In Search of the Vikings around Dunnet Bay, Caithness

AOC Archaeology Group have embarked on a major community project with the Castletown Heritage Society to investigate Viking and Norse archaeology around Dunnet Bay on the north coast of Caithness. Early literature, place name evidence and occasional archaeological discoveries indicate that Caithness was an important centre of Viking/Norse activity. The north and north-east coast of Caithness has produced various forms of archaeological evidence, such as Viking graves at Reay and Castletown, a silver hoard from Kirk O’Banks and stray finds at Thurso. Small-scale excavations and fieldwalking have produced evidence for Norse activity in and around Dunnet Bay.

The Castletown Heritage Society's ‘Viking and Norse Heritage' project will focus on attempting to define and assess the Viking and Norse presence in and around Dunnet Bay, which stretches between Castletown and Dunnet. The project forms part of the River of Stone project into archaeology in Caithness undertaken in association with the Caithness Archaeological Trust.

Central to the Viking and Norse Heritage project and the wider River of Stone project is the involvement and training of the local community. AOC Archaeology Group will support the Castletown Heritage Society during the project and deliver training in all aspects of archaeological fieldwork and post-excavation. As well as undertaking a six-week field project, the programme will involve public lectures; training days on artefacts, survey, excavation, post-excavation and publications; web diaries and open days.

This ambitious project began on Saturday 12th July at Castlehill Archaeological Research Facility, Harbour Road, Castletown. This first weekend event outlined the project and provided an introduction to the archaeology of the area, with a particular focus on the Vikings, and was complimented with a series of artefact recording workshops specific to the project.

AOC Project Manager: Andy Heald
Client: Castletown Heritage Society