Volunteers join archaeologists in Moray
Latest phase of Birnie dig begins to reveal more historical objects
Published:
VOLUNTEERS in Moray yesterday joined archaeologists for the start of the 10th Birnie dig.
This latest phase is part of a long-term project to reveal the site’s 2,000-year history.
Employees of National Museums Scotland in Edinburgh joined students from universities in Glasgow and Carlisle, as well as local volunteers, on the site.
Over the last 10 years, archaeologists have been looking closely at the site, about four miles from Elgin, which they believe had up to 15 houses during the Iron Age.
“These were not small houses. They were about eight metres high,” said Fraser Hunter, principal curator of Iron Age and Roman collections at the national museum.
He continued: “They were probably houses where important people in the area lived.”
Soil which had been replaced after last year’s dig was again removed by machines before the team moved in with tools for a more delicate investigation.
Mr Hunter added: “We discovered that the house had been burned, having been repaired numerous times. The materials were charred, which means important information about the building has been preserved.”
Excavations on the site in the past revealed two Roman coin hoards of about 300 pieces each, which have now been displayed at Elgin Museum.
This year’s dig has already proved fruitful, with another Roman coin and three Quern stones, used to mill grain for bread making, being found.
These, and others which are revealed over the coming month, will be taken to Edinburgh for examination by specialists. The best pieces will be returned to Elgin Museum for display.
