This artificial island was mainly visible in the summer months and lay about 75 yards from the southern bank of the loch. Despite its prominence during Robert Burns's time, he made no recorded reference to it. A wooden walkway ran to it from the south-east side of the loch. At least five dugout canoes were found, some distance from the crannog.Smith, p. 145 The land had become marshy again by 1878Adamson, p. 105 and the re-discovery at this time generated enough interest to spark an excavation;Campbell, p. 218 the site and Lochlea Farm were owned by the Duke of Portland and Mr Turner, his factor, helped to organise the excavations, together with Mr. Cochrane-Patrick of Woodside, Beith.Arch Hist Coll, p. 31 Much of the wood associated with the crannog was that of oak, hazel and birch,Arch Hist Coll, p. 32 together with alder and poplar.Arch Hist Coll, p. 82 Animals present included sheep, roe deer, red deer, reindeer, pig, and horse.Arch Hist Coll, pp. 80-81
