Crannog trip leaves the kids without a leg to stand on

Modern children, eh? They just don't know how lucky they are and are always wanting something better. "I need a bigger room." "I want some boots like hers" and so on.

So it's always good to let them realise that modern life is actually a bit cushy compared to the way their ancestors lived.

Staying on the banks of Loch Tay a couple of years ago, we came across the Scottish Crannog Centre, which offered the perfect illustration of how robust their forebears really were.

This is an ancient home which is about 2,600 years old ("even older than you, mum"), built on sticks ten metres out in the loch to provide safety from wild animals. What a contrast to our home life where the sight of a fox in the garden causes major excitement.

Standing in the crannog would have been a bit claustrophobic as a full-time dwelling for a large family, with sleeping, eating and cooking all happening in the same place. The basket-like walls are stuffed with wool and moss to keep out draughts, but sitting above the icy waters of Loch Tay must be the opposite of an underfloor heating experience.

There was a small pen which my children were appalled to hear was for animals, and we all agreed that the smell must have been pretty atrocious. Then again, the fire in the middle of the crannog would have provided enough smoke at times to cover this. Researchers have managed to work out how these ancient people survived via discoveries from the underwater archaeological site in the loch.

My children got to try to make a fire with wood friction, looked at ancient lathes, and were shown how barley was ground between stones.

In the exhibition centre there are more archaeological finds, with a few child-friendly exhibits and videos of the underwater work to keep them entertained, while we peered at bits of timber that were being used half a millennium before Jesus was born. Among the discoveries is some jewellery, which apparently proves that the people who lived here were relatively well off and had a degree of luxury in their lives.

Try telling that to your children as you drive down the road to the soft duvets that await you in the hotel.

The Scottish Crannog Centre is at Loch Tay, by Kenmore, tel: [phone], or go to www.crannog.co.uk A family ticket costs from 19. Until 27 February a special event in Kenmore, Winterweek+, offers boat tours, insights into Iron Age living, music in the crannog and more.

Visit www.winterweek.co.uk

This article was first published in The Scotsman, 19 February, 2011