Integrating Crannogs and Hebridean Island Duns: Placing Scottish Island Dwellings Into Context

ABSTRACT

While the collective understanding of Scottish crannogs, or artificial islets has gradually evolved through absolute dating regimes and a handful of excavations over the past three decades, little progress has been made towards an integrated study of all islet-based sites in Scotland. Specifically, one which fully considers the rich legacy of occupied natural and artificial islets in the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides, and how they can inform mainland crannog studies through a shared conceptual foundation—living on a small islet (Lenfert 2012). This is a key element towards a better understanding of how islet function, meaning, and symbolism have changed over the longue durée in Scotland. The ubiquitous reuse of islets over centuries or even millennia suggests that local memory and tradition influenced their reoccupation, despite demanding upkeep or renewal. With these aspects in mind, this article examines both the terminology and use of natural and artificial islets in Scotland from a long-term perspective. This approach provides a more nuanced narrative over existing discussions which tend to focus solely upon mainland crannogs.

Keywords:

• ethnicity/social identity
• islands
• classification
• domesticated landscapes
• coastal ritual