Context is one of the most valuable things about an artifact. If you find something of interest on Ellan Vhow, please do not disturb it! Much can be learned by understanding where an artifact is found and from the things around it. As much as possible, return all artifacts to where they were found and record a much relevant information as possible. That said, there are a few things you might want to look for while on the island! While exploring, always be very careful and proceed at your own risk!
The "Dungeon" or "Brownie's Cell"
This was the vaulted cellar of the tower. Enter through the small door near the center of the tower floor. Yes, there may be spiders in there in summer, but it is in tact, and a must for all visitors. Do be careful ... both for your sake and for the cellar's sake. No artifacts here (that we know of), but some observant visitor may spot something one day.
This was the vaulted cellar of the tower. Enter through the small door near the center of the tower floor. Yes, there may be spiders in there in summer, but it is in tact, and a must for all visitors. Do be careful ... both for your sake and for the cellar's sake. No artifacts here (that we know of), but some observant visitor may spot something one day.
Finished Window Stone
Near the fire ring to the east of the castle tower (3), you can find a finished window stone. Notice the grove cut in the stone to receive window glass. This stone was part of one of the windows in the tower. See the Preservation blog for more on this.
Near the fire ring to the east of the castle tower (3), you can find a finished window stone. Notice the grove cut in the stone to receive window glass. This stone was part of one of the windows in the tower. See the Preservation blog for more on this.
Wine Bottle Fragment
Standing on the rocky shore at the south end of the island, look up toward the west wall of the tower. In the eroded edge of the shoreline, if you look carefully, you may find the fragment of a wine bottle. Feel free to pull it out of its den, but do put it back for the next visitor when you are through. Note the "Co" (which appears unside down and clockwise in the photo) and the "i" or ""l" and "n" (rightside up and counter-clockwise. Some say this may be Ysart glass. 19th century?
Standing on the rocky shore at the south end of the island, look up toward the west wall of the tower. In the eroded edge of the shoreline, if you look carefully, you may find the fragment of a wine bottle. Feel free to pull it out of its den, but do put it back for the next visitor when you are through. Note the "Co" (which appears unside down and clockwise in the photo) and the "i" or ""l" and "n" (rightside up and counter-clockwise. Some say this may be Ysart glass. 19th century?
Roofing Slates and Iron Slag
In the southeast corner of the island (the Highland Way side), the bedrock shoreline dips in and is filled with smaller stone. This may have been a boat noose. If the water is down, you may find conical roofing slates embedded in the mossy bank, or even iron slag. Older slates have larger holes (say the size of a British pound) for wooden pegs. Do return them to where you found them!
In the southeast corner of the island (the Highland Way side), the bedrock shoreline dips in and is filled with smaller stone. This may have been a boat noose. If the water is down, you may find conical roofing slates embedded in the mossy bank, or even iron slag. Older slates have larger holes (say the size of a British pound) for wooden pegs. Do return them to where you found them!
Stairs?
If you start on the north side of the east wall of the tower and work your way south, you will find a ventilation slot in the tower. If you shine a light in the slot or manage to get your camera into the slot, you will see what look like the underside of finished stones for a stairway.
If you start on the north side of the east wall of the tower and work your way south, you will find a ventilation slot in the tower. If you shine a light in the slot or manage to get your camera into the slot, you will see what look like the underside of finished stones for a stairway.