Archaeological Evaluation

Date March 2019

Event ID 1122440

Category Recording

Type Archaeological Evaluation

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1122440

NO 09104 28139 to NO 14621 26943 Monitoring was undertaken along the proposed Cross Tay Link Road scheme in Perth, including trial trenching of the proposed route (including a secondary northern route), and geophysical survey and hand-dug test pitting within the scheduled area of Bertha Fort (SM 2403).

A total of 476 trial trenches were excavated, in March 2019, each measuring 25 x 2m, across 22 land parcels. Out of the 476 trenches excavated, 15 contained archaeological features.

A multivallate Iron Age hillfort and a souterrain in addition to pits and post-holes were identified at Redgorton, with isolated Bronze Age pit type features recorded at Scone. In addition, a small number of finds were recovered, which included one flint blade; three sherds of Iron Age pottery; and 19 sherds of Bronze Age/ Iron Age pottery.

The results of the geophysical survey at Bertha Fort identified subsurface geophysical responses that clearly relate to human occupation of the site, and specifically the presence of a Roman military complex at this location. This survey confirmed the results of the previous survey, which revealed a series of internal structures including; barracks, rampart ovens and possible courtyard buildings as well as the defences and internal road network.

Eleven test pits, each measuring 1 x 1m, were excavated at Bertha Fort. The identified archaeological features consisted of possible pits, postholes and linear features and a possible metalled surface. The identified features were not investigated further. No finds were retrieved during the works.

Archive: Perth Kinross Heritage Trust (intended), Perth and Kinross Council (Reports)

Funder: Perth and Kinross Council

James Hession ̶ Red River Archaeology Ltd

(Source: DES Vol 20)