Pathways into the Past

Whether by land or water, the ways that people have travelled across the firth lands of Easter Ross are crucial to understanding the history of this area. Many now overgrown or ploughed over routes connect passages to and from ancient features and historic buildings and meet and pass across now long lost burn, river and sea crossings throughout the area. Archaeology for Communities in the Highlands (ARCH) offered people living along the route of one such old route-way, stretching from Tarradale to Tain, the chance to research and survey the ancient and historic landscape that surrounds it.

Participants in the ‘Pathways into the Past’ sessions worked together to investigate the old road and surrounding features. A report of their findings and a travelling exhibition were created so that visitors and locals can step back in time along Ross-shire’s paths and roads. 

During the course participants:

• Learnt about ancient and historic communication features (roads and pathways) in Scotland, generally and in the Highlands, in particular
• Learnt to conduct an archaeological desk-based assessment, focussing on a relict communication feature in the local landscape
• Learnt to conduct and record an archaeological walkover survey, focussing on a relict communication feature in the local landscape
• Learnt to collate results and compose an archaeological survey report
• Learnt to research and install a temporary exhibition interpreting and celebrating aspects of the road and its landscape

Follow the links to see the results of Pathways into the Past courses:

Muir of Ord and Maryburgh

Evanton

Alness

Milton

Strathpeffer

Tain