Tarradale Through Time: community archaeology on the Black Isle

This article is from Current Archaeology issue 399

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Review by CH

This beautifully presented book (illustrated in colour throughout) showcases the results of an archaeological initiative that set out to engage the Tarradale community with their local heritage, and, through six excavations between 2017 and 2019 (see CA 360), uncovered evidence of human activity dating back to 6500 BC.

Taking a chronological approach, the narrative begins at the dawn of the Mesolithic, with the first people returning to the area after the Ice Age. Highlights for this period include the earliest radiocarbon date for human activity in the Black Isle, antler artefacts that are the first of their kind found in northern Scotland, and shell middens, one of which surrounds the outline of a possible Mesolithic hut/tent – another unique find for the region.

Ranging from evidence for early farmers and metalworkers to an Iron Age marsh fort, a Pictish barrow cemetery, and a long-lost castle, the sheer diversity of archaeology presented in this publication is wonderful.

Tarradale Through Time: community archaeology on the Black Isle
Eric Grant
North of Scotland Archaeology Society, £12.49
ISBN 978-0956878632