Mum of four digs her way to new career on Cross Tay Link Road project

Where

Broxy Kennels on the A9 just north of Perth

When

Summer 2022

What

University of the Highlands and Islands Archaeology student work experience

‘Due to COVID-19 our dig experience was done online which is just not the same, so it was great to actually get out and get your hands dirty on a real live job.’

‘I’ve been involved in all aspects of the job from digging out ditches to see what can be uncovered, to sampling the ground to see what it once would have held,’ said student archaeologist, Geri Veitch.

The Challenge

Ahead of construction of the Cross Tay Link Road, contractor BAM Nuttall committed to providing work placements for local archaeology students on the excavation of an Iron Age Fort just off the A9.

The Activity

The students were involved in all aspects of the project digging, documenting and sampling the findings on site, one of the biggest excavations of its kind in the country. The investigations took place at the site where the new A9 Interchange will be constructed.

The Result

Mature student and mum of four Geri Veitch from Perth is using her experience of the dig to launch a career as an archaeologist.

‘The highlight for me was digging out the Souterrain or underground storage space, uncovering it piece by piece to see it all in its entirety has been fascinating,’ said Geri.

‘Uncovering Broxy Hillfort has really inspired me to look at archaeology field work as a new career’

The Cross Tay Link Road is phase two of the Perth Transport Futures project which will deliver a more efficient and better-connected transport system and a cleaner city centre environment.