Ep 8. Secrets of the Dunes

In Time Team season 19 episode 8, titled "Secrets of the Dunes," the team travels to the northwest coast of Scotland to explore the areas around the Assynt estate. The episode focuses on an area known as the Culag Woods, located alongside the Loch Culag. The team investigates the Culag Woods by digging a series of trenches in the sand dunes, hoping to unearth more clues about the people who lived in this area thousands of years ago.

During the dig, the team discovers many exciting artifacts that help to tell the history of the area. Among the discoveries are pieces of pottery, flint, and stone tools, providing an insight into how the ancient people who once inhabited this area lived and worked. One of the most significant finds is a large, flat stone, which the team determines was probably used for grinding grain.

Throughout the episode, the team works to piece together the history of this area, using the artifacts they discover to create a timeline of the different groups of people who lived here over time. They learn about the Mesolithic hunter-gatherer people who first lived in the area, followed by the Neolithic farmers who settled in the region around 4,000 years ago. They also delve into the history of the Beaker people, who inhabited this area in the Bronze Age, and explore the unique burial rites of these ancient peoples.

As the team continues to dig, they uncover layers of history that reveal how the area changed over time. They learn about the different types of trees that grew in the Culag Woods and how they affected the area's ecology. They also discover evidence of animals that lived in the area, including bones from red deer and seals. The team's archaeologists work closely with other experts to help piece together the different clues they find, allowing them to create a more complete picture of the area's history.

As in every Time Team episode, viewers are treated to detailed explanations of the team's methods and techniques, as well as fascinating insights into the history of the area they're investigating. Along the way, they learn about the challenges and rewards of archaeological work, as well as the many obstacles that must be overcome when trying to determine the past of an area that has been inhabited by so many different groups over such a long period of time.

Overall, Secrets of the Dunes is a fascinating episode that sheds light on the complex history of the Scottish coast and the people who lived there over thousands of years. From the Mesolithic hunters to the Bronze Age Beaker people, the episode offers a glimpse into the many cultures that once called this area home, with the team's intrepid work providing the keys that unlock the secrets of the past.