Young archaeologists unearth buried ‘treasure’

SHARP-eyed young archaeologists have unearthed some interesting finds while combing land near historic Scone Palace.

Worked flint and 600-year-old decorative fragments of medieval pottery were among the discoveries made by pupils from Robert Douglas Memorial School in Scone.

Led by Sophie Nicoll, historic environment officer for the Tay Landscape Project, the primary 4, 5 and 6 pupils took part in two days of field walking — a technique for finding or studying archaeological sites by walking systematically across a ploughed field, collecting artefacts on the surface.

Scone Palace marketing manager Margo Baird said: “We are delighted to be working with Tay Landscape Partnership again, and the recently ploughed Mansion Field near Balboughty Home Farm is perfect for this project.

“Since we’ll be celebrating VisitScotland’s Year of History and Archaeology all year, this seems like a fitting event to kick things off.

“Scone Palace Estates has played an important part in Scottish history and the children will be walking in the footsteps of Scotland’s ancient kings.”

The archaeological field walking is part of a Tay Landscape Partnership project called Early Settlers, looking for evidence of Mesolithic people in and around the area.

Sophie said: “The field walking is part of Mesolithic Week, a full week of early prehistoric education at the school, with ancient crafts and skills, a pop-up museum and a whole range of educational and fun events for the pupils.”

Jo Slater pictured outside the nursery she owns.