A band of volunteer archaeologists has begun digging into the past in a bid to shed light on the lives of Perth’s ancient inhabitants.
The group moved in this week for the start of a month-long investigation of Moredun Top Hillfort at Moncreiffe Hill.
The ancient seat of power would have provided commanding views down over the rivers Tay and Earn for the prehistoric occupants of the fort.
The bid to reveal the secrets of the familiar landmark is being delivered through the Tay Landscape Partnership (TayLP), with the team of volunteers led by David Strachan from Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust and Sophie Nicol of the partnership.
The work is at an early stage but the role of the volunteers was praised by Ms Nicol. “The first day on-site is always a big one, and ours was no different,” she said. “We transported all of the tools and equipment to the top of the hill before spending some time getting everyone orientated, going around the site and looking at all of the main features, and discussing the reasons behind placing trenches in their chosen positions.
“Then it was on to the thankless task of deturfing. We will open up to eight trenches this season, but will deturf just four initially. The largest is 30m by 4m, running down the steep slope of hillfort to catch a series of ramparts, so deturfing is no mean feat.”
The investigation of the Moredun Top hillfort the larger of two forts near the summit will continue for the rest of this month.
While many volunteers have already come forward, more help from people whose imagination has been fired by the dig would be welcome.
“There are still opportunities available for volunteers of two days upwards,” said Andrea Hudspeth, who has been co-ordinating the band of helpers.
Anyone interested can contact her on 01738 477088 or by email at ahudspeth@pkht.org.uk.
An earlier dig on the other hillfort revealed a wealth of evidence and the organisers are confident that this dig will be just as fruitful.