13 September 2013

The University of Aberdeen are planning another excavation on the peninsula from Saturday 7th September until the following Friday 13th.

They will be excavating at Tarrel Dun which is a small circular dun on a rocky knoll on the shore below Tarrel on the east coast of the peninsula. They will be putting a trench through the summit dun and looking at the cave located under it.

Directions: Take the B9165 towards Portmahomack. At the Tain turnoff there is a turning on your right onto a gravel road. Carry on this road until you get to the big house (Meikle Tarrel). You can park just beyond the house, before you get to the gate. On foot go through the gate and follow the path down to the cliffs (you will have a tree plantation on your right). Once you get to the cliff edge turn left and follow the path along the cliffs for about 5 mins. The path will slope down to the shore - this is a track for vehicles. Once on the shore you will see the rocky knoll on you right.

There may be an issue with parking on the track (not enough room really for many cars) but I am sure we can sort that out once we are there.

Further details from Candy Hatherley

13 September 2013

Community excavation taking place 1-21 September, run by Fraser Hunter of National Museums of Scotland at Clarkly Hill, near Burghead. Volunteers are requested to commit for at least three days.

Part of the Moray Archaeology for All programme. Preference given to residents of Moray, but contact the organisers to see if there are spare places. Booking essential.

MORAY ARCHAEOLOGY FOR ALL

The tasks we will be undertaking as part of this project are as follows:

• Flotation of soil samples to extract environmental remains
• Preparation of site archives
• Finds washing & sample sorting
• Excavation
• Fieldwalking and geophysics

The timetable is still being developed, but the dates at present are as follows:

FLOTATION
The first flotation session will take place from 2-5 August, at Dykeside farm, Birnie. We will take people in half-day slots. There will be further events in the autumn.

ARCHIVE WORK & FINDS WASHING
This will take place in the Falconer Museum (Forres) from 10-4, every Monday from 12th August.

Additionally, there will be sessions on Thursday 15th and 22nd.

EXCAVATION
This will take place at Clarkly Hill from 1-21 September. We ask for a minimum of three days of volunteer time over this period.

FIELDWALKING & GEOPHYSICS
This will take place in the autumn, details to be confirmed nearer the time. We will hold a training evening in finds identification in September.

To express interest in any or all of these, please email clarklyleader@hotmail.co.uk
 

13 September 2013

Big Craft Giveaway Community Workshops at Inverness Museum & Art Gallery.

Maker Grant McCaig will be running craft workshops for community groups of up to 12 people on Friday 13th & Saturday 14th September (morning session 11am-1pm or afternoon session 2-4pm) in order make objects for the give-away on 21st September.

Create a unique brooch, pendant or attractive decoration to hang in your home by personalising circles of wood with a selection of coloured metal wire, ribbon, beads, aluminium leaf and other materials. Enjoy exploring different techniques, such as knotting, twisting, drilling and forging, and experimenting with the variety of materials provided. Have fun and see what you can create.

If you have a community group or individual members who would like to take part we’d love to hear from you!

For more information and to book a place please contact:
Cathy Shankland (Exhibitions Officer) cathy.shankland@highlifehighland.com or 01463 237114.