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) is offering 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 will work together to investigate the old road and surrounding features, creating a report of their findings and a travelling exhibition so that visitors and locals can step back in time along Ross-shire’s paths and roads.  They will:

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

See some of the results of Pathways into the Past courses so far:

Muir of Ord and Maryburgh

Evanton

Alness

Milton

Dingwall

Tain

Running throughout the next two and a half years year, weekly sessions will be held in community venues throughout mid and Easter Ross. People of all ages and abilities are welcome - no previous experience is necessary and help with childcare may be available.

To find out more about these courses please get in touch with Cathy at info@archhighland.org.uk or 01349 868 230.