Dig uncovers ‘home of ancient kings’

Trust to carry out further excavation at site of hill fort find

East Lomond hill in Fife was once home to a powerful chieftain or king, according to local historians.

Falkland Stewardship Trust has uncovered evidence the landmark was the site of a significant Iron Age hillfort and was in use during the Pictish period, around the 7th Century.

Fascinating details about East Lomond’s history were revealed during a community excavation in 2014 and the trust is now planning another dig this summer and those keen to help are urged to get in touch.

The group has been awarded £10,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund, £5,000 from Glenrothes area committee and £2,500 from the north east Fife local community planning budget to take investigations further.

“Fife has a rich archaeological heritage and the finds on this site suggest the East Lomond hill fort was indeed home to a powerful local chieftain or possibly a kingship of the southern Picts,” Trust chairman Dr Peter Burman said.

“If we secure sufficient funding, we hope this year’s community excavation will reveal even more about this ancient seat of power and influence.”

Trust members met the Provost of Fife, Jim Leishman, and presented him with a framed illustration of what the hill may have looked like in centuries past.

Mr Leishman said: “I love to walk around Fife and admire the natural beauty of the landscape but I didn’t realise I could be walking through the home of ancient kings at East Lomond.

“It just goes to show that Fife has always been a desirable place to live.

From left: Mr Leishman, Dr Peter Burman, Helen Lawrenson and Joe Fitzpatrick, as the provost is presented with a framed artwork depicting how the hill fort may have looked.