The remarkable shipwreck timbers uncovered on Sanday earlier this year have been named among Scotland’s top five archaeological discoveries of 2024 by Dig It!, a hub for Scottish archaeology.
Revealed by fierce winter storms, the impressive and intact section of shipwreck timbers has captivated both experts and the local community, offering a rare window into maritime history.
The timbers were rescued by the Sanday community and are now preserved in a custom-built freshwater conservation tank near Sanday Heritage Centre.
Thanks to a £21,000 grant from Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the shipwreck is undergoing expert analysis, which promises to unveil its age, origins, and significance.
Orkney Islands Council played a vital role in safeguarding this extraordinary discovery, swiftly securing £79,658 from the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) earlier this year to stabilise the find.
The NHMF funding allowed for the construction of the conservation tank, ensuring the timbers remain intact for detailed research by Wessex Archaeology and Dendrochronicle.
Using advanced dendrochronology techniques, researchers are working to date the ship and trace its origins, potentially linking it to historical trade networks that once connected Orkney with Europe and beyond.
The findings could offer unprecedented insights into shipbuilding methods and maritime commerce, shedding light on Orkney’s vital role in global trade centuries ago.
This discovery adds another layer to Orkney’s already rich archaeological tapestry, further solidifying the area’s reputation as a hub for historical and cultural significance.
The local community’s swift action in saving the wreck highlights the power of collective effort in preserving Scotland’s heritage for future generations.
Hailed as a triumph of community spirit and archaeological significance, the Sanday shipwreck stands as a testament to the enduring connections between Scotland’s past and present.
Dig It! recognised the shipwreck as one of the nation’s standout finds, emphasising the importance of preserving such treasures for their potential to transform our understanding of history.
The timbers’ story continues to unfold, and with ongoing research, they are set to reveal even more about Scotland’s maritime legacy and its place in the wider world.
