Final chance to discover secrets of Perthshire Iron Age Fort

Archaeologists are giving Perth & Kinross residents a final chance to have a look at an Iron Age Fort being excavated as part of the new Cross Tay Link Road project.

So far more than 200 people have taken advantage of organised open days to see what secrets have been uncovered at the site, just off the A9 north of Perth city centre. As the project draws to a close contractors GUARD-Archaeology are giving the public access one last time on Saturday, 30 July from 2-4pm.

The open day was announced by Leader of Perth & Kinross Council, Councillor Grant Laing during a visit to the site.

‘The economic and environmental benefits the Cross Tay Link Road and the wider Perth Transport Futures project will bring are significant, said Councillor Laing

‘The project will improve air quality in and around the City Centre, make it easier for local people to get in and around the city, while infrastructure improvements will make the area more attractive for inward investors, boosting employment opportunities for local people.’

‘However, before construction can get started this archaeology excavation has provided a fascinating insight for local people to learn about how their ancestors lived. I’m delighted that people will have a final chance to see the site fully uncovered before work gets underway in earnest.’

The fort was first discovered using aerial photographs which revealed a series of dark cropmarks enveloping the hillside.

‘We have been excavating the fort’s ditches to gather artefactual and environmental evidence that may yield insights into the lives of the people who once lived here. So far wheat, barley and oat cereals have been recovered, demonstrating a little of their diet. Charcoal from oak and willow has also been recovered, indicating the species of wood they used for fuel and for their timber roundhouses,’ said GUARD Archaeology director, Warren Bailie.

The Cross Tay Link Road project involves the construction of a new 3-span bridge over the River Tay and six kilometres of new road linking the A9 and the A93 to Blairgowrie and the A94 north of Scone. It also includes the realignment of two kilometres of dual carriageway on the A9 just north of Inveralmond Roundabout.

The new road will significantly reduce traffic congestion and related pollution in Perth city centre, and will open areas for sustainable development. It is the largest infrastructure project Perth and Kinross Council have ever undertaken and is being constructed by BAM Nuttall Ltd.

The excavation has also hosted visits from local schools, university students and historical societies all eager to learn more about who lived on the site in the past.