Excavation of two burials at Galson, Isle of Lewis, 1993 and 1996

Abstract

Two burials of Iron Age date were recorded at Galson during rescue excavations in 1993 and 1996, as a result of erosion of the steep, north-facing sand-dune face, which rises over 6 m between the shingle beach and a field wall. This erosion face is the site of a well-known cemetery and settlement extending in date at least from the Iron Age to the Norse period. The burials are placed in the context of past discoveries at Galson and a brief consideration of the evidence for long cist cemeteries in the Western Isles is presented. The excavations were funded by Historic Scotland.