Hi hland Perthshire is full of excitin and At the end of the Bronze A e (which spanned dramatic landscapes steeped in history - and the second millennium BC) there was serious none more so than the mountains and lens climatic deterioration and the weather EXPLORE THE IRON AGE OF around Loch Rannoch, Loch Tummel and became colder and wetter. The resultin Loch Tay. Here you can find once mi hty pressure on land and resources led to the hillforts, still commandin fine views over construction of new types of defensive LOCH TAY & LOCH TUMMEL their ancient dominions. Explore further and structures in the Iron A e. Hillforts, duns and you can find evidence of many smaller monumental roundhouses were built – and it rin forts, duns and cranno s, the fortified was also an important time for the homesteads of Iron A e farmers and their kin. loch-dwellin s known as cranno s.
The Iron A e in Scotland be ins around 700 This leaflet is your uide to the Iron A e of BC and spans over one thousand years of Hi hland Perthshire: leadin you to fantastic history. It includes the centuries of Roman key sites and providin an introduction to our military activity (from the advance of A ricola one thousand year story on the ed e of the in the AD 70s to the campai n of Severus Roman Empire… between AD208 and 210) and ends with the emer ence of the early historic kin doms of the Picts and Scots.
Front Cover: the Queen’s View rin fort, overlookin Loch Tummel (photo raphy: Eddie Martin © Forestry Commission Scotland). Above: How the site may have looked around 100 BC
(artist: Chris Mitchell © Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust). Explorer Guide 2
www.pkht.or .uk
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Queen’s View, Loch Tummel Loch View, Queen’s
Caisteal Mac Tuathal hillfort, Drummond Hill, Kenmore Hill, Drummond hillfort, Tuathal Mac Caisteal
The Scottish Crannog Centre, Loch Tay Loch Centre, Crannog Scottish The
information on these can be found within. found be can these on information
N The map shows 3 key visitor sites on Loch Tay and Loch Tummel – more more – Tummel Loch and Tay Loch on sites visitor key 3 shows map The EXPLORE Hi hland Perthshire is full of excitin and At the end of the Bronze A e (which spanned dramatic landscapes steeped in history - and the second millennium BC) there was serious none more so than the mountains and lens climatic deterioration and the weather EXPLORE THE IRON AGE OF around Loch Rannoch, Loch Tummel and became colder and wetter. The resultin Loch Tay. Here you can find once mi hty pressure on land and resources led to the hillforts, still commandin fine views over construction of new types of defensive LOCH TAY & LOCH TUMMEL their ancient dominions. Explore further and structures in the Iron A e. Hillforts, duns and you can find evidence of many smaller monumental roundhouses were built – and it rin forts, duns and cranno s, the fortified was also an important time for the homesteads of Iron A e farmers and their kin. loch-dwellin s known as cranno s.
The Iron A e in Scotland be ins around 700 This leaflet is your uide to the Iron A e of BC and spans over one thousand years of Hi hland Perthshire: leadin you to fantastic history. It includes the centuries of Roman key sites and providin an introduction to our military activity (from the advance of A ricola one thousand year story on the ed e of the in the AD 70s to the campai n of Severus Roman Empire… between AD208 and 210) and ends with the emer ence of the early historic kin doms of the Picts and Scots.
Front Cover: the Queen’s View rin fort, overlookin Loch Tummel (photo raphy: Eddie Martin © Forestry Commission Scotland). Above: How the site may have looked around 100 BC
(artist: Chris Mitchell © Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust). Explorer Guide 2
www.pkht.or .uk
10 km 10 5 0
h
0 4 8 miles 8 4 0 c
Loch Tay Loch
i
a
u
Q
A822
Lawers
n
e
l
G 1214m
Pubil
Ben Lawers Ben
Cashlie The Scottish Crannog Centre Crannog Scottish The
A826
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Kenmore
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Caisteal Mac Tuathal Hillfort Tuathal Mac Caisteal
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c h Tummel Bridge Tummel
Loch Tummel Loch A924
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on the map in green). Again more information can be found within… found be can information more Again green). in map the on
want to delve deeper into the past, but we suggest the six sites (shown (shown sites six the suggest we but past, the into deeper delve to want
Queens View Ringfort View Queens
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There is car parking, clearly marked access, and lots to see… to lots and access, marked clearly parking, car is There
Queen’s View, Loch Tummel Loch View, Queen’s
Caisteal Mac Tuathal hillfort, Drummond Hill, Kenmore Hill, Drummond hillfort, Tuathal Mac Caisteal
The Scottish Crannog Centre, Loch Tay Loch Centre, Crannog Scottish The
information on these can be found within. found be can these on information
N The map shows 3 key visitor sites on Loch Tay and Loch Tummel – more more – Tummel Loch and Tay Loch on sites visitor key 3 shows map The EXPLORE THE SCOTTISH CRANNOG CENTRE, KENMORE CAISTEAL MAC TUATHAL HILLFORT, DRUMMOND HILL
Cranno s are loch-dwellin s found Surprisin ly few hillforts were built in Abbots in the early Christian church were throu hout Scotland and Ireland, often Hi hland Perthshire. Caisteal Mac Tuathal often also powerful landlords, similar to the datin from the Iron A e. is an exception, dramatically overlookin Pictish nobility. the River Tay in the Appin of Dull. The An important part of our herita e, cranno s hillfort is said to be connected to Tuathal, Althou h unexcavated, we can compare were built in lochs as defended the Abbot of Dunkeld in the 9th century Caisteal Mac Tuathal with other early homesteads that represented symbols of AD. historic Pictish forts, which were both power and wealth. defensive and symbolic. As centres of The Annals of Ulster record that “Tuathal power and presti e, they were usually The cranno dwellers were farmers who son of Art us, chief bishop of Fortriu located to control important trade or rew wheat, barley and flax and kept cattle, [Pictland] and Abbot of Dunkeld [died]” in communication routes - and archaeolo ical sheep and oats. They also hunted deer AD 865. excavation has shown some were also and wild boar and athered wild plants, centres of presti ious metalworkin . nuts and berries from the woodlands and mountains.
While there are hundreds of cranno s in Scotland and Ireland, most survive only as submer ed mounds or are visible only as small islands.
The Scottish Cranno Centre features a unique and authentic reconstruction of an early Iron A e loch-dwellin , based on the underwater excavation of the nearby 2,500 year old 'Oakbank Cranno '.
A visit to this award-winnin Centre includes indoor and outdoor exhibits, a uided cranno tour and many 'hands-on' ancient crafts and technolo y Above: a Pictish seat of power (artist: Chris Mitchell © Forestry Commission Scotland) demonstrations. Re ular special events Below: the site today… feature prehistoric cookin , textiles, HOW TO GET THERE metalworkin and woodworkin . Weather permittin you can even hire one of our HOW TO GET THERE The fort is mana ed by Forestry replica du out canoes! Commission Scotland. Use the Drummond The Scottish Cranno Centre (NN 770 448) Hill carparks on the road between Kenmore and Keltneyburn (NN 772 460 or NN 788 It is an excellent day out is on the south side of Loch Tay at Kenmore and is clearly marked by road si ns. 478) and follow the Forest paths to the for adults and children hill-fort NN 778 476. alike, from a es 4+. For more information: 01887 830583 info@cranno .co.uk www.cranno .co.uk
THE QUEEN’S VIEW RINGFORT, LOCH TUMMEL OTHER SITES OF INTEREST
Rin forts are a type of monumental The archaeolo ist Dr. Mar aret Stewart was 1: The Black Spout wood, Pitlochry 3: An Dun Geal, Fortin all roundhouse to be found mainly in this area. the first to properly excavate a rin fort. At Use the car park at the east of Pitlochry In the hills above Fortin all is a well There are around seventy examples of Liti an she discovered a central hearth and a (NN 950 575) and follow the footpath to preserved rin fort (NN 747 475). An Dun rin forts in the area, found alon Glen Lyon, circular arran ement of postholes inside the the dramatic waterfall. Walk back alon the Gael (the White Fort) occupies a stron ly Upper Strath Tay, Strath Braan, Loch Tay, Loch enclosure wall (su estin a substantial burn and look for the remains of the defended position overlookin the ancient Tummel and around Pitlochry. timber-built conical thatched roof). At Queen’s rin fort (NN 952 576). Recent excavations and historic villa e. There are also remains View excavation revealed evidence of uncovered a rin fort similar to Queen’s of a hillfort nearby (NN 751 477). They were first noted by Thomas Pennant in iron-workin , alon side stone artefacts such View, occupied in the later Iron A e and his Tour in Scotland (1776) in which he quotes as rotary querns, a stone cup, a yellow producin similar stone querns, loom 4: The Dun, Dun Hill, Aberfeldy a Gaelic poem referrin to a roup of ancient translucent bead and a stone lamp. wei hts and a lass to le. The buildin A small hillfort can be found within the ‘castles’ in Glen Lyon: “twelve castles had had a massive stone façade to impress forest, with tumbled stone walls and Fionn in the dark, bent len of the stones”. The visitors. multiple enclosin ditches (NN 863 475). sites often have the Gaelic place-name ‘caisteal’ or ‘bail’ meanin castle, and several 2: Glen Lyon, West of Fortin all 5: Caisteal Dubh, Balna uard are known as ‘Caisteal Dubh’ (the Black Explore the series of rin forts alon the Castle). A much reduced hillfort in the uplands valley floor of this dramatic and remote above Strath Tay with spectacular views. A len, particularly those built between Pubil modern sheep fold within has been built and Cashlie (NN 479 416). Remember, from the stones of the fort (NN 929 513). “twelve castles had Finn in the dark, bent len of the stones”. The Gaelic names of 6: Borenich, Loch Tummel the rin forts refer to characters in the le ends of Finn MacCoul. Around a mile west of the Queens View, Above: This amber-coloured bead from the Queen’s View was this well preserved rin fort, sits on the ed e one of the few objects not made of stone, wood or leather of Loch Tummel, althou h the loch level (Courtesy of Perth Museum & Art Gallery, Perth & Kinross Council). was much lower in the Iron A e (NN 845 600). Left: Life inside a cranno or roundhouse would have focused on a central hearth for cookin and heatin (artist: Alan Braby).
HOW TO GET THERE The rin fort is mana ed by Forestry Commission Scotland. Park at the Allean Forest Car Park, Loch Tummel (NN 858 599), around 500m west of the Queen’s View Visitor Centre. Follow the route on the boards at the car park.
Reconstruction of Borenich by artist David Simon © Perth Borenich as it is today, photo by Eddie Martin © Forestry and Kinross Herita e Trust. Commission Scotland THE SCOTTISH CRANNOG CENTRE, KENMORE CAISTEAL MAC TUATHAL HILLFORT, DRUMMOND HILL
Cranno s are loch-dwellin s found Surprisin ly few hillforts were built in Abbots in the early Christian church were throu hout Scotland and Ireland, often Hi hland Perthshire. Caisteal Mac Tuathal often also powerful landlords, similar to the datin from the Iron A e. is an exception, dramatically overlookin Pictish nobility. the River Tay in the Appin of Dull. The An important part of our herita e, cranno s hillfort is said to be connected to Tuathal, Althou h unexcavated, we can compare were built in lochs as defended the Abbot of Dunkeld in the 9th century Caisteal Mac Tuathal with other early homesteads that represented symbols of AD. historic Pictish forts, which were both power and wealth. defensive and symbolic. As centres of The Annals of Ulster record that “Tuathal power and presti e, they were usually The cranno dwellers were farmers who son of Art us, chief bishop of Fortriu located to control important trade or rew wheat, barley and flax and kept cattle, [Pictland] and Abbot of Dunkeld [died]” in communication routes - and archaeolo ical sheep and oats. They also hunted deer AD 865. excavation has shown some were also and wild boar and athered wild plants, centres of presti ious metalworkin . nuts and berries from the woodlands and mountains.
While there are hundreds of cranno s in Scotland and Ireland, most survive only as submer ed mounds or are visible only as small islands.
The Scottish Cranno Centre features a unique and authentic reconstruction of an early Iron A e loch-dwellin , based on the underwater excavation of the nearby 2,500 year old 'Oakbank Cranno '.
A visit to this award-winnin Centre includes indoor and outdoor exhibits, a uided cranno tour and many 'hands-on' ancient crafts and technolo y Above: a Pictish seat of power (artist: Chris Mitchell © Forestry Commission Scotland) demonstrations. Re ular special events Below: the site today… feature prehistoric cookin , textiles, HOW TO GET THERE metalworkin and woodworkin . Weather permittin you can even hire one of our HOW TO GET THERE The fort is mana ed by Forestry replica du out canoes! Commission Scotland. Use the Drummond The Scottish Cranno Centre (NN 770 448) Hill carparks on the road between Kenmore and Keltneyburn (NN 772 460 or NN 788 It is an excellent day out is on the south side of Loch Tay at Kenmore and is clearly marked by road si ns. 478) and follow the Forest paths to the for adults and children hill-fort NN 778 476. alike, from a es 4+. For more information: 01887 830583 info@cranno .co.uk www.cranno .co.uk
THE QUEEN’S VIEW RINGFORT, LOCH TUMMEL OTHER SITES OF INTEREST
Rin forts are a type of monumental The archaeolo ist Dr. Mar aret Stewart was 1: The Black Spout wood, Pitlochry 3: An Dun Geal, Fortin all roundhouse to be found mainly in this area. the first to properly excavate a rin fort. At Use the car park at the east of Pitlochry In the hills above Fortin all is a well There are around seventy examples of Liti an she discovered a central hearth and a (NN 950 575) and follow the footpath to preserved rin fort (NN 747 475). An Dun rin forts in the area, found alon Glen Lyon, circular arran ement of postholes inside the the dramatic waterfall. Walk back alon the Gael (the White Fort) occupies a stron ly Upper Strath Tay, Strath Braan, Loch Tay, Loch enclosure wall (su estin a substantial burn and look for the remains of the defended position overlookin the ancient Tummel and around Pitlochry. timber-built conical thatched roof). At Queen’s rin fort (NN 952 576). Recent excavations and historic villa e. There are also remains View excavation revealed evidence of uncovered a rin fort similar to Queen’s of a hillfort nearby (NN 751 477). They were first noted by Thomas Pennant in iron-workin , alon side stone artefacts such View, occupied in the later Iron A e and his Tour in Scotland (1776) in which he quotes as rotary querns, a stone cup, a yellow producin similar stone querns, loom 4: The Dun, Dun Hill, Aberfeldy a Gaelic poem referrin to a roup of ancient translucent bead and a stone lamp. wei hts and a lass to le. The buildin A small hillfort can be found within the ‘castles’ in Glen Lyon: “twelve castles had had a massive stone façade to impress forest, with tumbled stone walls and Fionn in the dark, bent len of the stones”. The visitors. multiple enclosin ditches (NN 863 475). sites often have the Gaelic place-name ‘caisteal’ or ‘bail’ meanin castle, and several 2: Glen Lyon, West of Fortin all 5: Caisteal Dubh, Balna uard are known as ‘Caisteal Dubh’ (the Black Explore the series of rin forts alon the Castle). A much reduced hillfort in the uplands valley floor of this dramatic and remote above Strath Tay with spectacular views. A len, particularly those built between Pubil modern sheep fold within has been built and Cashlie (NN 479 416). Remember, from the stones of the fort (NN 929 513). “twelve castles had Finn in the dark, bent len of the stones”. The Gaelic names of 6: Borenich, Loch Tummel the rin forts refer to characters in the le ends of Finn MacCoul. Around a mile west of the Queens View, Above: This amber-coloured bead from the Queen’s View was this well preserved rin fort, sits on the ed e one of the few objects not made of stone, wood or leather of Loch Tummel, althou h the loch level (Courtesy of Perth Museum & Art Gallery, Perth & Kinross Council). was much lower in the Iron A e (NN 845 600). Left: Life inside a cranno or roundhouse would have focused on a central hearth for cookin and heatin (artist: Alan Braby).
HOW TO GET THERE The rin fort is mana ed by Forestry Commission Scotland. Park at the Allean Forest Car Park, Loch Tummel (NN 858 599), around 500m west of the Queen’s View Visitor Centre. Follow the route on the boards at the car park.
Reconstruction of Borenich by artist David Simon © Perth Borenich as it is today, photo by Eddie Martin © Forestry and Kinross Herita e Trust. Commission Scotland Hi hland Perthshire is full of excitin and At the end of the Bronze A e (which spanned dramatic landscapes steeped in history - and the second millennium BC) there was serious none more so than the mountains and lens climatic deterioration and the weather EXPLORE THE IRON AGE OF around Loch Rannoch, Loch Tummel and became colder and wetter. The resultin Loch Tay. Here you can find once mi hty pressure on land and resources led to the hillforts, still commandin fine views over construction of new types of defensive LOCH TAY & LOCH TUMMEL their ancient dominions. Explore further and structures in the Iron A e. Hillforts, duns and you can find evidence of many smaller monumental roundhouses were built – and it rin forts, duns and cranno s, the fortified was also an important time for the homesteads of Iron A e farmers and their kin. loch-dwellin s known as cranno s.
The Iron A e in Scotland be ins around 700 This leaflet is your uide to the Iron A e of BC and spans over one thousand years of Hi hland Perthshire: leadin you to fantastic history. It includes the centuries of Roman key sites and providin an introduction to our military activity (from the advance of A ricola one thousand year story on the ed e of the in the AD 70s to the campai n of Severus Roman Empire… between AD208 and 210) and ends with the emer ence of the early historic kin doms of the Picts and Scots.
Front Cover: the Queen’s View rin fort, overlookin Loch Tummel (photo raphy: Eddie Martin © Forestry Commission Scotland). Above: How the site may have looked around 100 BC
(artist: Chris Mitchell © Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust). Explorer Guide 2
www.pkht.or .uk
10 km 10 5 0
h
0 4 8 miles 8 4 0 c
Loch Tay Loch
i
a
u
Q
A822
Lawers
n
e
l
G 1214m
Pubil
Ben Lawers Ben
Cashlie The Scottish Crannog Centre Crannog Scottish The
A826
4: The Dun Hillfort Dun The 4:
Kenmore
Fortingall
G
l
e
n
L y o
n
5: Caisteal Dubh Hillfort Dubh Caisteal 5:
2: Glen Lyon Ringfort Route Ringfort Lyon Glen 2:
Aberfeldy 3: An Dun Geal Hillfort Geal Dun An 3:
Caisteal Mac Tuathal Hillfort Tuathal Mac Caisteal
R
1042m i
v
Carn Mairg Carn e
r
T
B846
a
y
787m
1083m
Meall Tairneachan Meall Shiehallion
1: Black Spout Ringfort Spout Black 1:
Rannoch
L
Kinloch o
c
6: Borenich Ringfort Borenich 6: h
R
a
n n o
c h Tummel Bridge Tummel
Loch Tummel Loch A924
Pitlochry B8019
on the map in green). Again more information can be found within… found be can information more Again green). in map the on
want to delve deeper into the past, but we suggest the six sites (shown (shown sites six the suggest we but past, the into deeper delve to want
Queens View Ringfort View Queens
841m
h t y c
o
r
r
E
Ben Vrackie Ben Many more sites can be found on available OS maps and for those who who those for and maps OS available on found be can sites more Many
n e
l
G
A9
There is car parking, clearly marked access, and lots to see… to lots and access, marked clearly parking, car is There
Queen’s View, Loch Tummel Loch View, Queen’s
Caisteal Mac Tuathal hillfort, Drummond Hill, Kenmore Hill, Drummond hillfort, Tuathal Mac Caisteal
The Scottish Crannog Centre, Loch Tay Loch Centre, Crannog Scottish The
information on these can be found within. found be can these on information
N The map shows 3 key visitor sites on Loch Tay and Loch Tummel – more more – Tummel Loch and Tay Loch on sites visitor key 3 shows map The EXPLORE