Archaeologists are excavating the remains of houses believed to date back 2,000 years after they were uncovered by a ferocious storm. Charity Scottish Coastal Archaeology and the Problem of Erosion (SCAPE) is leading a community project at the site on North Uist (Scotland). Scape is investigating the suspected Iron Age round houses before they vanish in another powerful storm. Violent weather exposed the ruined houses at Baile Sear, North Uist, in January 2005.
     SCAPE has helped Historic Scotland survey 30% of the Scottish coast, which runs to thousands of miles Three thousand sites of historic interest have been located so far The sites include ancient Norse houses, burial sites, brochs and World War II observation posts. SCAPE co-ordinator Tom Dawson, a research fellow at the University of St Andrews, said: "People had seen bits and pieces of the remains before, but as the cobbles and sand washed away the structures are just sitting there on the beach. There are thought to be two roundhouses. We believe they are Iron Age making them 2,000 years old."
     Mr Dawson said climate change posed a serious threat to many of the relics record so far. He said: "Erosion has always happened, but it is said that climate change and global warming will leave Scotland one of the places worst affected by storms." The charity has been targeting its resources at sites where the local communities have shown a willingness to excavate or try and protect them.

Source: BBC News (27 June 2007)