Climate change devastated homes of ancient Scots, new research finds

Martin Hannan
Journalist



Burial cairns at the Udal site held the remains of individuals dating to the second millennium BC



THE ancient residents of the Outer Hebrides suffered the effects of climate change, which devastated their homes and saw them suffer periods of starvation, according to new research.

Archaeological research centring on excavations at the Udal site in North Uist has revealed some of the hardships of life in Neolithic and early Bronze Age Scotland.

Two burial cairns at the Udal were found to hold the remains of individuals dating to the second millennium BC. Scientific analyses of the two people have shown the dramatic effect that environmental stresses had on the community.

Excavations revealed the archaeological remains of two round buildings dating to between 3000 and 2500 BC. Analysis of the artefacts found there show butchering of animals, pottery-making and quartz tool manufacture took place on site.

More:
http://www.thenational.scot/news/16311063.Climate_change_devastated_homes_of_ancient_Scots__new_research_finds/