871995-GXQ9BH46UVA58WXARU2E/View+of+the+stonework+inside+Cell+2 Layout and features Inside Cell 2, the walls are formed off massive stone blocks mixed with much smaller stones https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611139255977-JMUVDO5JJ5KKUX5J9S70/A+narrow+flight+of+stone+steps+with+drystone+walling+to+either+side%2C+leading+up+into+daylight Layout and features - Going Up One of the defining features of any broch is the stairwell within the massively thick walls. Thirteen steps survive at Clachtoll, climbing clockwise (as the stairs in brochs usually do) to the east, leading to a short landing into what would have been the first floor of the broch. Before excavation, the stairs were completely hidden beneath rubble debris and wind-blown sand. Much of this accumulation was clearly modern in date, with finds including pieces of fishing float, fragments of plastic and a penny dating to 1944. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611153590337-8HGM8JT5G8BAB3K859MX/Low+aerial+view+of+the+broch+during+excavations.+A+ledge+is+visible+running+around+the+inner+circumference+at+the+right+hand+side Layout and features The scarcement ledge, visible within the circumference of the broch at the right in this image, would have supported an upper floor accessed via the stairs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611066270116-AY3NSQYBM4L3GC9V01CC/sampling.png Layout and features Sampling the burnt material was a fiddly process! The team excavates amongst a grid of strings, to collect samples from within each gridsquare. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611066294866-4ZIC10LVM2O1ZYNZ4AKQ/flooring-1024x683.jpg Layout and features Charred organic material left by the fire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1611066714733-ZT60XE2KZLJSS2W51L03/Burning+on+scarcement+ledge+%282%29.JPG Layout and features This burnt material on the scarcement ledge, found during work in 2011, was the first hint of the broch's fiery end https://www.clachtollbroch.com/3d_structures daily 0.75 2021-03-04 https://www.clachtollbroch.com/soil-science daily 0.75 2021-07-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1615905956619-9TPJ2UQSLCA9AFHGMIYZ/A+series+of+rectangular+metal+tins+are+shown%2C+pressed+into+a+vertical+face+of+deposits%2C+with+individual+layers+clearly+visible+within+the+mud.+A+red+and+while+scale+bar+shows+that+the+depth+of+the+deposits+is+50cm. Soil science - The layers are clearly visible in section Changes in colour and texture make them easier to pick apart https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1615906395502-TRSERLBD0AWKPO81UCVJ/An+image+from+a+thin+section+showing+a+textured%2C+grainy+sample+and+a+teardrop-shaped+coprolite%2C+probably+from+a+odent Soil science https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1627310491753-LRWQT4F33O26MVZM4515/Lush+green+grass+with+rough+vegetation+at+the+top+of+the+frame%2C+with+low+sunlight Soil science - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1615908141606-911LHF19IZ775ALAK4ZH/Image+of+flames+and+glowing%2C+burning+wood Soil science https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1615906683873-GIRHOW4AMXBIMAOCR1QB/thin+section+slide.jpg Soil science A thin section slide https://www.clachtollbroch.com/stone daily 0.75 2021-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617700978297-FD8WG4BUNK8OKA8GV18D/Bowl-shaped+object+made+of+stone Stone - During the Iron Age in Atlantic Scotland, stone was used not only as a building material, but also to make objects Our excavations uncovered many stone objects used in a range of different spheres of everyday life at the broch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617698344349-BX0WIW5DT1DWL6DZDJCF/IMG_5748.jpg Stone Close analysis of the feeder pipe in this quern stone shows where the surface has been smoothed during use https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617697397397-EXMKB9GV1EFWLGD9K3FS/The+knocking+stone+during+excavation.+A+large+bounder+has+a+deep+central+hollow.+It+is+filled+with+burnt+grain. Stone - In the Kitchen A number of the stone objects discovered within Clachtoll Broch were used in food production. One of the most iconic finds at Clachtoll was the knocking stone, shown here. It was used to de-husk barley and was filled with partially processed barley grains, suggesting it was abandoned during use. The knocking stone remains in place inside the broch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617698116631-QF0AC8YXYO2SOKO9GGVU/A%2Bquern%2Bstone%2Bin%2Bsitu%253A%2Ba%2Bcircular%2Bstone%2Baround%2B40cm%2Bin%2Bdiameter%252C%2Bwith%2Bcentral%2Bperforation.jpg Stone One of the quern stones as discovered in the broch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617697635947-VBJELPI2X46CPLS3Z1OA/IMG_3389.jpg Stone A quern stone photographed back in the lab. The perforation at the left would have held a handle for turning the stone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617795484014-RUDE7UVCCO3PS1Y0FLJX/Illustration+showing+broken+stone+lamp+with+lines+incised+on+the+handle+and+around+the+bowl Stone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617698819731-2MLOQZ0WW6HV1W3KP3LX/IMG_1927.JPG Stone - Lamp Light Our investigations also uncovered a large number of bowl-shaped vessels made from steatite, a soft stone also known as soapstone. These vessels are often found at Iron Age sites across Scotland, but the number found at Clachtoll Broch is unusually large. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617699389983-3XNZOW7ARQKNLED0FRBL/A+broken+lamp+with+incised+decoration Stone - This broken vessel features incised, linear decoration - a glimpse of Iron Age aesthetics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617699663491-TYEY7HCT444ZXB4MDB1K/A+spindle+whorl%2C+held+between+the+thumb+and+forefinger+of+the+finder Stone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617703001352-H1CEMNY402HODDTM0MAO/Gif+showing+a+stone+spindle+whorl+with+incised+lines+radiating+from+the+central+perforation Stone 3D model of one of the spindle whorls; click the image to explore the model for yourself https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1619167458328-BBOUZ6GOUDMBQN709SX5/Small+bowl-shaped+object+made+of+stone%2C+with+a+line+incised+below+the+rim+on+one+side Stone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1619167393253-V6KR2DG0I9VDNPY4U0TL/A+small+bowl-shaped+object%2C+muddy%2C+held+in+the+hand+of+an+archaeologist Stone - This delicate little bowl-shaped object is rather intriguing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617699323122-IQJIH0ZBIJ9YO0NO4822/IMG_1966.jpg Stone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/4bae2498-01fb-42a1-a599-762d9213b646/IMG_0599.JPG Stone A lamp among the burnt deposits at the broch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/76a9d93f-9b63-4d1e-b20e-a7311f65bfef/IMG_0605.JPG Stone A lamp as found https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617699361841-821DB4OTI51CYBRQFBRV/IMG_1927.jpg Stone A lamp held in the hand of the finder https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/5a218d9e-e8c9-493d-84a8-b06ef69f049d/IMG_0672.JPG Stone One half of a broken lamp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/d4e45bc0-6a87-4eda-a4c8-bd5e864830d6/IMG_0677.JPG Stone A lamp under excavation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/695587eb-20bb-4a05-8388-71d07f61b034/IMG_0682.JPG Stone A lamp with a little hollow in the handle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/8167f1c4-06b5-4cd0-9e06-8969fb5a9754/IMG_1969.JPG Stone A lamp, held in the hand of the finder https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/72857371-0998-4da3-beff-62c27cbc6f8e/IMG_0946.JPG Stone A lamp under analysis: a scientist scrapes the surface with a scalpel to collect residues. https://www.clachtollbroch.com/conservation daily 0.75 2021-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1619169117093-416GMCZCJKCLYKUGOA94/IMG_4032.JPG Conservation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1619171527900-GJSKZZE7T3NMKSAUCN8X/Blue+gloved+hands+hold+an+iron+artefact+and+a+scalpel.+The+lens+of+a+microscope+is+visible+at+the+top+of+the+image. Conservation A scalpel is used to carefully remove corrosion obscuring the object https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1619171470062-FNZ45DPPHWI1J9JQWS3V/Woman+looking+down+a+microscope%2C+wearing+blue+gloves+while+working+on+an+iron+artefact Conservation A conservator works to reveal the shape of a corroded iron object https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1619169583709-O3CZXA75ICYY04M7XSV8/Clachtoll_SF52_BC_01.JPG Conservation - This object was one of the conservators’ biggest challenges https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1619169726530-ILQL2UUGB7EXPQ2V20PC/Grain+X-ray+image+showing+a+rectangular+white+shape+on+a+dark+background Conservation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1619171277660-4O7DGGMVEVXW6NGEYQVI/Clachtoll_SF52_BC_02.JPG Conservation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1619171107120-56X3557WDB1JK7Z2TGP5/Clachtoll_SF52_PC_02.JPG Conservation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1619170974412-UW3G37UOG7SMQHV51X6C/Clachtoll_SF52_PC_01.JPG Conservation The axe after conservation, with the socket clearly visible https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1619171911468-3133MT1JHMQ37UI9AI5C/Curved+iron+object+with+wood+extended+from+one+end Conservation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1619171963193-PYAFPWEO4C19JLZL515K/Curved+iron+object+with+wood+extending+from+one+end Conservation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1619171851555-534RMWT5WU8OOHSEUYZB/Curved+iron+object+with+wood+at+one+end Conservation https://www.clachtollbroch.com/land-sea-sky daily 0.75 2021-05-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1589847902870-ZOUR0EX0L2QSQNRC1SP2/image-asset.jpeg Land, Sea, Sky - Make it stand out. It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1589847903067-57HDPDJ6TWU40QPAQLS4/image-asset.jpeg Land, Sea, Sky - Make it stand out. It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.clachtollbroch.com/broch-structure daily 0.75 2021-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1623765801869-HSKEEJS29Q1AHTJ44NIR/6098954785_982ffa573e_o.jpg Broch Structure - When we look at the remains of the great drystone tower at Clachtoll, we are struck by how monumental and permanent it seems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1623765621831-7KJ6HW1HKNTFP9LXWWI9/A+large+drystone+structure+with+triangular+stone+above+the+doorway Broch Structure https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1623776865772-CVOMRTD722BIGND1DTA1/Image+of+interior+wall+showing+bulging%2C+irregular+stonework+at+lowest+level Broch Structure https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1623777012457-JYMCTWI2B129D8ZCJPBD/interior+of+broch+showing+irregular+stonework+at+lowest+level%2C+with+dashed+line+to+mark Broch Structure https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1623782271317-XG0VREJCR0LI06XJDR5K/The+corner+of+one+of+the+cells%2C+showing+that+the+walls+are+not+bonded Broch Structure - In some of the cells within the broch walls, the outer and inner wall are not bonded, as though the outer and inner walls had been reconstructed rather than built together. https://www.clachtollbroch.com/copper-alloy daily 0.75 2021-07-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1625581161385-CKXLSJD1Q278G00IKJJS/A+potsherd+with+circular+impressions%2C+shown+with+head+of+a+ring-headed+pin+nearby%2C+for+comparison+of+their+dimensions Copper Alloy - Make it stand out Potsherd and pin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1625580979237-JZLE9DSZ98V91QJDXWSJ/A+line+thin+object%2C+tapering+to+a+point+at+one+end+and+with+a+ring+at+the+other%2C+shown+against+a+scale+bar+that+shows+it+to+be+around+9.5cm+long Copper Alloy - Make it stand out The ring-headed pin https://www.clachtollbroch.com/conference-recordings daily 0.75 2021-10-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1633623340743-KRS2M3CNEWTA4M82P8XJ/Image+of+Gordon+holding+a+wooden+trophy+with+flint+arrow+head+on+the+top Clachtoll Broch: Celebrating an Icon in the North - Introduction Gordon Sleight of Historic Assynt introduces Clachtoll Broch Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1633623477471-GZHMVEETRLI1QV4PQ75S/HES+still.jpg Clachtoll Broch: Celebrating an Icon in the North - HES’s Perspective John Raven outlines Historic Environment Scotland’s role in the project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1633623872135-V9ZJ7CG2LK76ZQ19BKWF/JB+still.jpg Clachtoll Broch: Celebrating an Icon in the North - Structural History of the Broch AOC’s John Barber discusses the architecture of the broch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1634044309961-0FH26RKB9UASDWB5KVC5/graeme+arch+still.jpg Clachtoll Broch: Celebrating an Icon in the North - The Excavations and Chronology Graeme Cavers of AOC gives overview of the archaeology and dating evidence https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1633624868902-EOCBF4C2Q4QO0ZH56LB5/dawn+still.jpg Clachtoll Broch: Celebrating an Icon in the North - Stories from the Artefacts AOC’s Dawn McLaren discusses the broch’s rich finds assemblage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1633624691989-EWCEE9DJV5OH9GQ7OM1G/lynne+still.jpg Clachtoll Broch: Celebrating an Icon in the North - Soils and Sediments: Micromorphological Anlysis AOC’s Lynne Roy talks through the secrets held within the deposits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1633624354227-7AMQUG6VKGYPFZGQA6BW/andy+still.jpg Clachtoll Broch: Celebrating an Icon in the North - What Objects Tell Us: Symbolism, Trade and Contacts AOC’s Andy Heald discusses the wider significance of the artefacts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1633624105344-YQM45BZR5LHKNVDGUNEC/Jack+still.jpg Clachtoll Broch: Celebrating an Icon in the North - The Broch Economy: Plants and Animals AOC’s Jackaline Robertson discusses the flora and fauna of Clachtoll https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1633625203134-CCTYQTW8737OJNDN9YGW/jen+still.jpg Clachtoll Broch: Celebrating an Icon in the North - Fish, Fishing and the Sea Jen Harland of UHI discusses the evidence for use of marine resources https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1633625369496-EYG489M2PBW0419SYFIG/graeme+context+still.jpg Clachtoll Broch: Celebrating an Icon in the North - Clachtoll in Context Graeme Cavers discusses the broch’s place in the wider Iron Age landscape https://www.clachtollbroch.com/3d-replicas daily 0.75 2022-04-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/2b6e701d-ef1a-4397-b5b3-b759ee3862a4/IMG__82.jpg 3D replicas - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617707775977-QQ7WSKYEABODIT04VYBB/A%2Bcomb%2Bmade%2Bfrom%2Bantler%252C%2Bwith%2Bsix%2Blong%2Bteeth%2Band%2Ba%2Bperforation%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bhandle.%2BIt%2Bis%2Bheld%2Bin%2Ba%2Bmuddy%252C%2Bgloved%2Bhand.jpg 3D replicas - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/ae9dccec-6741-4476-a812-aad5d424c39f/IMG__19.jpg 3D replicas - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/aaf24962-ca70-4acd-9ba8-dc500b489a1c/IMG__282.jpg 3D replicas - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/0c34ed8f-aef4-4b5b-920d-a488d3da4fe0/4.1.16+prh+pin+against+V2_alternative+option.JPG 3D replicas - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/201469d9-312f-4759-8f52-d8028467906e/IMG__35.jpg 3D replicas - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/9def80fd-b3d0-4604-8685-b308591ca8f6/IMG__238A.jpg 3D replicas - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1607117479680-CM3EZZW8Z8COIX69W1FV/IMG_2049.jpg 3D replicas - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1609855338231-K7D99DM2SVDXBJ5DMZ6B/IMG_5135.JPG 3D replicas - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fc7590aaa0dc1643a30eb5d/1617698819731-2MLOQZ0WW6HV1W3KP3LX/IMG_1927.JPG 3D replicas - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.