Bosta Iron Age House, Scotland
Bosta Iron Age House is a historical site located on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.
It is an ancient village site that dates back to the Iron Age, around 1,500 years ago.
The site consists of a reconstructed Iron Age house, known as a ‘blackhouse,’ which gives visitors a glimpse into the lives of the people who inhabited the area during that time period.
The Bosta Iron Age House was remarkably discovered in 1993 when a severe storm uncovered the remains of several buildings on the beach at Bosta.
Excavations revealed the layout of a settlement dating back to the Iron Age.
The site includes the remains of several structures, including a well-preserved Iron Age house.
These houses were in a distinctive figure of eight shape, with a large circular structure linked to a smaller circular projection by an internal doorway.
This type of hut is sometimes called a 'jelly-bean' house due to its shape.
The large area was the main living area, while the small end of the 'jelly bean' was probably used for storage.
Each hut was connected to its neighbours by tunnels.
In many ways, the discovery at Bostadh is very similar to the famous stone village at Skara Brae on Orkney, although the latter was built several thousand years earlier.
What was truly remarkable about the Bostadh village is that the hut contents had been perfectly preserved by the sand, up to the top of the walls.
The houses are thought to date to 500-700 AD (probably closer to the latter end of that time frame).
When the huts were excavated an array of interesting finds came to light.
There were bones of deer, sheep, cattle, and pigs, plus vast amounts of shellfish and fish.
The presence of red deer bones suggests that there was a large area of forest in the region, something that may be hard to imagine when you visit the largely treeless Isles today.
Aside from meat and seafood, deposits of grain suggest that inhabitants ate a varied diet.
The houses were created by digging down below ground level to create an earthen foundation, then strengthening the hut perimeter with a dual layer of drystone walling.
The space between the stone 'skins' was then filled with rubble, clay, turf, and sand, rather like a modern cavity wall insulation process.
After a full archaeological investigation had been carried out, the huts were covered over with sand once more, to preserve the structures.
Finds from the huts were then put on display in the small museum in Breaclete, the main settlement on Great Bernera.
In 1998 a replica hut was built.
The reconstructed house that still stands today is based on the archaeological evidence uncovered at the site.
It was constructed using traditional materials and techniques, including dry stone walls and a thatched roof.
Inside the house, visitors can see replicas of tools, utensils, and other artefacts that would have been used by the inhabitants of the village.
The Bosta Iron Age House provides visitors with a fascinating insight into the daily life of Iron Age people in Scotland and is a popular tourist attraction on the Isle of Lewis.
Someone who recently visited the site on a guided tour said: “The reconstructed house is a living archaeological site, with lessons learned about the roofing and structures over time and weather events.
”Simple discoveries like how the door was positioned and the ventilation within the house meant that one side of the house was always warm and the fire didn’t blow out, whilst the smoke was drawn out.
”The fact the house was constructed mostly underground and has a second chambered room, possibly used for food storage, are also unusual features.
”The guide was excellent and the beach nearby is beautiful and peaceful. Really enjoyable look back to the past.”
Life in Iron Age Scotland
Life in Iron Age Scotland revolved around agriculture, with communities relying on the fertile soil and temperate climate to sustain themselves.
Fields of barley, oats, and wheat stretched across the landscape, while herds of cattle, sheep, and pigs roamed the hillsides.
Fishing in nearby rivers and lochs provided a vital source of protein, supplementing diets rich in grains and dairy products.
Gathering wild foods such as berries, nuts, and roots added variety to meals and ensured survival during lean times.
Metalworkers fashioned tools and weapons from iron, while potters crafted pottery for cooking and storage.
Weavers wove wool into textiles for clothing and blankets, while woodworkers crafted furniture and implements for daily use.
These crafts were not only essential for survival but also served as expressions of creativity and cultural identity.
With guided tours of Bosta Iron Age house, you’ll learn more about the fascinating history and discover what life was like 1,500 years ago.
Bostadh Beach
Bosta Beach is modest in size but the beautiful views, green meadow littered with wildflowers in the summer, white sand and clear blue waters make it a very special place.
The beach can be a hive of activity in the summer months and has a lovely family atmosphere.
It is also a favourite dog-walking area for many (the area surrounding the beach is Common Grazing so please keep dogs on a lead).
There are rocky outcrops and a spectacular view out into the Atlantic with a number of small islands to provide plenty of material for good photographs early or late in the day throughout the year.
If you’d like to visit, the address is: Bosta, Great Bernera, Bostadh, Isle of Lewis, Western Isles, Scotland, HS2 9LZ.
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