Site Event/Activity record EWE8 - Excavations at 39 Arnol, Lewis

Excavation in accordance with a brief by Historic Scotland to record the detail and investigate aspects of the construction of blackhouse no. 39 Arnol in advance of it being incorporated into a new visitor centre. Excavation of the internal area down to the first identifiable floor surface revealed several different floor types and features such as loom platforms, many of which only relate to the later phases of occupation. Sections through the floors of the three main rooms, of one of the main walls and at several point across the wall head have provided detailed information regarding the methods used in the construction of this and other similar buildings in the vicinity. The results from a second season are also incorporated. During this season a section was excavated through a drain on the south side of the building and the area around the drain to the west of the byre was also excavated. Two later features in the central room, the purported loom platform and the central step between the byre and living areas, were also removed and the earlier phases of the floor recorded.