Children help find historic artefacts in dig at Dunkeld site

Perthshire children have discovered pieces of Pictish history during a community dig. In the first few days of a fortnight-long excavation at the King’s Seat in Dunkeld, youngsters have already found fragments of crucibles, iron, a working mould used to create precious metals, and half of a glass bead. Pupils of the Royal School of Dunkeld have been helping Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, Dunkeld and Birnam Historical Society and AOC Archaeology dig at the hill fort, thought to be a centre of metalwork production during the Pictish period of 600-900 AD. The finds come on top of other discoveries from a dig last year. Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust research and engagement officer Gavin Lindsay said: “We have found more crucible fragments, another metal working mould, likely for precious metals, half a green glass bead, a stunning trapezoidal spindle whorl and, today, a lump of rusty iron which might be a heavily corroded iron knife. “Investigations will focus on the uppermost enclosed area of the hill fort, the ramparts and hopefully the inside of some of the lower terraces in order to find more dating evidence and clues to how different parts of the site were being used. “Last year’s dig unearthed an amazing selection of early historic metalworking artefacts and possible slingshot ammunition. Crucible fragments and stone moulds for metal working were identified in every trench, suggesting that the site was hugely important in the production of prestige metalwork and may even have been a centre of production in the early Pictish period.” All ages are welcome to visit the excavations between 10am and 3pm today or at the same time from Tuesday to next Saturday. Older pupils from Breadalbane Academy who are interested in a career in archaeology will also take part in week-long placements on the site. The dig is the headline for this year’s Perth and Kinross Archaeology Month. The festival, in its 12th year, includes tours, hands-on activities and talks, as well as living history fair Picts in the Park to be held in Stanley Park tomorrow. Attendees can see Pictish craftsmen working hard on metal, while warriors train for combat. Dunkeld Community Archives will also host a placename expert, who will be on hand to explain the stories and meanings behind the names of local areas.

“Investigations will focus on the uppermost enclosed area of the hill fort. GAVIN LINDSAY

Picture: Mhairi Edwards. Caleb Caven found pieces of bone and pottery.