Shifting sand dunes reveal large Bronze Age settlement By Steven McKenzie

BBC Scotland Highlands and Islands reporter Published duration 9 December 2015

image copyright UHI image caption Prof Jane Downes examines one of the house structures found at Tresness

Shifting sands have revealed a significant complex of Bronze Age buildings in Orkney.

Archaeologists made the discovery at Tresness in Sanday while on a walk in poor weather on Monday.

The remains of 14 houses and stone tools, including knives, have been described as "one of the biggest complexes of Bronze Age settlement in the Scottish isles".

The finds on the beach could be more than 4,000 years old.

Archaeologists believe the houses were buried by sand dunes in the second millennium BC - but have recently been exposed by the actions of weather and the sea.

Prof Jane Downes and Christopher Gee, of the University of the Highlands and Islands, Prof Colin Richards, of the University of Manchester and Dr Vicki Cummings, of University of Central Lancashire, made the discovery.

They were on a sea shore walk to visit a known archaeological site when they spotted the remains of the houses and stone tools.

image copyright UHI image caption Archaeologists came across the Bronze Age settlement while on a walk to a known archaeological site

image copyright Thinkstock image caption The remains of the Neolithic settlement at Skara Brae in Orkney

Prof Downes, who specialises in the Bronze Age, said: "This must be one of the biggest complexes of Bronze Age settlement in the Scottish isles, rivalling the spreads of hut circles in other parts of mainland Scotland."

The scale of the Sanday has been described as "unparalleled in Orkney". The islands are well-known for the Skara Brae Neolithic settlement.

'Thrilling discovery'

Cath Parker, leader of the Sanday Archaeology Group, said: "This is incredibly exciting.

"The archaeological landscape concealed beneath Sanday's shifting sands never ceases to amaze us.

"I'm sure the local community will relish the opportunity to be involved with any work which stems from this thrilling discovery."

image copyright AOC Archaeology image caption A Bronze Age wrist guard was found at Drumnadrochit

Important Bronze Age discoveries have been made in recent years in other parts of Scotland.