Battle Hill – Prehistoric Landscape Project

(5^th to 16^th July 2021)

Battle Hill, Huntly named after a daring raid in 1307 during the Scottish Wars of Independence contains a variety of previously unmapped prehistoric and medieval sites including Neolithic and Bronze Age cairns and  a newly discovered Iron Age to Pictish hillfort

Battle Hill preserves a prehistoric landscape built on higher more marginal ground at a time when the climate was warmer meaning it was possible to live here. As the climate worsened the structures were abandoned. Avoided by subsequent farmers who built and farmed around them, the remains eventually became preserved within the forest itself. 

Join us as we continue the first excavation of Battle Hill and uncover its rich secrets!

The Battle Hill Prehistoric Landscape Project is the 20^th season of a long-term, relaxed and open series of research and training excavations into Prehistoric Aberdeenshire and will run from the 5^th to 16^th July. The project has to date produced over 12 publications and Murray Cook’s PhD.

http://www.scottishheritagehub.com/content/case-study-kintore-aberdeenshire-shining-light-black-hole

Sign up

For more information, or to book your place contact the Project director Murray Cook at: info@rampartscotland.co.uk

 The Battle Hill Prehistoric Landscape Project is the 20th Season of research into Aberdeenshire’s prehistoric settlement patterns. Previous seasons have explored Roman marching Camps, vitrified forts, Pictish settlement and Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age lithic sites and cairns.

The training is relaxed and easy going and you can learn as much or as little as you want to. You will have the opportunity to excavate archaeological remains that have never been examined before.

·         Project Dates: 5^th to 16^th July 2021

·         Location:  Huntly, Aberdeenshire, north-east Scotland.

·         Contribution:  £850 UK pounds. The price includes accommodation, food and transport to and from site. (N.B. Deposit of £200 is non-refundable).

·         Project type:  Open to students and volunteers (minimum age accepted: 17 years old) – Places are limited so early booking is recommended.

·         Accommodation:  Student halls with comfortable single rooms, kitchen facilities, leisure room and showers. All meals are provided in the cost. Extras are the responsibility of the participant and trips to local stores will be available.

·         Experience required:  None, as professional archaeologists will always be on-site to provide guidance.

·         Other activities:  Trips to local archaeological/historical sites.

·         What to wear:   Scottish weather can change at any time. Sometimes with four seasons in one day. It is recommended that you come prepared with a range of clothing including clothes for sunny weather, cold weather and hard rain;  light-weight clothing, a waterproof coat and stout boots, sun block and a hat are suggested.

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The Battle Hill Prehistoric Landscape Project is directed by Dr Murray Cook and run in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council.