Applecross Archaeology

This year the people of Applecross will complete an archaeological investigation that began in 2005 with a televised excavation led by Channel 4’s Time Team – a final season excavating the extent of Applecross Broch; an exceptional example of the complex Atlantic Roundhouse with an associated souterrain (pictures).  This high status Iron Age settlement site is located at the centre of a vibrant Wester Ross community, who, together, through this project, are learning about, recording and celebrating this significant element of their rich archaeological heritage.  Today, we are inviting you to become part of this exciting adventure.  You can make a contribution towards the cost of this season.  You can come and join us on the dig.  You can do both!

The broch site has proved to be far more complex than had ever been expected; and has produced finds of significant interest and importance, including, last season, an Iron Age lignite bangle fragment (pictures). The great enthusiasm of the excavation team and of all the community volunteers has done much to progress research, investigation and understanding of this fine example of a broch complex.  The results of the 2006 – 2008 Seasons are summarised in Applecross Broch Community Archaeology Project: Interim Report, Version 1, a copy of which is available upon request (or clickable hyperlink to pdf report).  Kirsty Cameron, the Highland Council Regional Archaeologist, upon reading these findings, has said:

This is an impressive piece of work and an ambitious and exciting project.  I really hope you manage to secure your funding for the 2009 season in order to keep up the momentum of good work on the site.

Interest in the project has been widespread, with articles appearing in Scottish Archaeology News and History Scotland magazines and editorial in national and local print, radio and television media, including, most recently, BBC 2’s Monty Hall’s Great Escape.   The profile of both the broch as an important example of its genre and of the work, engagement and dedication of the community in Applecross today is celebrated in such coverage (pictures – community having fun digging).

From September 2009 we propose to complete the strategic programme that will finally clarify the full extent of the archaeology and then to leave the broch as a visible and interpreted monument, open to the public.  We believe that we are creating a sustainable asset that will attract high value, low risk visitors to the area, and support the further development of the local heritage centre where findings will be exhibited and displayed.

The planning and design of the excavations by representative members of the local community underpins a spirit of full involvement for all participants in every stage of the archaeological process – including beginners, of every age and all abilities.  This is being further facilitated by the supervision and tuition of the professional team.  On site-tuition will be offered in archival study, survey of the site, preliminary investigation, excavation, recording, and analysis and processing and cataloguing of finds.

This project is designed to deepen the involvement and engagement of all with the surrounding environment and with the past lives represented by the specific archaeological remains.

In addition, we are organising a series of activities, inviting children from 5 schools based in the area, to come and participate in the excavations, get involved in on-site experimental archaeology and finds processing.  The activities in September will be followed by a post excavation programme of specialist analysis and final report writing throughout the winter months of 2009 – 2010.

Our project cost for the 2009 Season, including securing the necessary professional services, equipment and expertise is £7,691.  We have already raised an in kind donations of equipment  from the North of Scotland Archaeological Society, and the in kind donations of volunteers accomodation from the Applecross Campsite.  The Society has been successful in securing £3,076 from Leader and £2,000 from the Highland councils Discretionary Fund. With out which no excavations could take place.

Any support you can contribute will ensuring that this splendid element in Wester Ross’ archaeological heritage can be preserved in situ, bringing the past and the present together for the greater benefit of all those who enjoy Applecross today and in years to come .