The Halsnøy Boat

The Unst Boat Haven is one of the small museums in the isles and there is always something new to discover there. 

The museum is full of boats and marine items spanning a century and more. This visit we found a small booklet about a boat from Norway, the Halsnøy craft, which is absolutely fascinating. The boat was found in 1896 and radiocarbon dated to around 400 AD, preserved in the marshy conditions in which it was uncovered. It is interesting because of the construction; pine staves and planks bound together with linden bast stitches, with woollen cloth soaked in tar between the staves for waterproofing. Fascinating stuff, isn't it? Thanks Unst Boat Haven!