Students uncover Viking-era church remains in Scotland
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Students from Gordonstoun school in Moray, Scotland, discovered the foundations of a 1,000-year-old church while working on the island of Swona in Orkney.
The school runs an annual archaeological and restoration project on the remote island. For years, locals referred to the ruins as a “kirk,” but they hadn’t confirmed it was actually a church. During their excavation, the students found the foundations of an altar and a step, supporting the long-held belief that a church once stood there.
The structure’s size, orientation, and construction aligned with early medieval church architecture, according to project organizer Daniel McLean. The team believes the church dates to the 10th or 11th century, based on its similarities to other Viking-era churches in the region. Student Archie Maclean noted the remarkable preservation of the structure despite years of exposure to the elements. Gordonstoun school has an agreement with the island’s owners and the Swona Heritage Group to allow these annual projects.
School officials intend to return to Swona next year to continue investigating the archaeological sites. They also plan to create a 3D model of the church using GPS data and images, and archaeologists hope to refine their understanding of the church’s age and its role in the spread of Christianity.
