Archaeologists uncover ancient island mystery on Isle of Lewis
From above, it looks like the island is made from stone
- Published
Scientists have made a surprising discovery on the Isle of Lewis, in the Western Isles of Scotland.
They've found that an ancient artificial island in a loch, which was thought to be made of stone, isn't exactly what it seems.
Researchers say the island was actually built entirely on a platform made of wood, which was used to support the whole structure.
Experts added that they believe it dates back to the early Bronze Age - and that the technique could have been used at other nearby sites throughout the Outer Hebrides.
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What did experts discover on the Isle of Lewis?
The discovery was made by experts, led by scientists from the University of Southampton and the University of Reading.
From above, the Neolithic island - also known as a crannog - in Loch Bhorgastail appears to be made of stone.
Crannogs are small artificial islands that are typically thousands of years old, and hundreds of them exist in Scotland's lochs.
While it was known that there was some wood underneath this island, the extent of it was not discovered until excavation and analysis started.
Using 3D computer imagery, researchers found that timber formed the basis of the structure.
Archaeologists uncovered a layered wood and brushwood construction under the stone, and they also made another unexpected revelation.
They found hundreds of pieces of Neolithic pottery submerged in the surrounding water.
University of Southampton archaeologist Dr Stephanie Blankshein explained: "While we still don't know exactly why these islands were built, the resources and labour required to construct them suggests not only complex communities capable of such feats, but also the great significance of these sites."
She added: "A lot of work went into it, we've had a lot of really good dates come out of it, and all the dates are aligning to about 3500 to 3300 BC across all the sites we're seeing.
"So we know that this was an activity that wasn't just taking place at this site, but other sites nearby and even on other islands throughout the Outer Hebrides."
