They did the spadework now you read the book
Findings of archaeological dig
A new publication has been launched detailing the spectacular prehistoric archaeology of Perth and Kinross from as far back as 2000 years ago.
Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust (PKHT) announced the release of ‘Hillforts of the Tay,’ which tells the stories of the hillforts of Moncreiffe Hill and Castle Law, Abernethy, as recently revealed through a fouryear long community archaeology project.
Led by PKHT as part of the Tay Landscape Partnership Scheme (TayLP), and delivered in partnership with AOC Archaeology Group, the project explored the archaeology of three of the most prominent hillforts around the Tay estuary.
Over 500 volunteers used topographic and geophysical surveys, targeted excavation and environmental research to assemble a vast amount of vital information on the areas.
Explaining more about the project, PKHT director and contributing author David Strachan said: “The scale of this community archaeology project was incredible - with over 500 volunteers contributing 1743 days to survey and excavate over a four-year period - in some ways a fitting tribute to the Iron Age communities who constructed these monumental sites over 2000 years ago.
“I do feel that through engaging in the hard graft of digging these sites, we in some way got closer to those ancient builders – and this great little book tells the story for all.”
The booklet presents the findings from the project in an “easily accessible format”, making extensive use of illustrations to tell the stories of the ancient sites, the people who built them, and the community of volunteers and experts who investigated them from 2014 to 2018.
The publication discusses aspects of the construction, use and abandonment of each of the hillforts over 2000 years ago, before bringing the different strands of evidence together alongside information on the Iron Age environment and landscape to paint a picture of the sites in their wider, natural context.
Reflecting on the project and the co-production of the booklet Dr Andy Heald, managing director of AOC Archaeology Group, said: “AOC Archaeology Group is proud to work in partnership with PKHT and the TayLP on this important project.
“Not only has the Hillforts of the Tay project given us an important insight into the complexities of daily life at these fascinating sites over 2000 years ago, but it has also provided us with a unique and important opportunity to share our passion for archaeology and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Perth and Kinross.”
‘Hillforts of the Tay’ is the latest release in the popular series of booklets published by PKHT that reveal the stories of some of the region’s built and archaeological heritage locations.
The book was released on Wednesday, September 9.
Copies of the book and other titles can be viewed at the trust’s website at www.pkht.org.uk