A remarkable find recovered from the River Tay (Perthshire, Scotland) is undergoing the first stages of a painstaking preservation process. In the culmination of a meticulous rescue plan, already reported last 30 July, the 3000-year-old log boat was dug from its watery resting place over recent weeks before being floated and towed into Newburgh harbour on 11 August.
     With great care the boat, which was carved from a single oak, was lifted from the water by crane, an operation greeted with cheers and applause by a 100-strong crowd. "This is among the oldest and best-preserved vessels of its kind ever found in Scotland, and we are sending it to the National Museum in Edinburgh where freeze-drying techniques will be used to preserve it intact," said David Strachan of the Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, which ran the operation.
     The 30-foot bronze age log boat, excavated from mudflats near Abernethy, has caused tremendous excitement in archaeological circles because of its age and state of preservation. It was found preserved in the mudflats of the Tay six years ago. The discovery captured the imagination of the public. Crowds closely followed the excavation, which took place during the short low-tide windows.

Source: The Courier (14 August 2006)