Iron Age fort unearthed at Perthshire hilltop

The secrets of an Iron Age fort are being revealed as archaeologists excavate a Perthshire hilltop. The seat of power on Moncreiffe Hill would have provided commanding views of the surrounding countryside and is likely to have been a safe and secure compound for hundreds of years.

Moncrieffe Hill Pictish fort [Credit: Senchus]

Following in the footsteps of Victorian archaeologists, the Tay Landscape Partnership (TayLP) is leading six weeks of digs this year on Moncreiffe Hill and nearby Moredun Top.

Work is under way on Moncreiffe Hill, following last year’s joint excavation with AOC Archaeology, which confirmed the presence of a hill fort.

A rampart has already been discovered with parts of a shale bracelet and a gaming piece indicating the everyday life of the Iron Age fort dwellers.

The current dig will be followed with a month-long excavation in September on Moredun Top.

Sophie Nicol, historic environment officer for TayLP, who is organising the digs with David Strachan of Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, said: “We are really excited to be going back on site this year and to be discovering more.

“The location of Moncreiffe Hill between the Earn and the Tay is a key geographical location and would have been an important seat of power in prehistoric times.”

Author: Richard Burdge | Source: The Courier [April 29, 2015]