Historic excavation wins funding

Plans to excavate and reconstruct an historic but eroding burnt mound on Bressay have been awarded more than £70,000 of funding.

Bressay History Group's plans at Cruester follow coastal erosion threatening the site.

The plan is to rebuild the landmark near the local heritage centre.

Different types of mounds are found across the country, and varying theories exist about their function, ranging from cooking sites to saunas.

The plans are being supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Shetland Islands Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Shetland Amenity Trust.

Detailed plans

It is a partnership project with Archaeology Scotland, the Scape Trust, and the Shetland Amenity Trust.

The Cruester site was chosen for Archaeology Scotland's 'Adopt-a-Monument Scheme'.

Since then, detailed plans have been made and, during June and July, archaeologists will excavate and dismantle what remains of the structures that make up the site.

The stones will be labelled and transported to a plot next to the heritage centre where the site will be reconstructed into a visitor attraction, a centre for experimental research, and offer an education programme.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Island Blogging
Archaeology Scotland
Scape Trust
Shetland Amenity Trust
Heritage Lottery Fund
Shetland Islands Council
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
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