A precariously perched site on Stonehaven’s southern cliff edges has been confirmed as the site of the earliest Pictish Fort ever found.
Carbon Dating techniques have revealed that the ruined fortress pre-dates the world famous Dunnottar Castle by a considerable margin.
The sea stack to the south of Stonehaven, known as Dunnicaer, was excavated by archaeologists from the University of Aberdeen in April.
With the help of experienced mountaineers they scaled the rocky outcrop, which measures at most 20 by 12 metres and is surrounded by sheer drops on all side.
The university’s head archaeologist Dr Gordon has called the discovery an “exceptional” one.
He added: “The site can only be accessed using ropes at low tide and having never climbed before, it was quite hair-raising.
“But the challenge of getting to the top was soon forgotten as we began to make significant discoveries.”
“This is the most extreme archaeology I’ve ever done.”
These pictures give you an insight into the ongoing intricate fact finding work on Stonehaven’s cliff edges right now.
Gently, carefully not too close to the edge
Picts liked to be beside the seaside
It may not look like much, but archaeologists learn a huge amount about our ancestors from their delicate work
The team at work
A dangerous route to take to work
All in the name of archaeology
Who knows what else the team will find out from this fortress from antiquity
