The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Public invited to unearth some ancient secrets
Archaeologists keen to find Pictish clues buried in Perthshire countryside
Amateur archaeologists are being invited to help uncover more clues to the life of a Perthshire Pict this weekend.
A certain amount has already been learned about a skelton unearthed at Bridge of Tilt – including how he may have looked, thanks to a facial reconstruction.
However, archaeologists believe more secrets remain buried in the area.
Now they are planning to dig deep over the weekend in a quest to discover if there are any more buried Pictish clues – and enthusiastic members of the public are being encouraged to join in.
It was in 1986 that the long cist burial was discovered near Blair Atholl containing the skeleton of a man who had died in his forties.
Analysis of his bones suggested he was used to hard work and the burial was dated to AD 340-615, one of the earliest Pictish graves found so far.
Archaeologists believe there is more to be discovered and over the last two years local volunteers have undertaken geophysical surveys in gardens and open areas around where the burial was found.
This survey has identified a number of anomalies which will be tested by limited excavation.
Bob Will of Guard Archaeology, which is leading the dig, said: “You can never tell what evidence might be found in an investigation of this kind but the more people are willing to help, the more likely we are to find something.”
The Atholl Country Life Museum will be the base for a three-day investigation, which will focus on areas around where the skeleton was discovered.
Anyone interested in helping should go to the museum in Blair Atholl. The dig will start at 10am today and continue over the weekend to Monday.
“Volunteers are welcome to come on any, part or all of these days and archaeologists will be on hand to offer guidance to volunteers on historical research, geophysical survey and trial trenching,” said Mr Will. “All equipment will be supplied.” The facial reconstruction of the man’s face was undertaken by forensic artist Hayley Fisher, who attended Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Dundee University.