Researchers have begun excavating the remains of Iron Age houses uncovered by a fierce storm.
The 2000-year-old ruined houses at Baile Sear on North Uist in the Outer Hebrides were exposed when powerful weather swept the island in January 2005.
A family of five died on Benbecula in the same storm as they tried to flee the violent rain and gales.
The project is being led by Scottish Coastal Archaeology and the Problem of Erosion (SCAPE) with help from the local community.
Tom Dawson, of SCAPE, said the storm revealed the full extent of the remains. He 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 2000 years old.”Now researchers are keen to investigate the ancient houses before they are damaged by another powerful storm.
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