2019 dig dates announced for Swandro Dig on Rousay - archaeology volunteers welcome
Applications are now open to volunteer for the 2019 Swandro Dig on the island of Rousay, which will take place from 22 June to 10 August.
Training the archaeologists of the future is an important part of Swandro's work, and the team has archaeology students from the UK and USA digging with them as part of the team. It can be hard for aspiring young archaeologists to gain enough field experience to be able to get a paid job in archaeology, particularly as many excavations charge their volunteers to attend. Volunteers at the Swandro Dig are welcome free of charge.
What is the Swandro Dig?
The Knowe of Swandro, in the Orkney island of Rousay, is being destroyed by coastal erosion. This unique archaeological site includes a 5,000-year-old Neolithic chambered tomb, the concentric outer walls of which survive underneath the storm beach, Iron Age roundhouses, Pictish buildings, a Viking settlement and a Norse Long Hall.
The Knowe of Swandro represents a unique opportunity to totally excavate a Neolithic chambered tomb using modern scientific techniques. Once the tomb has been excavated, attention will then move to the Iron Age, Pictish and Viking/Norse buildings.
How to get involved
If you'd like to volunteer, visit the Swandro Dig website for more information. Prospective excavators should be aware that due to the location of the site, the uneven terrain, and unstable nature of the storm beach you will need to be both fit and well to dig.
QUICK LINK: New radiocarbon dating of Pictish sites
(images copyright Swandro-Orkney Coastal Archaeology Trust)
Recent Updates
Glasgow Queen Street Station opened - On this day in history
Glasgow's Queen Street Station was officially opened on 18 February 1842.
Covenanter James Renwick was executed - On this day in history
Scottish Minister James Renwick was executed on 17 February 1688 for refusing to swear fealty to King James ...
On this day in history - Government forces attempted to capture Prince Charles Edward Stuart
Government forces, under the leadership of Lord Louden, failed in their attempt to capture Charles Edward ...
The Caledonian Railway Company opened - On this day in history
The Caledonian Railway Company opened on 15 February 1848, running trains between Glasgow and London.
Other Articles
'Significant milestone' as full survey results of German Fleet salvage sites archaeology project published online
The extent and composition of the salvage site of the German High Seas Fleet, that was scuttled almost a ...
Alexander Graham Bell filed a patent for the telephone - On this day in history
Alexander Graham Bell filed a patent for the telephone on 14 February 1876.
The Glencoe Massacre took place - On this day in Scottish history
The Glencoe Massacre took place on 13 February 1692.
Reverend Henry Duncan died - On this day in history
Reverend Henry Duncan, founder of one of the world's first commercial savings banks, died on 12 February ...