A Skye community is delving deep into its past following the discovery of an underground building in the Trotternish area, thought to date back to the Iron Age.

The underground structure, known as a souterrain, was discovered at Kilvaxter when one of the lintel roofing stones collapsed leaving a hole in the ground. This revealed a hidden, stone lined passageway of the sort that was built between the 4th century BC and the 3rd century AD. Although over 20 souterrains have previously been discovered on Skye this particular one will be the only one to be fully excavated.

With help from a qualified archaeologist, the local community are excavating the site themselves with the intention of putting the souterrain on display to the public, providing the area with a unique tourist attration.

Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise (SALE), are helping with the dig by providing Kilmuir Community Council with £2,300 (pounds) towards the cost of the £8,000 (pounds) project. Funding has also come from Historic Scotland, The Highland Council and the Highland community action group, Duthchas.

This financial assistance will help with the costs of both the excavation and the provision of a visitor car park. It is also hoped to provide an interpretation panel informing visitors about life in the area during the Iron Age and the cultural traditions of Trotternish in general.

Archaeologist, Roger Miket who is supervising the project said: "It is not every day that a hole appears in the middle of a community, directly linking them with Kilmuir folk of 2,000 years ago. Like Alice, the community is on a quest down this hole, to reach back to touch them."

Robert Muir, chief executive at SALE said: "Cultural and heritage projects are very important, adding to the quality of life in Skye and Lochalsh. The souterrain is a fantastic find and will provide the island with an unusual but very educational visitor attraction."

Historic Scotland are matching the SALE funding. Commenting on the discovery, Historic Scotland's area inspector Noel Fojut said: "Not only is the site a fascinating one from an archaeological viewpoint, and well worth excavation, but the opportunity to support a genuine community-based effort opens new possibilities for the future of Scotland's past.

"Kilmuir has grasped a challenge and an opportunity. The team have put together an excellent project design, found financial backers and got on with it, rather than waiting for someone else to do something. It is a welcome change to be contributing to a solution rather than puzzling over a problem."

Highland Councillor for the area, Gavin Scott-Moncrieff said: "I am delighted to see this souterrain being so speedily and professionally excavated.

"Together with an expert archaeologist, and a willing and enthusiastic local community it is exciting to witness the necessary work being done with a minimum delay, to have this very important historical and tourist attraction made available to the public as soon as possible.

"Too often exciting local projects never begin, either through a lack of funds or endless red tape. This time The Highland Council and the other funding agencies have quickly joined forces with the local community and have got on with the job, and I am delighted to see that can happen."