Open day success for Cross Tay archaeology dig

More than 100 amateur archaeologists made the effort to find out what secrets had been uncovered at an iron age fort on the site of the new Cross Tay Link Road.

One of the most extensive hill fort excavations ever carried out in Scotland, the open day was hosted by GUARD Archaeology at the site just off the A9.

The fort is being stripped back to reveal its historical secrets before construction of the new road commences.

‘It was great to see so many people taking a real interest in what we are doing here,’ said GUARD’s Operations Director, Warren Bailie.

‘We‘ve made some significant discoveries on site that will help us paint a picture of how people here lived day to day, telling us what food they were cultivating and storing here, what fuel and timber they used from the local woodlands, sand what type of animals they may have kept. It was great to be able to talk to local people about the findings so far.’

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.

‘I had no idea this was even here, it’s been really interesting,’ said Alison Price, an artist from Perth.

‘It covered a massive area and seeing how they’ve uncovered actual stone-built structures that were built so long ago is just incredible.’

Due to the success of the open day GUARD are planning on hosting another one on May 21 register at GUARD Archaeology

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Picture shows: more than 100 people turned to see what had been uncovered at the iron age site just off the A9.