Layers of deposits overlying pits or postholes visible in section                  A structural wall visible in section in the shoreline erosion

RoCAS and West Coast  Archaeological Services are delighted to announce that we will be leading a community archaeology project in Cromarty on the Black Isle (near Inverness) this summer.  A geophysical survey in Reed's Field at the eastern end of Cromarty was commissioned after we identified Medieval archaeological remains exposed along the shoreline during the 2012-13 winter storms.  The site is located at the base of Cromarty House, the site of the former Medieval castle, and is believed to have formed part of the site of the original Medieval village. 

Our initial investigation of the erosions on the shoreline, which consist of a wall, pits, shell middens and a sequence of occupation material, has provided ample evidence of a Medieval settlement.  The field next to the exposed archaeology has never been developed and will provide us with a unique opportunity to investigate an Medieval settlement in the north of Scotland.  The results of the geophysical survey, conducted by Rose Geophysics, have provided very substantial evidence that buried archaeological remains survive below the greenfield site.

The community dig, which is being supported by Nigg Energy Park, the Hunter Archaeological Trust and the Cromarty Trust, will be open to participants of all ages.  Further information about excavation dates and how to book a place will be available soon!

                                                                    Medieval pottery recovered from the shoreline erosions