Crannog Museum Aberfeldy

Ancient Loch Dwelling
Crannogs are a type of ancient loch dwelling found throughout Scotland and Ireland. They were built out in the water as defensive homesteads, secure from potential invaders. People began living in these island homes as early as 5,000 years ago, and continued to do so up until the 17^th century AD.

Here in the wooded heartland of Scotland, the prehistoric crannogs were originally timber-built roundhouses supported on piles driven into the lochbed. Today, they appear as tree-covered islands or remain hidden as submerged stony mounds.
Crannogs and the Environment
The crannog people lived in close harmony with their environment, building their houses near good agricultural land and fresh water. They understood the need to give to, as well as take from their natural surroundings. The woodlands would have been carefully managed to preserve the supply of timbers to meet all of their needs.

Diving archaeologists have been exploring the crannogs in Loch Tay since 1980. This reconstruction is based on their excavation results from the 2,500 year old Oakbank Crannog located off the village of Fearnan. The ancient structural timbers, plant remains, food, utensils, and even clothing have been remarkably well preserved by the cold peaty water. Particularly spectacular is a butter dish with butter still sticking to the inside of it, and a handful of sloes with the fruit still intact. Pollen, seeds and even herbs have also been discovered.
Survey and underwater work will continue on the site to provide the Scottish Crannog Centre with new discoveries.
Reconstructing the Past
How were these offshore homes constructed? A team of underwater archaeologists carried out a unique experiment to find out, and rediscovered the secrets of ancient technology. No one has built a crannog like this for probably 2,000 years!

Hand-driving the massive piles into the lochbed, and wielding heavy crosspieces to brace the foundation framework that supported the house, demonstrated how strong and skilful the crannog builders must have been. How did they gain their understanding of crannog construction in the first place? At least the modern builders had the evidence from archaeological excavations to go by. Visit the Crannog Centre's shore-based exhibition to learn more about the crannog people and their way of life. Some of the original objects they made and used will be on display from next year (2000), as well as some of the ancient house timbers used at Oakbank Crannog.

Video will allow you to witness the ancient art of crannog building, or to follow the underwater explorations of the ancient sites in the loch. And then, step outside for the experience of a lifetime...

Logboat Discovery
While placing moorings on the lochbed during the crannog reconstruction in Loch Tay, the remains of a substantial logboat were discovered. Two major parts consisting of the base and one side of the boat have so far been uncovered. It is 10.5 metres long and approximately 0.85 m wide. It is made of oak, and has some interesting features.

Evidence of the woodworking tools used to hollow out the timber has been preserved. A deep slot had been cut in the stern for placement of a separate stern-board. The moss, which had been used to caulk the stern-board, was still in situ. This was sampled and identified as Sphagnum pallustre by Dr Jim Dickson of Glasgow University's Botany Department.

The canoe is one of the longest to be found in Scotland, although it is some three metres shorter than the longest ever found, located in Loch Arthur (Loch Lotus), Dumfriesshire. It is notable that a complete canoe paddle was discovered at Oakbank Crannog although no boat has so far been discovered there.

For further information about underwater archaeology,
contact the Scottish Crannog Centre or the Scottish Trust for Underwater Archaeology (STUA) at the University of Edinburgh - Dept of Archaeology Infirmary Street - Edinburgh EH1 1LT Tel : 0131 650 2368

How to find us
The Scottish Crannog Centre is situated beside the watersports centre on the south shore of Loch Tay, about 1km from the village of Kenmore.

As well as our shore-based exhibition we also hold special events throughout the year - forthcoming events include:
May 1^st & 2^nd Beltane: Celtic Storytelling Weekend
June 19^th & 20^thMidsummer Celtic Food & Drink Festival
September 26^th Scottish National Archaeology Day Celebration
Sunday 31^st October Celtic Halloween Festival

Opening Times
April to October 10.00am - 5.30pm
Last Entry 4.30pm

With thanks to: Kilmartin House Trust

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