Ancient timbers come home

TIMBERS dating back over 2000 years were returned to Whithorn this week following conservation works.

The wooden pieces from a number of species, including oak, alder, ash and hazel, were found during the excavation of an Iron Age wetland settlement in the Black Loch of Myrton in 2020.

Each plank formed a log track which served as the main route through the settlement, as well as part of the outer wall with the planks dating back to 435 BC.

After the excavation the wood was sent to York for conservation and preservation, but the blanks returned to the Machars on Tuesday and were placed into the care of the Whithorn Trust, who hope to have them on display in 2026. A spokesperson for the trust said: “Today’s been an exciting day for our museum: 2500-year-old oak timbers from Black Loch arrived back from five years of conservation in York. Their state of preservation was so good that it took up to five strong helpers from Whithorn ReBuild to lift them.

“The timbers will now undergo assessment and a new physical and virtual display for the public is underway for 2026! Thanks to AOC Archaeology Group Historic Environment Scotland for facilitating the transfer of these precious objects.”

Photo by AOC Archaeology Group