Click here to search commentonline

Perthshire Archaeology Month 2008

This event, established in 2003, runs throughout June, and provides dozens of free opportunities for people to take part in walks around historic settlements and archaeological sites.  There are talks on excavations taking place in the area and hands-on activities for children and adults alike

Co-ordinated by Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust many different organisations, including Historic Scotland, the Scottish Crannog Centre, Perth Museum and many local historical societies and groups stage various events.  A combined programme with the Exploring Perthshire’s Past project can be picked up from Tourist Information Centres and numerous other locations throughout Perth and Kinross. 

This year is the final chance for visitors to see the excavations of the prehistoric homestead in the Black Spout Wood, by Pitlochry. A substantial stone enclosure, thought to date from the late Iron Age, over 1500 years ago, would have contained a large timber round-house.  Although there are around 60 examples of this type of site in Perth & Kinross, this is only the sixth to be excavated, providing a rare opportunity to see what survives beneath the ground of these intriguing and impressive structures. During its use the Black Spout homestead would have dominated the surrounding landscape, and the archaeological team will be uncovering more clues to the lives of its inhabitants and its roles in the past.  The team will be made up of volunteers directed by staff from Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, and the dig will be open to visitors for site tours between 11am and 4pm each day (closed Sundays).

A display of finds from the last three seasons of excavations at the Black Spout, alongside finds from the other excavated homesteads, will also be on display in Perth Museum and Art Gallery throughout June.  Details for all of the events are also available at: www.pkht.org.uk/calendar