Multi method investigation of submerged features at Semblister, Shetland

Abstract

The Shetland Islands are well known for their archaeology, with many features from later prehistory surviving to an exceptional degree, with brochs being an excellent example. Less is known of submerged prehistoric sites, though the offshore profile of the islands means that ancient occupation of the current submerged zone was likely, and also that the sites are likely preserved. One such archaeological site, previously identified, occurs near Semblister. The site has been known locally, and is recorded as a broch in the local Historic Environment Records, however, its dimensions and location do not strongly suggest that it is a broch. Combining satellite imagery – the site is in relatively shallow water and visible – with targeted side-scan sonar survey and data processing, will aid the development of a process approach to the re-classification / confirmation of historically recorded sites, and archaeological prospection in the shallow water zone.