In Assynt we have an iron age broch, which is currently being excavated with the help of funding from the Big Lottery. And today I was privileged to join the local Interpretation Group to have a closer look at the work that is being done. As you approach the broch from the south it looks a little like a pile of rubble:

But start to look more closely and you see some of the more formal stone work.

While the group listened to some history of the site from Gordon Sleight:

Kia, the dog, was concentrating on doing some iron age excavation of her own:
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You can read so much more about the broch project on the official website here, but I found it fascinating hearing about the construction of the broch, with its outer and inner walls, and quite frightening looking at the possible cause of the collapse of the roof - rocks that have cracked under the pressure:

While slightly nervous standing on the top of the broch, there was so much to see and hear about that it was easy to miss the fantastic view from the top:

And I'm afraid I couldn't resist the temptation to try the panoramic feature on the camera, which worked remarkably well and gives a great idea as to the location of the broch:

It was finally time to leave the archaeologists to their work, but not before we were treated to seeing, and holding, some of the iron age pottery found on the site. You can see how attempts have been made to decorate the pottery, probably with grass, resulting in striping along the pot.

As to the "something new" - I'm very happy with my new camera. I thought it would be almost impossible to replace my trusty old companion, but based on this outing I don't think it will be too long before this new companion will become as trusted as my old companion.
Edited to add: Stevan managed to sneak a photograph of me using my new companion:

5 reactions
1 From Kathy - 15/08/2011, 22:43
2 From Bill - 16/08/2011, 10:20
3 From Maggie - 16/08/2011, 12:33
4 From magnusmog - 16/08/2011, 20:44
5 From Lizzi - 16/08/2011, 23:06
Cameras R us!!
L