Archaeologist reveals secrets of prehistoric life on a remote island in Orkney

[@voneschenbachmusic]

Thanks for sharing the visit of the county archaeologist - he was having a field day, not to mention your mom seemed so chuffed to be getting more confirmation of all the things she has learned about your island home over the years!

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you! Yes I think he appreciated all the knowledge that mum has soaked up over the years. The story about the Canadian pilot would never have been discovered if it hadn't been for my mum either - so I can't wait to share that!

[@Cameron-ev7rc]

Thanks for more content . Great bit of history, mum on top from again mum should be working for Historic Scotland. 🤔👍👌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@beverleydryland1146]

Hamish what a privilege to watch .....Thankyou

[@DallasLL]

Commenting to boost the algorithm because your content is phenomenal and deserves massive viewership 🎉

[@hamishauskerry]

Wow, thank you! That's such a nice thing to say and do! All the best to you 👍

[@ThatcanadianguyHey]

I love your videos and they have such a professional touch to them. Looking forward to the next one about the Canadian pilot.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you very much! That's such a kind thing to say. I do spend a long time editing them as I'm a perfectionist - so that's why I'm not able to post very frequently 😆 all the best to you

[@ashleyhoward8926]

Hamish, you mention being off grid & off everything. Throughout history, most travel was by boat & seemingly remote places like Auskerry were in fact on regular travel routes, far better known than we give them credit for nowadays, with our road based travel ideas & experiences. Nice to see, thank you.

[@hamishauskerry]

That’s a really good point! I tend to think auskerry wouldn’t have been right in the most busy transport routes because it really is remote and in dangerous waters. But who knows! That’s the beauty of it. Thanks for watching

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

Well that would be interesting to learn more about ​@@hamishauskerry

[@juliemeanor6531]

Loved it can’t wait for the next one.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much Julie!

[@ginnypeckham4022]

Another brilliant, interesting video. I have two archaeologists in my family and have shared this with them.

[@Pipscape]

I really love your videos. The algorithms served one of your first episodes to me and I am always excited to see another installment. Love how you are documenting your unique family story and this unusual place.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah this is so great to hear! Sometimes the internet can do good things 😀 thanks for watching

[@Reet64]

So interesting to hear this analysis of the island's offerings. Very glad your dad got to see it remotely. Nice to hear his voice still so clear.

[@pixie706]

He sounded very aware and keen to join in with the proceedings. Please tell your Dad how much we value his input 😊

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you as always! Yes dad did sound good that day. He can still come out with an amazing word or two! I hope you’re taking care ☺️

[@jacquelinefilby1842]

I cannot think of a more beautiful place to grow up! I grew up in North Wales- Lleyn Peninsula and it so reminds me of that❤

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah stunning, Jacqueline! I've been up near there in Anglesey as I work in Wales, but I haven't had a chance to explore the peninsula yet! All the best to you

[@uffo200]

What an amazing island! When you first started showing us your home island, although it's undeniably beautiful, there didn't appear to be much there. However, we now learn that there's a lot of history in those stones. It really is a fascinating place. Thank you. How nice to hear your dad again.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much! Yes there’s so much to learn about the island. I love that there’s no recently ruined houses or anything like you get on other Scottish islands. The sense of desertion would be eery but the history that is there is amazing. All the best to you!

[@SaraMercer-v6i]

I say "kudos" to your family as well as those who came before you to living on the islands. It must have been tough going trying to survive. WOW

[@hamishauskerry]

Most certainly! At least they couldn’t compare their lives to the promoted “reality” of other people’s on social media 😂

[@krissader4855]

This is so neat how much synchronicity exists between you parents life on the island and the people who came before. Geeps, so cool. No electronics though. smile

[@hamishauskerry]

Isn’t it amazing?! Thanks so much as always. I hope you’re keeping well!

[@impiwaara]

Thank you Hamish again. This was awesome video. Greetings from Finland.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much! It's very cool you're watching in Finland - a country I would love to visit one day!

[@impiwaara]

@@hamishauskerry you are welcome to Finland anytime. Ten years ago I didn't know nothing about Orkney and when I found your amazing isles I've been in love since.

[@PLS.54]

Wonderful history/archeological analysis!

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you so much! So glad you’ve enjoyed it ☺️

[@PLS.54]

@ I did very much! I have a Pinterest Board called, “Scotland home to my ancestors the ancient MacMhuirich’s.” Although I’m Canadian born, my DNA shows I’m 31% of Scottish ancestry. Love your channel. I’ll be visiting often.

[@sandyr1789]

Hamish - Thank you for sharing this video with the visit from the Archaeologist. Your Mother's knowledge of the island is fantastic and invaluable. It was delightful to hear from your Dad too! Looking forward to the Archaeologist's next visit. Your videos are marvelous and will help to preserve the island's history.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah this is so kind, thanks Sandy! I’m really proud and relieved to have been able to help preserve some of the stories and knowledge in this way. Take care 👍

[@michaelstaunton1632]

A really interesting & informative video great drone shots also well done 👍👍👍

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks very much as always Michael! All the best to you

[@goddam9925]

More please !! 😁

[@hamishauskerry]

Working on it! 😃 Thanks for watching

[@jenhanlon3840]

This is such and interesting and engrossing series of videos Hamish. It’s so wonderful that you are making this record of such important things. Look forward to the next one 😊

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much Jen! I really appreciate that ☺️

[@snodrog5]

Thanks again, Hamish!

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank YOU! 🙏

[@robinjones6999]

great photography and presentation - many thanks

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks very much Robin, that's very kind!

[@7976eric]

awesome video Hamish, I really miss the place cant wait for next year!!!

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much mate! Yes - you need to teach me to fish properly next year ahah

[@7976eric]

@@hamishauskerry defo, I'm in.

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

Make a video 😊

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

Hamish, such a lovely video with people and overhead shots and the raw beauty of the island. Thanks!

[@kristableich6623]

Thanks for your insightful video. I so enjoy watching what you create and share with the world. Thankyou again.

[@hamishauskerry]

That’s a lovely thing to say! Thanks so much ☺️

[@DB-pm2vy]

I’m now wearing a winter hat I’ve knitted with your wool. Another waiting to get done. Interested to know ancient sheep or goat wool was probably felted which would have made it warm and wind proof. Fascinating vid looking forward to the next one plus any chances of funding to get further investigation of the oldest sites. Chapeau to your parents for all the work they put into the island since they arrived. Regards 🤗

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah that’s so cool! Thanks so much for supporting what we do on the island ☺️ I don’t know about future investigations. I guess it’s possible yes, but it’s probably something for the next custodians of this place to look into. Thanks for watching!

[@houseofrelaxationandmedita8064]

Again, another great video, the history is so interesting,thank you so much, plse keep us updated on the progress

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed it ☺️

[@RealSalica]

That was so interesting !

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@gerdrie5672]

Wonderfull and fascinating. Thank you.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thank you so much! All the best to you

[@sioranth]

Thanks for another great video!

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks for watching!

[@pixie706]

So very interesting. Your family is privileged to live on such a marvellous island. Has there ever been an archaeological dig, or might there be one. ?

[@hamishauskerry]

Hello! We certainly are ☺️ and no, no plans for that! There’s no imminent risk to the sites from anything like coastal erosion or development so there’s no desire or money to excavate at this point. I like that it’s kept to imagination! :)

[@growingknowledge]

Your videos never disappoint. Great stuff. Now go get some lidar.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you!! Maybe one day ☺️

[@Mark723]

Absolutely brilliant and so very entertaining. Thanks for sharing.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks very much Mark! 👍

[@coleenwright9996]

Another great episode!

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks so much Coleen!

[@ezlow1065]

Just loved this one thanks Hamish! Its great your Dad could join remotely on the next one! Warm Regards Aus 💚

[@hamishauskerry]

Aw I know - those kinds of more lucid moments are incredibly special. Thanks for watching ☺️

[@mirkatu3249]

I am so enjoying this glimpse into your family's life on and the island of Auskerry, thank you. 🙂

[@hamishauskerry]

Aw that’s lovely, thanks so much for watching! ☺️

[@billymeyer99]

Great interest as usual. The breadth of history is awesome.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks very much for watching Billy!

[@gabischnell3196]

Sooo interesting, thanks for sharing. Looking forward to watch the next one 👍

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks very much! So glad you’ve enjoyed ☺️

[@patbrougham9929]

Thanks for that look way back. Good work as always.

[@hamishauskerry]

Cheers Pat! 👍

[@AgentTrust]

👍 thank you!

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank YOU!

[@TheTaff224]

Another great video Hamish - You'll need to see if a university would be interested to come and do some proper surveys and maybe something more.

[@hamishauskerry]

Perhaps indeed! Thanks for watching

[@katharinebrain3276]

Be great to have more of this amazing place.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks Katharine! More videos to come ☺️

[@lynnerodgers4461]

I would love to come to the island. Have participated in one dig many years ago. Would volunteer here for another for sure. Loved learning about all your sites!

[@somefatbugger]

Enjoyed the video heaps. Thanks

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thank you very much! All the best to you

[@richardstevenson8442]

Great series, enjoying it.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks very much Richard! Much appreciated 👍

[@reb4898]

Thank you for sharing…this is fascinating

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks so much! I’m really glad you’ve enjoyed it 👍

[@judithsmith9319]

Oh Nettles... so nutritious. I've gotten hooked on stinging nettle latte. Heat water, add tbsp of dried nettle and let steep 30 minutes. Heat milk, add sweetener and add to tea. Enjoy.

[@hamishauskerry]

Great tip! Thanks for watching Judith

[@moirahansen1955]

So interesting. Thank you. 👏🙂

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks Moira!! ☺️

[@WendyInCollingwood]

🌬️🥰 Fascinating ~ Thank You 🇨🇦

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much for watching! ☺️☺️

[@beach2brambles]

great episode.. love your videos

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much! That’s lovely to hear ☺️

[@kathyschreiner4852]

Hamish, did the sheep make all those darker green lines around the island that can be seen from the done? It’s wonderful to get expert confirmation of what your family has found. Thanks from Illinois, USA.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks Kathy! I’m not exactly sure in which shots are the lines you mean - but yes the sheep do make noticeable lines in the grass! They create tracks that they stick to pretty loyally! Thanks for watching ☺️

[@kathyschreiner4852]

At 12:30 in the video, the lines that I noticed are visible going towards and across the mound. The lines are actually nearly parallel going across the far side of the mound. See 9:30. It really would be wonderful if the mound could be excavated by archaeologists!

[@donnagraham6748]

Thank you for sharing. As always, another very informative and interesting video. Maybe “Time Team” would be interested in your historical sites.

[@hamishauskerry]

Aw maybe indeed Donna! Who knows but for now we’re happy to keep it to our imagination ☺️

[@wendyh3891]

Thank you Hamish that’s very interesting, I wonder if there will be digging in future? Looking forward to next episode. ❤from me in Port Elizabeth Eastern Cape South Africa 🇿🇦

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks Wendy! Well perhaps they may possibly be but I think that would be for the next custodians of the place to do ☺️ all the best to you in SA 🇿🇦

[@Cameron-ev7rc]

Great update and history. Mum should be working for historic Scotland and the guy that came to visit better watch out for his job. Or mum take off of him.😃🤷‍♂️👌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@jarooosa]

Sounds like a job for Time Team!

[@hamishauskerry]

😀 maybe!! Thanks for watching

[@ingeleonora-denouden6222]

People lived on that small remote island even as early as the Neolithicum. Paddling their dug-out tree canoes over the sea. Or other tiny boats (made of branches and hides). Almost unbelievable!

[@hamishauskerry]

Yes I imagine that’s spot on! Thanks for watching ☺️

[@jmasuo]

Lidar could be used to get a better visual of the sites.

[@hamishauskerry]

Possibly, yes! Not sure how much that would cost, however

[@jmasuo]

@hamishauskerry I would contact a University to see if they would have ability to expand their knowledge of the local area.

[@angelareimann6433]

Lovely place to pull up boats. Sheltered. Is it man made?

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah yes the pier is man made indeed. It was built by the lighthouse board in order that that could build the tower itself. And then we’ve maintained it over the years. Thanks for watching!

[@helenstewart2085]

❤

[@hamishauskerry]

❤️❤️

[@rexochroy2]

A couple of, in my view simple questions 😊 , whom looks after your mum when you are not there?? and when are you and wife moving . 😊

[@hamishauskerry]

Hello! well my mum doesn’t really need looking after per se. She has a lot of help from other family members and friends who come to stay all through the spring to autumn though. And Faye is my partner, not my wife! We live and have careers we enjoy in Cardiff so I’m afraid we do not plan to move to the island to take over. My parents have never expected any of us boys to take over. They’ve always been clear it was their dream and project - and they’ve always encouraged us to take our own paths. Thanks for watching :)

[@rexochroy2]

@ wonderfull , you fell straight into it,, of course I know you are not married, it was a hint !!! Give your mum a hug , a big one , wonderfull to hear your dad .

[@MN8]

"logged and mapped" -- does that mean all the trees were cut

[@hamishauskerry]

There have been no trees here for the best part of 1000 years

[@Nancy-nn2tc]

There were probably forests back then, before Britain got deforested

[@barnabyaprobert5159]

Sadly, they never said WHAT "valuable mineral" derived from burning kelp. Iodine for the battle wounds in the Napoleonic wars?

[@hamishauskerry]

Sorry yes I should have done - Kelp ash is rich in iodine and alkali. In great amount, kelp ash can be used in soap and glass production. Thanks for watching 👍

[@evelynfakira5612]

You don’t have the accent for being brought up in Orkney, how come

[@hamishauskerry]

Hello, well the island as you can see is only home to our family and my parents are English. In those years of your life where you develop your accent I mostly only heard my parents and family who came to stay speak so that’s the accent that develops. By the time I went to school I already spoke like this. Thanks for watching

[@philipbutler6608]

Dumb question why don’t you ever plant trees? The UK should be covered in trees. Even the orkneys.

[@janne770]

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground-penetrating_radar

[@hamishauskerry]

It would be amazing to see what one of these would see in Auskerry! Maybe one day. Thanks for watching