Crannogs are a type of ancient loch dwelling found throughout Scotland and Ireland. They were built in the water as defensive homesteads from 5,000 years ago and people continued to build and occupy them periodically until the 17th Century AD. In the wooded heartland of Scotland in Highland Perthshire, the crannogs were timber built roundhouses supported on piles driven into the loch bed.
Diving archaeologists have been exploring the 18 crannogs in Loch Tay since 1980. At the Scottish Crannog Centre just outside Kenmore on the South shore road you can see a reconstruction of one such crannog based upon the excavation results of the 2,600 year old Oakbank Crannog off the village of Fearnan.The Scottish Crannog Centre comprises a shore-based exhibition and visitor centre displaying some of the original house timbers and objects used by the Iron Age loch-dwellers.
