The archaeological site at Birnie, near Elgin, has been recognised as one of major historical importance, and people in the area have been invited to come along and share some of its remarkable discoveries.

An excavation team is currently unearthing the remains of burned-down Iron Age roundhouses found at the site, while recent finds of Roman coin hoards and Pictish artefacts have given further clues to what life was like in Moray two millennia ago.

National Museums of Scotland curator Dr Fraser Hunter has been leading the Birnie excavations, and he has invited the Moray public to join him on an open day at the site on Sunday, September 13.

Dr Hunter is also delivering a talk at Elgin Library before the open day to provide background to the excavations and highlight the latest news from the Iron Age and Pictish power centre discovered there.

He said that his team were looking forward to revealing even more secrets about Moray's past which they have uncovered at Birnie.

"Each year we open another chapter, and this year we are hoping to find out more about the site's burned-down house, to see what it was like to live in an Iron Age home," said Dr Hunter.

"We are also exploring whether there are Pictish buildings on the site which may tell us more about this elusive period in Scottish history."

People who take part in the open day will be able to ask questions about prehistoric life in Moray, take a tour of the site and enjoy some fun with Iron Age arts and crafts.

The archaeological squad will also explore some more unusual elements of the site – believed to be Pictish buildings – and further investigate the area near where two hoards of silver coins were recently found.

Discovered at Birnie in 2000 and 2001, the coins were buried during the reign of the Roman Emperor Severus (AD 193-211), who organised the last major invasion of Scotland. It is possible that the coins were used as Roman bribes to persuade local chieftains to keep the peace.

They are now on display in Elgin Museum alongside the pick of last season's finds, including a painted Pictish pebble and a rare Iron Age glass "marble".

The free open day on September 13 runs from 10am until 4pm, with separate tours for adults and children alternating every hour. There will also be drop-in activities throughout the day, allowing the public to try their hand at ancient crafts and skills perfected in Moray 2000 years ago.

A map to the site can also be obtained by visiting Elgin Museum or by calling 01343 543675.

Dr Hunter's illustrated talk at the gallery in Elgin Library will take place at 7.30pm on Thursday, September 10 and is also free of charge, with further information available by calling 01343 562600 or by e-mailing elgin.library@moray.gov.uk

c.christie@northern-scot.co.uk

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