Ten students from Gordonstoun School, an institution previously attended by King Charles, have unearthed what is believed to be a 1,000-year-old Viking church on the remote Scottish island of Swona.
The discovery was made during a six-day trip where the pupils collaborated with archaeologists from the Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology (Orca). Radiocarbon samples collected from the site suggest the unearthed structure is the foundation of the church's altar. The remains were found beneath a more recent building.
Housemaster Dan McLean, who organized the trip, noted that local maps referenced a ruin known as "Twinly Kirk," providing the initial clue to a potential church on the island. After identifying the site, initial observations suggested the visible walls belonged to a more modern construction, altered over time. However, a test pit dug by the students and archaeologists revealed a step just below the surface, leading to what would have been the church's altar.
Mclean described the excavation as a "special moment" for the students involved. Their fieldwork also included helping to renovate the flooring of the abandoned house where they stayed, which lacked electricity and relied on water from an ancient well. The students also explored a suspected prehistoric settlement and a site that might have served as a Viking warning beacon.
Seventeen-year-old pupil Archie Maclean found the archaeological dig to be the most enjoyable part of the trip, calling it "incredible" to discover history in real time. He mentioned the "sun and hot temperatures" as the most challenging aspect of the expedition. The students typically worked from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Paul Clark, Orca's senior project manager, stated that the next phase involves analyzing the samples from the site. The results are expected to provide insights into the activities that took place there and confirm the precise age of the church through radiocarbon dating.
Swona, which was deserted in 1974 by its last inhabitants, is now home to a herd of feral cattle. The island is recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its unique plant life and its significance as a breeding ground for various seabirds, including Arctic terns, puffins, and razorbills. The surrounding waters are known for sightings of orcas, dolphins, pilot whales, and minke whales.
Historical records suggest that Vikings were among the earliest settlers on Swona, with nine families residing there by the mid-18th century. The discovery of the church adds to the island's rich historical and ecological significance.