Exhibition marks history society’s 50th anniversary

A Crieff-based history society will launch a new exhibition this week to mark its 50th anniversary.

Strathearn Archaeological and Historical Society will host the event at Strathearn Community Campus Library from October 9.

The exhibition will feature Crieff High School’s collection of museum-quality replica artefacts based on key archaeological finds discovered close to the school and at the nearby Dundurn Pictish fort.

This collection is normally displayed within the school and is not readily available to view by the public.

In addition, there are nails from the famous find of almost one million excavated at Inchtuthill Roman Fort, and hypocaust tile fragments from a Roman bath-house – both almost 2000 years old and loaned by members.

There is also a cannonball found near the ruined Innerpeffray Castle which has been loaned by Innerpeffray Library.

Ian Hamilton, vice chair of the society, said:“Perhaps the‘jewel in the crown’is the magnificent Dorothy Marshall Silver Medal awarded in 2013 by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland to the late Miss Jean Comrie, a former chair of our society. This medal is awarded every three years to an individual who, in a voluntary capacity, has made an outstanding contribution to Scottish archaeological or related work.

“The society is also awaiting details of a group of‘chance finds’which we are donating to the school’s growing collection. We are also in contact with Treasure Trove Scotland to try and secure a find from the 2011 excavation of the original Pittentian timber circle, the re-imagined replica of which stands at the entrance to the school.

“We may not be the largest of Scotland’s heritage groups, but we have certainly‘punched above our weight’ over the years, with the Campus Archaeological Trail being a unique feature among Scotland’s 350 senior schools.

“We hope visitors will enjoy the exhibition, walk around the trail and consider joining the society.”