Dùn Èistean Archaeology Project
The Dùn Èistean Archaeology Project (DEAP) [external link], based at Ness on the Isle of Lewis in the Western Isles, is a five year multi-disciplinary field project researching the archaeology and history of the Clan Morrison stronghold on the sea stack of Dùn Èistean. DEAP was developed by GUARD from a successful pilot season in the spring of 2000 that consisted of topographic survey and a geophysical survey of a fairly inaccessible site (a foot bridge has since been built). In addition to the excavation and post-excavation work at Dùn Èistean, a sister project consisting of historical research, fieldwalking and survey is also covering the north of Ness (the Ness Archaeological Landscape Survey, NALS). DEAP seeks to enhance understanding of Dùn Èistean and the surrounding landscape, from the earliest settlement right up to the Medieval and later remains in the area. The work draws on the results of various projects and includes documentary research, place-name analysis, the collection of oral traditions and previous archaeological fieldwork in the area.
The fieldwork was undertaken each year by GUARD staff, students from Glasgow University and local volunteers.
The project is funded by a partnership between the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) [external link], Historic Scotland [external link], the Clan Morrison Society [external link], Comunn Eachdraidh Nis (the Ness Historical Society) [external link] and the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) [external link].
The image above is an aerial view of the stack. On the Dun itself you can see the outlines of buildings. On the mainland you can clearly make out the distinctive linear bands of rig and furrow cultivation.
Download the 2006 DEAP fieldwork report as a pdf (10mb)
Download the 2006 NALS fieldwork report as a pdf (7.5mb)
Download the 2005 DEAP fieldwork report as a pdf (2.5mb)
Download the 2005 NALS desk-assessment and fieldwork report as a pdf (1mb)
Download the 2002 results of bridge excavation as a pdf (2mb)
Download the 2001 Phase 2 and 3 report: Geophysical Survey and Trial Excavations (1mb)
Download the 2001 Phase 1 report: Archaeological and Topographic Survey (1.5mb)
View 2001 Phase 1 report: Archaeological and Topographic Survey
View 2001 Phases 2 and 3 report: Geophysical Survey and Trial Excavations
