AOC Archaeology Group is pleased to have worked with Caithness Archaeological Trust and Archie Sinclair Fossil Centre on their community experimental archaeology project, STONEworks Early Architecture Project.

For four weeks from  Monday September 19th 2011, we learned about building methods in the past; work involved the full scale construction of a section of broch. The wall featured intra-mural galleries, as these were common in Iron Age brochs. Building the broch with large slabs of Caithness flagstone was hard work, but our hardy volunteers relished the challenge and enjoyed the communal endeavour!

One of the main research interests of the project was to force the collapse of the structure, and in doing so, to find out more about the way in which brochs collapse.  We learned about this poorly understood process by positioning webcams at specified locations in the broch walls; when we forced the collapse of the structure, we recorded the processes that the stonework went through.

Volunteers of all ages were invited to take part; no experience was required, tools and training were provided, and it was free to participate. Artists, photographers and art students were made welcome as they came to take inspiration from the creation of an imposing and beautiful structure.

A traditional skills workshop and family activity day, a guided walk and evening talks also took place, ensuring that everyone could get caught up in this exciting community project. Please see the schedule of events for more information on past events.

STONEworks was been made possible thanks to funding from LEADER and the Halkirk District Benefit Fund.

For more information, please contact Derek of Caithness Archaeological Trust email@caithnessarchaeology.org.uk  Tel: 01593 731 269.