Standfirst: Citizen archaeologists have shed fascinating light on Pictish hillfort life. High above the meandering silver River Tay and sheltered by Perthshire hills, the spot offered a perfect location to see for miles around. And for the high status occupants of the hillfort near Dunkeld, the site was more than an impressive eyrie from which to survey the rolling countryside and stay safe from any threats that may be on the horizon. For alongside important members of the fort’s household were some of the most skilled craftsmen of their times, who produced objects of beauty, jewellery and trinkets, tools and practical metal pieces – sometimes, it’s thought, all coming together to feast and to celebrate as one.
BBC News
Published
image captionAn artist s reconstruction of the hillfort near Dunkeld
What is believed to be a Pictish royal hillfort has been revealed after three years of excavations and analysis of finds from the site.
The existence of King s Seat Hillfort has been known for the last 100 years, but the significance of the site has only now been better understood.
A citizen science project involving teams of volunteers carried out the digs near Dunkeld from 2017-2019.
Finds included items believed to have been made in France and Germany.
Archaeologists said this suggested the Picts who lived at King s Seat had trade links with continental Europe, and provided possible evidence that the site was of high status .