Chance to unearth Roman Strathearn
Help build turf structure as part of showcase
A replica Roman structure is in the process of being built near a Strath village.
Daniel Postma, a trustee of the Crieff and Strathearn Museum group, is overseeing the creation of turf walls at Comrie Croft.
Assisted by the University of Edinburgh, the project is part of the wider Doors Open Days – which takes place over the weekend September 18 and 19 and is organised by Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust (PKHT).
The Croft is one of several local venues open as part of the regionwide heritage showcase, with interested locals and visitors alike invited to join in with the creation of the distinctive structure on Saturday.
The venue is playing the role of host alongside Daniel and Tanja Romankiewicz of the University of Edinburgh, whose archaeological res e a rch on pre h i s t o r i c roundhouses is informing the design of the circular turf seating area.
Daniel described Saturday as an opportunity to learn about techniques the Romans used in their rampart when attempting to conquer Scotland close to 2000 years ago.
The day forms part of the museum group’s wider Roman Strathearn event, which is taking place across various venues over the weekend.
Included within the programme are talks at the historic Innerpeffray Library – taking place at 11.30am and 2.30pm on Saturday and 2.30pm on Sunday – which will feature the chance to meet Roman soldiers from the Antonine Guard and view maps of local Roman sites.
The presentation is titled ‘A Day in the Life of a Roman Soldier’ and will be delivered by author David Willington.
Elsewhere, a walking tour along the Gask Ridge, a series of remarkably well- preserved earthworks which are nearly 2000 years old, is due to take place on Sunday.
Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust has said the walk will give participants a glimpse into some of the events that shaped the world as it is today.
Other Strath venues participating in Doors Open Days include Cultybraggan Camp near Comrie, as well as Forteviot Church and Tibbermore Church slightly further afield.
In relation to coronavirus pandemic restrictions, a heritage trust representative said: “While we have made great strides against the coronavirus pandemic over more than a year, caution is still to be advised and good social distancing and hand hygiene will need to be heeded at all venues that are physically welcoming visitors.
“Please respect the efforts that the venues are making to ensure things are as safe as possible for their volunteers, your visit and the
concerns of other visitors.
“Pre-booking for most visits is recommended, although some venues are also welcoming visitors at the door.
“Some venues are also providing special online access which is the safest type of visit of all and is available worldwide or to those stuck at home.
“Many of these virtual visits are being created and launched especially for Doors Open Days and can be found by checking the central website.
“Restrictions are always changing and we ask that you keep aware of any applicable safety measures put in place by Scottish Government guidance before setting off on your
visit.
“Please note that these may change at short notice and venues may have to adapt to their organisation’s satisfaction to accommodate you.”
A brochure detailing this year’s full Doors Open Days programme in Perth and Kinross is available online at www.pkht.org.uk/dod.
The national website for the initiative is www.doorsopendays. org.uk.
• Crieff and Strathearn Museum is to hold its AGM in the schoolroom at Innerpeffray Library on Wednesday, September 29.
The meeting will start at 11.30am, with coffees served from 11am.
All are welcome to attend.