Inveraray History Society busy digging up the past
Inveraray History Society members were treated to a fascinating talk this month, entitled Trowels and Tea Towels – the Hidden Heritage.
Sue Furness and Fiona Jackson became interested in mounds and walls they found between Arrochar and Tarbert and knew there must be much of interest hidden underground.
After obtaining a lottery grant and other funding, they enlisted the services of a professional archaeologist and gathered together a band of willing volunteers to help dig up some of these mounds. Interest in the project grew and became a community exercise, educating locals in the exciting history of their area.
During their 18-month funded period, they discovered evidence of a number of interesting objects including flints dating back to Neolithic or Bronze Age times, a pistol ball dating back to the 1600 to 1700s, probably left by Cromwell's troops, and an amber pendant known to have been valued jewellery from the 1700s.
All findings were recorded. Aerial photographs were included in useful leaflets and materials were developed for use by local primary schools. Volunteers also produced six tapestries depicting the finds and known Viking activity in the area. A Viking boat was built to show how these were dragged overland from Loch Long to Loch Lomond, so the Vikings could lay siege to inland areas.
Anyone interested in finding out more should visit hiddenheritage. org.uk
In March, the club welcomes Professor Ronald Black, who will give a talk entitled ‘Inveraray in the ‘45'.
Everyone welcome at 7.30pm in the Nicoll Hall on Tuesday March 5.