The chance to play a part in unravelling an archaeological mystery is on offer in Perth.
A team led by David Strachan from Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust is planning detailed excavations to uncover the secrets of Moredun Top Hillfort on Moncreiffe Hill, Perth, in September with the help of volunteers. The fort excavation follows on from a dig on another fort on Moncreiffe Hill which unearthed ramparts and evidence of the lives of the ancient inhabitants.
The project is being delivered through the Tay Landscape Partnership and it hopes to reveal the past of the familiar landmark.
“Tay Landscape Partnership is looking for volunteers interested in archaeology and the nation’s past to help excavate the site and play an important role in allowing this project to happen,” said Mr Strachan.
“No archaeological experience is required and full on-site training will be provided.
“Moredun Top hillfort is the larger of two hillforts on Moncreiffe Hill, to the south-east of Perth.
“The hill itself is a key geographical feature in the landscape, located at the meeting of the rivers Tay and Earn and so dominating the lower straths of both rivers.
“The site is clearly multi-period with the remains of at least two forts of late Iron Age and/or early historic date, as well as traces of other buildings.
“Its location exploits the naturally defensive cliffs on the south face of the hill, and affords extensive views of the surrounding landscape in all directions, truly dominating the landscape at the tryst of these important river systems.”
Hillforts feature regularly on the landscape of the Ochil and Sidlaw hills and a number have been excavated and studied in the past.
Many were undertaken by Victorian archaeologists, who had no access to carbon dating, but the sites are likely to have been used over a wide time-frame.
The opportunity to play a role in unearthing the past is being offered free of charge to anyone aged 16 and over.
For more information and to find out how to get involved visit www.taylp.org.
The Tay Landscape Partnership is a four-year project celebrating the landscapes of where the Tay and Earn meet and is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Gannochy Trust, Scottish Natural Heritage, Perth and Kinross Council and other bodies.