Discovery of Celtic chieftain's fort set to rewrite Scottish history
A team from the Strathearn Environs and Royal Forteviot (SERF) project have uncovered near the village of Dunning an exquisitely preserved Iron Age broch filled with evidence of early contact between the Picts and the Roman Empire. The massively fortified dwelling, the preferred residence of the elite during Roman times, is the first of its kind to be discovered in the Scottish Lowlands in around 100 years. Situated at the top of a hill to offer occupants 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside, the broch's drystone walls stand in excess of two metres high and five metres thick. The SERF team uncovered evidence that after the broch was destroyed by fire, the Picts built a palisaded fortress directly on top of the site which was likely occupied by a Pictish warlord. Read more
Forteviot is known to have been inhabited in the 9th century. It was a residence of the Pictish kings of Fortriu. King Cináed mac Ailpín (Kenneth mac Alpin or Kenneth I of Scotland) (d. 858), is said to have died in the 'palace' (palacio) there, and his successors. The palace formerly stood on Haly Hill, on the west side of the modern village, overlooking the Water of Mey. Read more