Double honours for Crannog centre
OBE for leading archaeologist in 20th year
A top Perthshire tourist attraction which helped to break new ground in archaeology has marked its 20th anniversary.
The Scottish Crannog Centre held a celebration of its two decades last Friday, with invited guests from Perth and Kinross Council and the Scottish Government.
Based in a recreated Iron Age dwelling on Loch Tay at Kenmore, the centre was created and led by the husband and wife team of Dr Nick Dixon and Ms Barrie Andrian of the Scottish Trust for Underwater Archaeology,.
The roundhouse was formed using research from specialist underwater teams.
Provost of Perth and Kinross Council Dennis Melloy hosted the evening and provided civic hospitality for the event.
Music was provided by the Strung, Drawn and Quartered ceilidh band, including pupils from Breadalbane Academy.
Many friends and supporters joined the Crannog crew for the celebrations, including cabinet secretary for culture and tourism Fiona Hyslop, and John Swinney MSP.
Ms Hyslop said: “Millions of visitors come from all over the world to view and experience Scotland’s history and heritage.
“The evidence is clear that at every level of the tourism industry in Scotland, these are major assets.
“In 2017, the spotlight is shining on Scotland’s wealth of fascinating and inspiring history, heritage and archaeology.
“The Scottish Crannog Centre, celebrating its 20th birthday, offers hands-on experiences to help us
Provost Dennis Melloy is pictured with MSPs John Swinney and Fiona Hyslop with the centre’s Dr Nick Dixon and Ms Barrie Andrian of the Scottish Trust for Underwater Archaeology. Inset the crannog understand what life was like for our ancestors.
“This is a place which looks forward, inspiring while it informs.”
Tributes to their work was also paid to Dr Dixon, Ms Andrian and the Crannog team by the Chairman of the Scottish Trust for Underwater Archaeology, Howard Pearce. And on Friday Dr Dixon was also officially announced as an OBE for his services to archaeology.
He outlined some of the highlights of the last 20 years and set out the centre’s future aims.
Dr Dixon said: “I am honoured and delighted by this award. It is great to know that the work we have been doing for decades is valued in the community and in the country.
“I share the pride for this award with all of our friends and supporters who have helped us along the way.”