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AMERICANALMANAC (Lynn Jenkins) - Students from Gordonstoun uncover medieval church remains on deserted Orkney island Mon Aug 31 23:11:15 2026

Ten pupils from King Charles’s former school have helped uncover what is believed to be a 1,000-year-old Viking church beneath a newer building on the abandoned Orkney island of Swona, working alongside professional archaeologists in a hands-on dig that could shed new light on Scotland’s early Christian past. During a six-day summer trip, ten students […] The post Students from Gordonstoun uncover medieval church remains on deserted Orkney island appeared first on American Almanac .

Ten pupils from King Charles’s former school have helped uncover what is believed to be a 1,000-year-old Viking church beneath a newer building on the abandoned Orkney island of Swona, working alongside professional archaeologists in a hands-on dig that could shed new light on Scotland’s early Christian past. During a six-day summer trip, ten students from Gordonstoun School worked closely with archaeologists from the Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology (Orca) to excavate part of Swona, an island left deserted since 1974. The group, joined by housemaster Dan McLean, dug a test pit, cleared weeds, and discovered a stone step just under the surface, leading to what would have been the altar of a medieval church. Radiocarbon samples were taken from the site, which lies beneath a more recent building, and are now awaiting analysis. Gordonstoun, known as the alma mater of King Charles, sent the students to Swona for six days, where they lived without modern comforts, no electricity, and water fetched from an ancient well. The students’ daily routine began around 8 a.m. and ended by 6 p.m., as they worked with archaeologists to uncover the past. Swona, measuring just 92 hectares, was once home to nine families in the 18th century but has stood empty for over fifty years. Dan McLean, the housemaster who organized the trip, explained the origins of their dig: “The only real hint about a church being on the island is a map reference to a ruin known locally as the ‘Twinly Kirk’.” He added, “Once I had identified the site, it first appeared that the remaining church walls were of a more recent building, as they have been added to over the years. 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.” McLean called the find a “special moment” for the students, who experienced first-hand the thrill of uncovering history. Seventeen-year-old pupil Archie Maclean described the dig as the highlight of the trip, saying, “The archaeology dig was the most enjoyable part of the trip, being able to discover history in real time was incredible.” The group also faced the “sun and hot temperatures,” according to Maclean, as they camped in an abandoned house on Swona, making do without electricity. Radiocarbon analysis will determine the church’s true age Archaeologists believe the structure may date back nearly 1,000 years, potentially to the era of Viking settlement in the Orkneys. However, the exact age of the site remains to be confirmed by scientific testing. Paul Clark, senior project manager at Orca, said the next step is to analyze the samples taken from the dig. The Daily Mail reported that the structure is “thought to be” a Viking church, but the results of the radiocarbon dating will be needed to confirm its origins. Swona, now recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, was deserted by its last two residents in 1974. The students’ discovery adds a new chapter to its story, suggesting not only habitation but spiritual life stretching back centuries. The remains were found beneath a newer building, layered with evidence from different eras of the island’s past. A rare educational opportunity in a historic landscape The Gordonstoun students’ experience stands in sharp contrast to the typical classroom lesson. Immersed in the island’s isolation, no modern amenities, just hard work and hands-on learning, they took part in meaningful fieldwork rather than simulations or staged reenactments. By working directly with professional archaeologists, these teenagers helped uncover one of Orkney’s lesser-known medieval sites. Their efforts point to the value of real-world education and the importance of preserving and discovering Britain’s heritage for future generations. While the final scientific results are still pending, the students’ dig has already made an impact. The find has brought new attention to Swona’s forgotten history and serves as a reminder that, even on deserted islands, there are chapters of Scotland’s story yet to be revealed. When young people get their hands dirty reviving our shared past, they do more than fill in the gaps, they remind us how easy it is for history to slip from view when no one’s watching. The post Students from Gordonstoun uncover medieval church remains on deserted Orkney island appeared first on American Almanac .