Day18: 27 July 00
With only two full digging days remaining, work today focused on completing specific tasks in key areas. The removal of material from within the nave was completed and the nave, together with the chancel and the cellular building to the north of the chapel, was cleaned for final photographs.
The cellular structure, with the access route to the left and central orthostat.
Inside the chancel itself, further excavation has resulted in the recovery of several pieces of Iron Age pottery from within structures pre-dating the chancel.
The section of the north east side altar within the nave was also drawn today. This is a critical section as it shows the stratigraphic relationship between the kneeling stones of the altar and the cellular structure to the north.
Section drawing of the side altar taking place.
More records were made thanks to a friendly helicopter which obligingly took digital photographs from a variety of angles and altitudes. These will not be available until later next week, and we hope to add them to the story of Papa Stronsay as an addendum. Tomorrow is the last day on site before backfilling.
Helicopter over the site taking digital photographs.
Diggers of the day: Sarah Weatherall and Gemma Wicks