The Big Dig 2021 — Day 12

Progress Report.  Day 12.  

It was too much to hope for three weeks of good weather.  The heavy rain on Friday night filled the bottom of Trench 11, and the team of wonderful volunteers had a couple of hours of heavy work to prepare it for the Open Day.Their work was beyond the call of duty.

By 9.15 when our MSP Jenni Minto arrived, we were nearly back to normal, although the water continued to seep out of the peat all day.   Having formerly worked at the Islay Museum, Jenni took a great interest in our work.

With the day brightening we entertained nearly 100 visitors during the day not only to archaeology and heritage but also cakes and coffee.

The coming week is going to be challenging as the wet weather has continued over the weekend.  However the main thing is that we have already achieved the principal aim of the Dig:  to secure bone samples for analysis.  The bonus has been the amount of unexpected prehistoric material.  We look forward to a visit from the school on Wednesday and the programme of events at the weekend.  See the separate poster for:

Friday  Feedback from Clare and Angela 7.30 in the Museum Room

Saturday Talk by Margaret Elphinstone on Archaeology and Fiction at 11am in the Museum Room

Saturday  Closing Concert at 2pm in the Church