Clachtoll Broch Icon of the North
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Clachtoll Broch Icon of the North
Clachtoll Broch Icon of the North Clachtoll Broch, Assynt Icon of the North Clachtoll broch is one of the most iconic monuments in northern mainland Britain. This document outlines the vision for a ground-breaking inititative appropriate for heritage development in the 21st century. Founded on the latest international academic, conservation and presentational principles, the project will stimulate community development and cultural tourism in one of Scotland’s most rural areas. The multi-disciplinary partnership will unite past and present, creating a healthy and confident future. Historic Assynt Excavation 1 Conservation 2 Presentation 4 Participation 5 Tourism 6 7 Historic Assynt: For the Study, Conservation and Promotion of Assynt’s Past Foundations Sutherland, situated in the far North of the Scottish Highlands, is one of the largest counties in the UK and one of the least populated areas in Europe. On the west coast of this remote county lies the Parish of Assynt, an area of outstanding natural beauty with a landscape remarkable even by Highland standards. The iconic sandstone mountains of Quinag and Suilven dominate the skyline, casting a shadow over an intricate coastline with a landscape of low rocky hills and scattered lochans rising up into moorland slopes and a complex hinterland of empty glens, dark lochs and flows. The clarity of light enjoyed by northern latitudes and the intimate relationship between earth, sea and sky serve to enhance the grandeur and expanse of a landscape where the old marriage of land and water runs deep. Crofting and fishing settlements lend the coast a distinctive edge and highlight this relationship further. The sparse population is nowadays mainly concentrated on the coast, and, despite the effects of the Highland Clearances and Community depopulation, local communities still have a real affinity with their land. Archaeological and historic sites, including a number of scheduled monuments and listed buildings, trace this human story over some 10,000 years. Limitations in archaeological knowledge in the Assynt area are emphatically not matched by the quality of the surviving remains and unlike many better known areas, western Sutherland has not seen the large scale agricultural improvements that have destroyed or seriously damaged such a large proportion of the archaeological record elsewhere. In Henshall’s survey of the Neolithic chambered cairns of northern Scotland, many of the most spectacular and well preserved monuments were to be found in Sutherland, while the effects of the Clearances on the county have meant that Assynt contains some of the most complete post-medieval crofting farmsteads in Scotland. Assynt can rightly be considered one of Scotland’s hidden archaeological treasures, the potential of which is waiting to be realised. Historic Assynt works on behalf of the local community to preserve and enhance access to all aspects of Assynt's historic, cultural and natural heritage. The main activities of the society are focused around the following aims: To save the most important built heritage assets in the Parish, much of which is at severe risk of loss To bring the archaeology to a wider public audience To provide or improve physical access to the heritage Following this survey phase, in 2011 Historic Assynt excavated and conserved three key monuments in the parish as part of the Life and Death in Assynt's Past project. Two of these monuments provided book-ends for the chronology of human activity in Assynt, in the Neolithic and modern periods, at Loch Borralan East chambered cairn and Glenleraig cleared village respectively. The third monument included in the project was Clachtoll broch, the iconic monument of prehistoric settlement in Assynt. To raise the profile of the local archaeological heritage and enhance its role in tourism and community development Over the last decade Historic Assynt has undertaken a number of projects related to improving the condition of and access to the built heritage. The Inchnadamph Project successfully secured the consolidation, conservation and interpretation of Ardvreck Castle, Calda House, the Macleod Mausoleum, and the restoration of Assynt Old Parish Kirk. The first two were in imminent danger of final collapse, the others long-neglected. These projects were funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, European Leader Programme, Highland Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and others. In excess of £1 million has been raised. Aerial view of Clachtoll beach first Neolithic settlers to the Clearances of the 19th century and later. 1 In 2009 to 2010, Historic Assynt embarked on a new phase of the strategy for the study, protection and promotion of the archaeology of the parish. The Assynt Hidden Lives project was a community/professional partnership survey which aimed to record a large percentage of the archaeological sites in the parish. Two phases of walkover and detailed topographic survey resulted in the production of a report on the archaeology of the parish, ranging from the evidence for the Glenleraig, clearance period village 1. See www.aocarchaeology.com/assynt 1 Clachtoll Broch: The Icon of Sutherland Archaeology The local community all agree that Clachtoll broch is the site that defines Assynt. At a public consultation event held in 2010 and attended by over 50 people, the clear consensus was that Clachtoll broch had to be the priority for future development. The broch at Clachtoll is notable in its local context, but also in the wider research landscape of Iron Age Scotland. The site was clearly a broch tower, displaying many of the engineering characteristics that signify the design of a tower-like structure. One of a small number of brochs in north western Sutherland, the site is exceptional within this group for the scale and quality of its construction; the broch was undoubtedly an important settlement in later prehistoric Sutherland. In architectural style, the building most closely resembles the Hebridean brochs, being galleried at ground level. “ BE DR OC K What is needed is a site like Scalloway broch in Shetland but with signs of a sixth century cataclysm which is of a general rather than a local nature. Clachtoll broch in Assynt might suit.... the interior is full of rubble and part of the underlying occupation layer should still be there, possibly containing clues about what happened. “ Initial conservation works undertaken in 2011 has begun to unlock the potential of the site. Uniquely, there is now direct evidence that the tower suffered some form of catastrophic collapse in antiquity, and this aspect adds considerable importance to the potential of surviving deposits. Charcoal recovered from the scarcement ledge was dated to 111 BC to AD 55. This implies that the tower collapsed in the first century BC and, very unusually for a broch structure, may not have been rebuilt and reoccupied in later centuries. As a result, therefore, the internal levels of the broch may very well contain uncompromised Iron Age occupation deposits directly relating to the monument's original use. As such, they represent an invaluable opportunity for the investigation of broch occupation. Very few excavated brochs have ever encountered the original occupation levels, and none have been found undisturbed by later activity. The potential of Clachtoll broch is indisputable. But the iconography of the site goes beyond the broch. The presence of short stretches of walling within the rubble surrounding the broch may indicate that external buildings surround the building. Many of the brochs investigated across Scotland through excavation have shown that the construction of additional buildings took place towards the later end of the lifespan of the broch, typically in the first millennium AD, although recent work in Caithness and Shetland has shown that these external structures may relate to activity in the early centuries of that millennium. It is possible, therefore, that the external structures at Clachtoll similarly relate to activity contemporary with the use of the tower. The opportunity for the exploration of intra-site spatial analyses and the identification of different activity zones across the settlement- hinted at by other excavated 'broch villages'- offers a further promising avenue of research. The aspiration of the community is to undertake the following work at the broch: Excavation Conservation Presentation Two sherds of pottery were found in the first floor gallery of the broch during the conservation works carried out in 2011. Stylistically, these sherds are similar to Iron Age pottery found in Hebridean brochs, suggesting links in material culture as well as architectural style. Euan Mackie, Oxford Journal of Archaeology 2010 Plan of Clachtoll broch 2 The Future of Clachtoll Broch: Excavation Removal of the rubble inside the broch tower to reveal the living space and wall galleries Excavation would provide access through the broch entrance to the monument interior External rubble would be stepped back to uncover buildings and enclosures outside the broch Suggested excavation strategy During the conservation management assessment carried out in 2009, it was identified that removal of quantities of rubble from within the broch without complementary excavation outside the tower would present the possibility of stress to the surviving walls as a result of the unsupported weight resting on the broch. As a result, it is proposed that the interior of the broch is excavated with a concurrent reduction of the rubble mass outside the tower, reducing that level to below that at which pressure is placed on the broch wall on the eastern side of the monument. Excavation of the broch would be undertaken by a team of experienced professional archaeologists, with volunteers from the local community and the archaeology and heritage groups of the Highlands taking an active role in the excavation and recording of the monument under archaeologists' supervision. As a consequence, the project will provide the opportunity for the develoment of excavation, survey and recording skills in the third sector. 1 2 3 Survey has demonstrated that the mural cells are preserved to over 3m in height The excavation of Clachtoll has three concurrent aims: firstly, to understand the history, economy and identity of the occupants, and the structural and architectural history of the broch as a settlement. Secondly, the excavation aims to make the broch more accessible, clearing the central occupation area of the rubble debris of the broch's collapse and opening access to the well-preserved mural cells. Thirdly, the excavation project is designed as a vehicle for the public engagement with the archaeology of Iron Age Scotland and with the process of archaeological investigation more generally. This fundamental aspect of the project rationale is discussed in more detail on page 6. Excavation will be carried out in such a way as to retain the character of the monument and leave the site in a state that reflects our understanding of its history. Processes of collapse and decay are as much a part of the history of the broch as its construction and use, and the excavation would aim to reflect the post-abandonment biography of Clachtoll. In particular, much of the overlying rubble in the talus slope to the east of the broch would be left in place, with excavation being carried out so as to step the rubble back from the excavated structures, allowing the visitor to appreciate the formation of the site as a rubble mound in the centuries following its abandonment. The broch tower itself would be made accessible, with excavation of the entrance levels carried out to allow access on foot through the original entrance and into the guard cells. Removal of the rubble within the central living area of the broch would also allow access to the mural cells and staircase, allowing the visitor to fully appreciate how the monument functioned as a living space during its use. Excavation would be carried out by volunteers under direct supervision of professional archaeologists, providing a means for participants to engage directly with the conservation and study of their heritage, and learn skills in archaeological excvaation and recording. 4 3 The Future of Clachtoll Broch: Conservation A Sensitive Approach A conservation management plan (CMP) for the broch at Clachtoll, first drafted in 2010, has now been redrafted to take account of changes in legislation and regulation, on the one hand, and, on the other, the results of the successful excavation and conservation programme undertaken in 2011. Clachtoll broch is in urgent need of conservation. An area of immediate hazard on the north of the broch, in the entrance area was resolved during remedial work in 2011. However, much remains to be done. For example, further areas of concern have been identified on the east, south and west of the broch wall. The erosion hole under the outer wall-foot of the south side has been the subject of an engineering study at Edinburgh University Architecture Department and it is planned to use the results of this study to design a customised solution to this problem. View of the entrance to the broch, following stabilisation works in 2011 Access to the right hand guard cell at the wall head was blocked off to prevent further damage to the monument and further hazard to visitors. However, access is still possible to Cells 3 and 4, on the east and south eastern sides of the broch. The 2011 excavation and conservation works revealed the need to excavate and downtake the slope of loose rubble from the outer face of the wall, replacing it with horizontally footed and horizontally coursed masonry to resist the continuing erosion of the broch wall on this side. This would structurally reunify the entrance area with a short segment of original outer wallface on the east side and this in turn with the endangered wallface on the south side. Some removal of rubble from outwith the wallhead on the outside will be required to achieve this part of the programme and this will further reveal the original outer face of the broch wall on the landward side. It will also be necessary to excavate the interior of the broch and a number of areas outwith it. This will be controlled to prevent the development of unbalanced forces through the wall fabric of the structure. As noted, the 2011 excavation demonstrated that the broch wall had, at least in part, fallen into the interior space. This is exciting because it implies that the broch interior should contain its Iron Age fittings and contents, free of the complications of early medieval material. In any event, coastal erosion will in time remove all of the interior deposits, and quite probably, the whole of the broch with them. It is therefore proposed to excavate the internal void completely, to bedrock or to undisturbed geological deposits. The loss of cultural value that this entails is described as the reduction in the monuments potential to inform this and future generations about the human condition of the creators and authentic users of this monument over time. However, it also materialises a great part of this cultural value by substituting a publicly-accessible, detailed record for the monument and its contents and this will inform the interpretation and presentation, not only of this broch but of others as well. With the reduction of the rubble field around the east and southeast sides, the corresponding reduction of the internal rubble will obviate unbalanced pressures on the wall and reduce access to the friable wallhead, which, at that stage will only be possible from the broken west side of the broch. It is proposed to consolidate the edges of the breach and to install a permanent barrier to access to the wallhead from this area. 4 The Future of Clachtoll Broch: Presentation The intervention will not create new enclosed space, rather an impression of how originally space was configured and used by the community who built the broch. It will perform an educational role by means of its own form. As an open-air project, it will have a strong and inspiring presence on the landscape, a beacon of belonging. The Vision A Light Spiral The vision for the site goes beyond excavation and conservation: it aims to offer a cultural experience for locals and visitors and to reclaim its presence in the landscape. The broch will become a beacon of belonging, both landward and seaward. To achieve this ambition, a light spiral installation is suggested. An impression of permanence will be expressed using a light steel structure that recreates the original proportions of a broch tower but sits independently from the archaeological fabric and is unobtrusive in the landscape. The key idea is to guide the visitor along a spiral path that replicates access to the upper levels of a broch tower. The spiral will lead safely to a small viewing platform, allowing the site to be experienced in its original proportions through the route. Nothing will obscure the interior of the fabric, as the structure will visually stitch the solid remains and the imaginary geometry through an experience. The archaeological excavation will reveal the ground level and significant features such as remains of a hearth or post holes that will be left in situ. The spiral design will be updated once a clearer picture of the location of these, and other structural features, are revealed. The architectural design will highlight the presence and scale of the monument and the tectonic character of the irregular and monumental stonework. The proposal is a light metal structure that sits independently from the fabric but with a significant degree of visual integration. There are a series of experiences in other countries, specially Germany, Italy and Spain, where new contemporary structures have been incorporated in scheduled monuments , historic buildings and archaeological sites to support its conservation and enhance the visitor’s experiences and presentation. This has been done by re-qualifying the spaces (Great Court, British Museum), by the musealisation of the ruins (Columba Museum, Cologne and Roman ruins, Chur), by a didactic recreation (Sanctuary, Portonaccio and Crypta Balbi, Rome) or by improving accessibility to the ruins (Fori Imperiali, Rome). 5 Archaeology and Participation: an opportunity for an exemplary partnership Aside from the academic, conservation and presentation aspects that can be drawn out of any future work at Clachtoll, the project will stimulate community development and cultural tourism. Just as with current and past projects Historic Assynt wish to marry preservation of their monuments with programmes of education and community involvement, and in doing so unite past and present in underpinning a culturally healthy and confident future. Education and Outreach ‘Clachtoll’ by Sybil Small Life and Death in Assynt’s Past, 2011 Number of public visitors Number of individual participants Participants in fieldwork and training Attendees at seminars and workshops Local school children who visited excavations 700 450 100 350 29 Population of Assynt 989 In a real sense, the local community wish to continue to use the monument to draw people, both local and visitors, into their landscape. They wish to use the broch as a way to increase enjoyment of the area with programmes of exploration, consolidation, interpretation, training, and education which would ultimately add to our knowledge of the past. As with previous projects, central to any work will be public engagement programmes, including: training workshops, seminars and lectures, schools visits and educational packs for teachers, online and social media. Arts and Creativity The project will invite engagement with all sectors of the community, with particular emphasis on young people. Through a programme of reconstruction and creative activities, participants will be invited and encouraged to engage with their heritage in creative and imaginitive ways, encouraging learning through study and experiment. “ Most people need more than a tumble of stones to be able to grasp the past. A bit of woodsmoke and some appropriate food can help to create the right atmosphere, but if we really want to imagine the Broch builders, to really get under their skin and envisage who they were, what their lives were like and what motivated them to do what they did, we must invoke all the senses. For that we need the help of imaginative and creative people. Painters, sculpters and other visual artists can help us to see back thousands of years ago. Musicians and textile workers can open up the sounds and rhythms of that world. Craft workers working in wood, bone, wool, pottery and wicker can recreate some of the textures and shapes in people's homes. And words can help us to begin to hear their voices and imagine the stories of their lives. Collaboration between artists and archaeologists works both ways. Just as creativity can bring the past to life, the knowledge, technical skills and understanding of archeaologists can generate the material for a piece of art or spark a new creative idea. The broch at Clachtoll has already inspired a wire sculpture, by Nigel Goldie, it has been painted on ceramics by Highland Stoneware and captured in photographs and paintings by numerous local artists. It was following discussions with archaeologists during the excavation of the broch that Mandy Haggith decided to set her next historical novel in the period of its builders. There must be many more synergies waiting to happen, just needing the archaeologists, artists and other members of the local community to be encouraged to let their imaginations run riot among the ruins. Today I touched two little pieces of red fired clay, saw how they fitted together and tried to imagine the design of the whole pot. I could almost feel the fingers of the potter who added a pellet of clay then pressed it into a dimple, possibly one of a ring of dimples all the way round the neck of the vessel. Two shards of pottery – a whole human soul. Mandy Haggith 6 “ Economic Impact: The contribution of heritage to the local economy of Assynt The economy of Sutherland is dominated by the public sector and tourism. Income from tourism supports local services and the proportion of the working population in tourism grew from 24% in 1991 to 28.6% in 2001 and continues to rise as industries like fishing rapidly decline. Tourism, therefore, plays a very important role in the local economy and is almost wholly dependent on the natural heritage. However, although Assynt’s attractions are spectacular there is a need to develop the cultural heritage of the area. This will provide a balanced and quality tourism product that will attract a high value, low volume visitor base, broaden the attractiveness of the area, add length to the season and, both directly and indirectly, create further employment opportunities. The Scottish tourism brand is based upon Scotland’s natural assets, culture, history and people and the heritage tourism sector contributes to the Scottish economy in a number of ways including: • An estimated value to the Scottish economy of around £3.7 billion • The sector directly supports around 80,000 jobs, rising to 100,000 jobs when spin-off benefits in other sectors are included accounting for up to 5% of Scotland’s total employment (rising to between 60% and 70% in some rural areas). • The sector is estimated to contribute more than £1.4 billion in employees’ income • It is estimated that the sector’s contribution to the national economy is equivalent to 4.2% of Scottish GVA (Gross Value Added) • The historic environment is estimated to account for between 30% and 40% (between £70 million and £90 million) of all visitor expenditure to attractions in Scotland Tourism growth is critical to the economic future of rural areas like Assynt and heritage tourism should be a key component of this growth. Capital investment in heritage assets like Clachtoll will have a fundamental role to play in the development of rural heritage tourism, providing an anchor for local community efforts to develop a ‘cluster’ approach to their tourism product and develop a powerful and attractive offer for visitors. Ardvreck Castle, conserved by Historic Assynt 7
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