Ep 3. The Crannog in the Loch, Loch Migdale

In this episode of Time Team, the team travels to Loch Migdale in Scotland to investigate a crannog - an ancient man-made island built in a loch. The crannog in question had never been excavated before, making it an exciting prospect for the archaeologists.

The team is accompanied by local expert Dr. James Fraser, who has studied the area extensively. He explains that the crannog was likely built during the Iron Age, around 2,500 years ago. The team is eager to uncover any artifacts or structures that could shed light on the people who lived on the crannog and their way of life.

The excavation begins with a geophysical survey of the area, using ground-penetrating radar and other equipment to create a map of what lies beneath the surface. The team identifies a number of circular features that could be evidence of buildings or other structures.

Once the survey is complete, the team starts digging. They begin with test trenches to get an idea of the depth and composition of the deposits. They find that the crannog was built on top of a natural island in the loch, which was then surrounded by a wooden palisade to create a protected area.

As they dig deeper, the team uncovers evidence of a complex series of structures that may have included a roundhouse, a storehouse, and a series of walkways connecting them. They also find evidence of more recent activity on the site, including a well and a blacksmith's forge.

Throughout the excavation, the team finds a variety of artifacts that help them piece together what life may have been like on the crannog. These include pottery shards, animal bones, and pieces of jewelry. They also find evidence of metalworking, which suggests that the people on the crannog were skilled craftsmen.

As they continue to excavate, the team faces a number of challenges. The site is extremely wet, and they must work carefully to avoid damaging the delicate artifacts. They also encounter a range of unexpected finds, including a stone tool that predates the Iron Age by several thousand years.

Despite these obstacles, the team manages to uncover a wealth of information about the crannog and the people who lived on it. By the end of the episode, they have amassed a large collection of artifacts and have a much clearer understanding of the site's history.

Overall, The Crannog in the Loch, Loch Migdale is a fascinating look at one of Scotland's lesser-known archaeological sites. The team's dedication and expertise are on full display as they work to uncover the mysteries of this ancient crannog.