Iron Age Fort reveals its secrets to Bertha Park pupils

23rd March, 2022
General News

First year pupils from Bertha Park High School got a glimpse into the past during a recent field trip to a local archaeology dig.

They spent some time excavating with archaeologists working on the new Cross Tay Link Road project at Broxy Kennels just south of Luncarty on the A9.

The students were led by social studies teacher, Debbie Haggart.

‘It is not often that we get the chance to see history being unravelled in real time, so it was a great experience seeing real archaeology in action. I’m sure it got students thinking more closely about the people who stayed here in the past, and how they lived their lives.’

Work is ongoing at three archaeological sites that will be impacted by the new road’s construction covering periods from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age.

The £118m 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. It is the largest infrastructure project Perth and Kinross Council have ever undertaken and is being constructed by BAM Nuttall Ltd.

Warren Bailie, from GUARD Archaeology who are leading the archaeological investigations said:

‘There are many Iron Age forts dotted around Perthshire and indeed the rest of Scotland, but few have been excavated and then only partly. This is the first such Iron Age fort in Perthshire to be excavated in its entirety. It will be interesting to see what we dig up over the next few weeks.’

The team is being assisted by 12 archaeology students from the University of the Highlands and Islands.

For more information on the project go to Perth Transport Futures

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Picture shows: First year pupils From Bertha Park High School lent a hand to archaeologists working on the Cross Tay Link Road project

Watch a short film clip about the dig