Iron Age Fort reveals its secrets to the public

Local people around Perth are getting a chance to glimpse into the past at an archaeology Open Day this month.

The public are being invited along to a site just off the A9 where archaeologists are uncovering an iron age fort as part of the pre-construction phase of the new £118 million Cross Tay Link Road project

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

‘People are often unaware of the history on their doorstep so this is an ideal opportunity for local people to find out more about the way people who lived here in the past 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 Cross Tay 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.

‘There are many Iron Age forts dotted around Perthshire and indeed the rest of Scotland, but few have been excavated as extensively as this one. 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,’ added Warren.

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

The Open Day takes place on April 15 from 12-2pm please email [email protected]

For more information on the Cross Tay project go to Perth Transport Futures