In the Steps of the Time Team ... Applecross Broch

Following Time Team's investigation of Applecross Broch in June 2005, we helped Applecross Archaeology secure funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Awards for All programme to set up a community project to uncover the broch and display it to the public – and give local enthusiasts a chance to take part.  Up to thirty members of the Applecross community joined Highland Archaeology Services during the last week of October 2006 to make a start.

We successfully identified the two broch walls in addition to possible external and internal entrances.  Sherds of Iron Age pottery, iron slag and stone tools were amongst the artefacts recovered.  Interestingly, the week's excavation has proven that the remains of the broch extend much further below the surface than initially thought and there is also evidence suggesting multiple periods of occupation on the site.

There remains much more work to be done to fully understand this broch's past and Applecross Archaeology hopes to return to it next year.  

Part of the group at the end of Day 1                                                  Planning/excavating Tr. 1

Removal of turf in Tr. 2                                                Gemma and Nick in the centre of the broch

William and Gemma record levels and site data                   Nick excavating the outer broch wall, Tr. 2

Mike and Heather clearing around the outer broch wall, Tr. 1

Cathy's rim fragment from possible Iron Age vessel        Sam excavates the internal broch entrance in Tr. 1

Outer broch wall, Tr. 1

Tr. 2: Outer broch wall in foreground, part of the gallery (centre) and inner broch wall external face in background.

Click here for the Applecross Broch Press Release.