The archeological dig at the Brough of Deerness had an open day today so John, Alex and I trotted off down there leaving Pam at home as she had several things that she wanted to do.
The dig is a viking settlement on a headland connected to the mainland by a narrow steep sided path. This I suppose would make it very easy to defend but it does seem a very inhospitable place to choose to live. The path up is steep and a precarious even with the chain that has been fitted alongside it.(Maybe this is why Pam decided not to come.)
On the top is a chapel that may be of viking age or may have been an even earlier pictish one.
This chapel, although not in use, was revered until recent times with offerings of coins and other items dated as late as the 17th or 18th century being found there.
Surrounding the chapel are quite a number of houses of differing sizes from a large one that may have been the chieftans hall, to much smaller houses which appear to only have one bed.
At the moment they are excavating two (semi detached) houses and the team leader led us through what they had found.
It was definitely worth the climb. They have a lecture next week in Deerness hall to explain the dig and show all the finds so I think that will be a "must do". It's a pity that John and Alex will not be able to go as they will be back home by then.
We returned past The Gloup and went to Deerness Community hall. They have an exhibition called "Deernesin 100 objects". There appear to be a great many more than 100 objects but it would be nit-picking to object.
I was quite surprised at the quality of the exhibition. I was expecting a little, village hall type of collection with a few photos and stories. In fact the exhibition would have done credit to many museums. Many and various items illustrating life in deerness and its people were well presented. It was all very good and not just aimed at local interest but interesting to all comers. not just little local displays that outsiders would not understand.
I shall have to go back again sometime while it is still on as there is plenty that I have not looked through.
After Deerness I took John and Alex to Tankerness to see where we have the land that we were going to build our house on befor we bough this one.On the way we passed "Waterfield", a house that we considered buying. It has a lovely shed that you could back an articulated lorry and trailer into. Just an illustration of "shed envy" on my part.
We returned and had a wander on the beach by number 4 barrier before returning home.
Another good day.
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