A team from York Archaeological Trust (YAT – mainly Marcus and Rachel) were at Wemyss Caves during March using a variety of complementary methods of data capture. Laser scanning was used to record the contours of the caves and also of the land outwith and above them. In addition, the carvings inside the caves were photographed employing various specialist techniques. SWACS volunteers were also there to help, as were our friends from SCAPE (Scottish Coastal Archaeology and the Problem of Erosion) who had commissioned the project.
SWACS were using the photographic equipment generously funded by a grant from Awards For All Scotland to carry out the RTI (Reflectance Transformation Imaging). We were also there to clear up litter and cut back vegetation.
A highlight was the visit from Eddie with his hexacopter which was flown over the entire length of the shoreline where the caves are situated in order to provide aerial footage of the surroundings.
Unfortunately, the dates were not arranged far enough in advance to allow many schools to get involved but we had a visit from a group of students from Fife College, and also a representative from Buckhaven High School came along to find out about the project. We did, however, run a very successful Special Open Day on the Sunday. Visitors were able to tour the caves and see some of the data capture taking place. In addition, back at our base of operations – the Senior Citizens Centre – they were able to preview some of the early results from the exercise.
As a result of all this activity, YAT now have all the information they need to update the Wemyss Caves 4D website (www.4dwemysscaves.org). So, eventually – once all the data is processed – it will be possible to visit all the caves online rather than just Jonathan’s Cave. There is also some very exciting additional functionality being planned for the website – we will be telling you more about this in due course…
We’re immensely grateful to all our partners – SCAPE, Historic Scotland and Fife Council – who contributed to the funding of this project.
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