Castletown Heritage Society Goes Back to the Bronze Age

23rd May 2015

Castletown Heritage Society (CHS) will launch their new community archaeology project

THURSDAY 4TH JUNE 2015, 7.30PM, CASTLEHILL HERITAGE CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, CASTLETOWN, CAITHNESS KW14 8TG.

The launch event will see archaeologists from AOC Archaeology Group introducing the background to the project and giving an overview of what we currently know about Bronze Age Caithness, as well as outlining all of the opportunities for participation throughout the summer.

This event will be followed by a day of living history, with Castlehill Heritage Centre going back to the Bronze Age on Saturday 6th June, 10am-4pm. Craftsman, educator and re-enactor James Dilley of Ancientcraft will establish a prehistoric-style dwelling and demonstrate a range of crafts including flint knapping.

Airborne laser scanning (Light Detecting and Ranging, or LiDAR survey) recently revealed hundreds of possible archaeological features across Caithness, including many previously unidentified hut circles, which may represent the remains of prehistoric roundhouses. A Window on the Hidden Bronze Age Landscape of Caithness will make use of this cutting edge technology to enable an exciting new programme of survey and excavation, exploring the prehistoric landscape of Caithness.

CHS will be supported in delivering this project by AOC Archaeology Group, and learning will be at the heart of the project, with participants receiving comprehensive training on all aspects of site identification, survey, excavation and recording in a series of classroom based workshops and associated practical field work sessions..
The archaeological programme will be complemented by a range of prehistoric craft workshops for all ages, which will be delivered throughout the summer.

A Window on the Hidden Bronze Age Landscape of Caithness is supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, and by the Caithness & North Sutherland Fund.

Roy Blackburn of CHS said: "We can't wait to get started on our new community project, and would like to invite everyone to come along to the launch to find out more about how they can get involved in revealing more about Caithness' ancient landscapes and the people who lived here thousands of years ago."

Graeme Cavers, head of survey for AOC Archaeology Group, said: "We are really excited to be working with Castletown Heritage Society to conduct a new exploration of Caithness’ prehistoric past.

LiDAR is at forefront of archaeological survey, and this project represents an exciting opportunity to make the most of an exciting digital resource while writing a new chapter on the ancient landscape of Caithness."

All activities are free and open to all.