Abstract
The non -marine faunal remains from excavations at the sites of Bostadh Beach, Great
Bernera and Loch na Beirgh, Bhaltos, Lewis were analysed to investigate aspects of the
economy and environment in the first millennium AD. Both sites show structural evidence
of occupancy over several hundred years, covering several structural phases with evidence of
rebuilding and repairs to buildings. At the site of Bostadh the occupation phases appear to
encompass the cultural change involved in the arrival of the Norse, allowing changes in
economic strategies between the two cultures to be examined. The bones from four
occupation phases at Bostadh were analysed, and from one occupation phase at Beirgh. The
evidence from these two sites was considered in the light of work previously carried out in
the Bhaltos peninsula, Lewis, and in similar studies elsewhere in north Atlantic Scotland.
The general condition of the bones was good, reflecting the calcium rich machair soils of the
area, and making them an important resource in the understanding of the economy and
environment of Atlantic Scotland in the first millennia AD. The state of preservation and
fragmentation of each of the bone specimens was recorded with the hope of furthering
understanding of site formation processes. The good condition of the bones made them
highly identifiable and of considerable archaeological value.
A range of mammalian and avian species were retrieved from both sites indicating a mixed
economy with opportunistic use made of locally available resources. The bones of red deer
(Cervus elaphus) are particularly abundant within the assemblage of bones retrieved from
both sites, suggesting a heavy reliance on the animals for meat. The apparent importance of
red deer in the economy of these sites is unusual in north Atlantic Scotland and some
consideration is therefore given as to how the animals were procured and whether some sort
of management of the herds may have been taking place. Changes in the exploitation of
animals over time are noted at Bostadh. Cattle and caprine (sheep or goat) bones are also
present in substantial quantities. Other species represented in the assemblages include pig,
otter, and dog, grey and common seal and a range of seabird species.
