6 May 2011 Last updated at 07:40

Skye's Viking shipyard from the sky

Loch na h-Airde on Skye's Rubh an Dunain peninsula. Pic: Edward Martin

Archaeologists and historians are trying to uncover the hidden past of the Isle of Skye's Loch na h-Airde, shown at the bottom right of this image

Loch na h-Airde on Skye's Rubh an Dunain peninsula. Pic: RCAHMS

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) has said artefacts found so far suggest it was the site of a 12th Century Viking shipyard

Aerial surveys are being made of the site to help pinpoint new dig and dive sites to help in the search for more evidence of ancient boat building. A man-made channel links the loch to the sea and the site may also have been used to shelter vessels in bad weather, as well as for building craft

Archaeologists suggest the remains of a nearby settlement may have been home to the boatyard's workers

Wild fires on Scotland's west coast. Pic: RCAHMS

Wild fires on Scotland's west coast captured by the aerial survey team on their way to make a fresh examination of Loch na h-Airde

Snorkel search for remains of ships in the loch. Pic: Colin Martin

As well as surveying from the air, archaeologists have been getting up close and personal with the loch in their search for the remains of Viking craft

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Skye's Viking shipyard from the sky

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