In 1998 the project expanded its visitor programme of onsite displays and guided tours with visitor platforms. Nearly 4,000 people came to see the site and watch the Living History team at work.

The Living History team, attired in Viking daily dress, reproduced some of the Iron Age and Viking objects found on the site, using technology which was as close as possible to that used by the earlier inhabitants. As in 1997, Visitors could watch or participate in tablet weaving, spinning, wood turning, steatite working and metal working.
 

The highlight of 1998 was an experiment to smelt Shetland iron ore in a furnace built from stone and clay gathered locally. The furnace was heated with charcoal and magnetite ore from Sullom was smelted for 24 hours.

The experiment worked, and an iron bloom was produced showing that it was perfectly possible for Iron Age Shetlanders to have done the same.

The result was a small billet of iron - just enough to make a tiny knife blade.

Merchandising
The project has developed a range of exciting items for sale to the public. These include soapstone lamps, spindle whorls and fishing weights.

Some of our products are available from Shetland Amenity Trust. A price list of what is on offer is available from the Trust, prices will include Post and Packing.
The Future
1998 was the first season of Phase 2 of the project. The next 2 seasons will concentrate on uncovering the Iron Age Village. During July and August 1999 the site will move rapidly down to reveal the full height of some of the Iron Age buildings. That should be the most exciting season so far.

Visitors will continue to be welcomed by trained tour guides, and the Living History team will run a series of themed weekends.

The reconstruction Pictish building will be roofed as an experiment.

Beyond 2000 a third phase is also anticipated. This will see excavation of earlier periods as well as the establishment of a permanent visitor centre, providing year-round access and interpretation at the site and directing the visitor to other sites and areas in Shetland to discover for themselves.

For Further Information

Old Scatness Heritage Project
Shetland Amenity Trust
Garthspool
Lerwick
Shetland
ZE1 0NY
UK

Old Scatness Excavation
Steve Dockrill
Department of Archaeological Sciences
University of Bradford
Bradford
West Yorks, BD7 1DP, UK

Jarlshof Environs Survey
Val Turner
Shetland Amenity Trust
Garthspool
Lerwick
Shetland
ZE1 0NY
UK

Acknowledgements
The Old Scatness Broch/Jarlshof Environs Project is supported by the British Academy, the European Regional Development Fund (Highland and Islands Partnership Programme), Shetland Amenity Trust, Shetland Islands Council, the University of Bradford, DITT, Farquhar & Jamieson and Commercial Services.