Archaeological dig may have uncovered Pictish and Medieval properties
ARCHAEOLOGISTS have unearthed the the remains of three properties in Burghead, Moray.
Two of the three properties unearthed are believed to be from the Pictish period
The three properties have not yet been dated, but two of them are believed to be from the Pictish period of Scotland, which was during the Late Iron Age and Early Medieval periods.
The last property is believed to be dated from the Middle Ages.
Among the interesting finds at Burghead includes stones that could be part of a hearth from a Pictish building.
We’ve discovered bits of bone at the site as well, so it should be no problem to carbon date the finds, but that process will take several weeks
Burghead is a peaceful coastal village on the shores of Moray, which has a rich history from the Pictish period of around 400AD to present time.
The team of archeologists are from The University of Aberdeen which has a lengthy tradition of archeological research.
John Barrett, a historian from Moray is among the team working on uncovering the properties.
Stones that could be part of a hearth from a Pictish building were discovered
He said: "We’ve discovered bits of bone at the site as well, so it should be no problem to carbon date the finds, but that process will take several weeks.
"One property was definitely built more recently because it cuts right through the other two.
"My guess is that the older ones are Pictish, but we’ll have to wait and see."
Burghead was a major settlement in the Pictish era
During the Pictish era, Burghead was a major settlement.
Among the major sites was Burghead fort, which was a major one of the earliest Pictish power centres.
Evidence suggests that the huge walled fort was built around 400-500 AD, and was destroyed by a fire in the 9th or 10th century AD.
The dig takes place in a garden of a house next to the Visitors' centre
Its grassed over-ruins are still visible.
This past week the archaeological team have been working in a garden of a house next to the Burghead Visitors' Centre.
The excited archaeologist are due to finish and restore the site today.