tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059249918241541237.post2183128229972785119..comments2024-01-25T14:17:39.961+00:00Comments on Whitehall 1212: Let's dig for the missing Lewis chessmenWhitehall 1212http://www.blogger.com/profile/04035292083118129135noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059249918241541237.post-45073866026148555292010-06-28T15:35:51.616+01:002010-06-28T15:35:51.616+01:001. No, there has never been a dig in the Bealach B...1. No, there has never been a dig in the Bealach Ban. But with cows, sheep, storms, rabbit excavations and random treasure hunters, nothing has ever come to light (as far as we know).<br /><br />2. If there's any truth to the story about them being found in a kist, it's unlikely that mass digging is going to find any more. The odd pawn may have escaped but they were a set (probably in a bag, with the buckle that was found?). There are bumps in the machair there that are asking for investigation, however.<br /><br />3. We don't want any diggers (human or mechanical) letting rip in the dunes. Careful what you suggest. They are precious in themselves.<br /><br />4. If anyone is looking for a likely spot to dig, how about the burial grounds at Traigh na Beirghe which turn up a Bronze Age or Viking skeleton or two every year, which is eroding visibly, and which will certainly give returns, where as carving up the dunes at the Traigh Mhor is a bit populist!<br /><br />In other words, yes to more archaeological work and more interest in our Vikings, but no to chasing after chessmen. <br /><br />(ps not all the warders are berserkers)sarahhttp://www.ceuig.comnoreply@blogger.com