By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-09-03 21:40:42 | Updated at 2026-09-03 22:42:30
1 hour ago
Students from Gordonstoun in Scotland have uncovered what appears to be the ruins of a medieval Viking church during an archaeological expedition to Swona, an uninhabited Orkney island. The pupils from the private Moray school, which King Charles once attended, made the discovery whilst working alongside professionals from the Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology during a six-day field trip.
The structure shows characteristics similar to Viking churches dating from the 10th and 11th centuries. Only feral cattle inhabit the tiny Scottish island, which lies approximately seven miles north of John O'Groats.
The church's remains, encompassing what researchers believe to be the altar's foundation, were located underneath a later construction. Radiocarbon dating of collected samples is now planned to establish more definitive conclusions about the building's age.
Dan McLean, a housemaster at Gordonstoun who organised the expedition, explained initial evidence pointed to a ruin known locally as the "Twinly Kirk". Upon first examination, the visible church walls appeared to belong to a more modern structure.
"However, after we worked with the archaeologists to dig a test pit and clear away the weeds, we discovered a step just under the surface, leading to what would have been the church's altar," Mr McLean said.
Multiple features indicated the building's Viking origins. The dry stone construction, lacking clay bonding or mortar, matched typical Viking methods, whilst the structure's layout and orientation provided further evidence.
Nearby cairns and a wall blocking access to a landing point offered additional clues. "It was a special moment to confirm to the students that they had helped to uncover a piece of Viking history that could be up to 1,000 years old," Mr McLean said.
Ten pupils undertook a 10-hour journey to reach the island for the expedition. Accommodation consisted of a century-old crofting cottage that had long been abandoned.
Children at a school once attended by King discovered a 'medieval Viking church' on an uninhabited Scottish island
PA
The dwelling lacked electricity, with the group drawing fresh water from an ancient well. Several participants contributed to restoration efforts by replacing floorboards in the cottage where they were staying.
Beyond the church excavation, the expedition explored other historical sites across the privately owned island. The group investigated what appeared to be a prehistoric settlement located in the island's centre.
They also examined a circular ditch believed to have served as the location of a Viking warning beacon. The combination of archaeological work and basic living conditions provided an immersive historical experience for the young participants.
Archie Maclean, a 17-year-old participant, described the opportunity to "discover history in real time was incredible". He noted managing the sun and elevated temperatures proved the most difficult aspect of the trip.
Mr Maclean recounted a typical day beginning around 8am with breakfast, followed by washing dishes at the beach, and concluding near 6pm with dinner.
Fellow pupil Iona Fell highlighted the expedition's social dimension. "What I enjoyed most was the strong sense of community within the group and how quickly we became a team," she said.
Ms Fell described leaving a small plaque in flooring they had worked on as particularly meaningful, calling it a way to become part of the island's continuing narrative.
Paul Clark, ORCA's senior project manager, praised the pupils' "great enthusiasm". "The next step is to look at the samples we took, to see what they can tell us about the activity undertaken at the chapel and hopefully recover material suitable for radiocarbon dating," he said.
