Ancient Footprints Revealed by Storms in Scotland Date Back 2,000 Years

A recent storm along the eastern coast of Scotland revealed a remarkable archaeological find: a series of ancient footprints preserved in clay. Discovered by dog walkers Jenny Snedden and Ivor Campbell along with their dogs Ziggy and Juno at Lunan Bay in Angus, the prints offer a fleeting glimpse into life nearly 2,000 years ago.

The discovery quickly became an archaeological emergency, as the same harsh weather conditions that exposed the prints also threatened to erase them. A team from the University of Aberdeen raced against time – and the tide – to document the site before it was lost forever. “It’s very rare that you get involved in a genuine archaeological emergency where, if we didn’t do it very, very quickly, the whole site would be gone,” explained archaeologist Kate Britton of the University of Aberdeen.

The team worked in challenging conditions, battling wind gusts up to 55 mph (88.5 km/h) and the relentless advance of the sea. They employed a combination of techniques, including drones, cameras, and plaster casts, to record the impressions. The footprints belonged to both humans and animals, including red deer (Cervus elaphus) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus).

Beneath the footprints, archaeologists found a layer of charred plant remains. Radiocarbon dating of these remains indicated an age of approximately 2,000 years, placing the prints in the late Iron Age. “The late Iron Age dates are in keeping with what we know about the rich archaeology of nearby Lunan Valley,” said archaeologist Gordon Noble of the University of Aberdeen. “It’s very exciting to think these prints were made by people around the time of the Roman invasions of Scotland and in the centuries leading up to the emergence of the Picts.”

The discovery provides a unique window into the past, suggesting that the area now covered by the sandy beach of Lunan Bay was once a muddy estuary used by both humans, and animals. “This tells us how this now sandy beach was once a muddy estuary and that humans were using this environment, perhaps for hunting deer or to collect wild plant foods,” noted archaeologist William Mills of the University of Aberdeen.

The ephemeral nature of the find underscores the fragility of archaeological evidence and the importance of rapid response when such discoveries are made. Within 48 hours of their initial discovery, the footprints had been completely destroyed by the elements. Despite their brief existence, the team was able to create a detailed record of the site, including photographs, 3D models, and plaster casts.

While this particular site is now gone, Britton believes it may indicate the presence of other similar sites along the Scottish coastline. The discovery highlights the potential for unexpected archaeological finds to be revealed by natural events, such as storms and coastal erosion.

Footprints, as a form of archaeological evidence, are particularly valuable. They can reveal information about the size, weight, and gait of the individuals who left them, and even provide clues about their activities. Similar discoveries elsewhere have offered insights into ancient behaviors. For example, footprints found in White Sands National Park in New Mexico appear to have been made by Ice Age children playing in muddy puddles, while 78,000-year-old Neanderthal footprints in Portugal suggest foraging or hunting activities.

The Lunan Bay footprints, though fleeting, represent a tangible connection to the people who lived in Scotland two millennia ago. They serve as a reminder of the rich and often hidden history that lies beneath our feet, waiting to be uncovered – and quickly preserved – by the forces of nature and the dedication of archaeologists.