A WEEKEND of archaeological investigation at Balnakailly Farm Steading has given Bute residents a fascinating glimpse into the island’s past, with pottery, clay pipes and even a vintage camera light meter among the discoveries.
The assessment dig was organised by Bute Forest in partnership with Archaeology Scotland as part of Scottish Archaeology Month and ahead of a larger public excavation planned for early 2027.
Volunteers gathered at Balnakailly to investigate the remains of the farm steading, with the initial work focusing on a wall to establish what type of building it formed part of and which side was originally inside and outside.
Among the first finds was a piece of Victorian pottery and a clay pipe believed to be between 200 and 300 years old.
A more unusual discovery was made by volunteer Ben Mitchell – a Weston Master V, a vintage analogue camera light meter produced by Sangamo Weston during the 1960s and 1970s.
The find had an extra significance for Mr Mitchell, who recognised the manufacturer’s name after discovering the item.
Ironically, the Weston Master V had been included on his university equipment list in 1998, allowing him to identify the object.
Further work revealed the full length of the wall, which was then scanned using a 3D modelling app by the Archaeology Scotland team to create a digital record before the stones were lifted.
Volunteers subsequently uncovered further pieces of pottery and glass, while a second piece of clay pipe and a door bolt were also discovered during later sessions.
The assessment dig also involved local groups and young people.
A LiveArgyll Get Ready 4 Work Outdoors adult programme group helped remove turf and expose sections of the wall before the public dig, while Rothesay Academy pupils and participants in the Get Ready 4 Work Outdoors young people’s programme took part in the final closed session.
The young people carried out further cleaning of the wall and began excavating a new area of floor as archaeologists work to establish what the building was used for.
The assessment has now been completed, but it is only the beginning of the archaeological work at Balnakailly.
A full two-week free public dig is planned for the last week of February and the first week of March in 2027, giving members of the community further opportunities to get involved and help uncover the story of Balnakailly.
The organisers said the Archaeology Scotland team had made significant progress during the assessment and thanked volunteers and partner organisations for their support.
The work has been supported by National Lottery funding, with the project also providing opportunities for community groups and young people to take part in archaeological training and practical outdoor activities.
Members of the public can also visit the farm steading ahead of the full excavation to see the work carried out so far, although visitors are asked not to walk on excavated areas.
The organisers said they were now looking forward to seeing what the full two-week excavation in 2027 might uncover.
