ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES FROM MORAY

A Neolithic timber hall underneath PortGordon and an Iron Age settlement in Forres are amongst the recent discoveries that will be unveiled in more detail this September at a conference organised by Elgin Museum.

Both archeological sites were only discovered because the area was about to be built on. Other interesting ‘digs’ prior to commercial building work include Scotland’s largest iron-producing site at Lochinver Quarry, which is possibly linked to the invasion of the Roman general Agricola.

Janet Trythall, Elgin Museum’s archaeology volunteer said:

“Archaeological digs prior to commercial development are an increasingly fruitful area of discoveries about our past. They can also provide opportunities for developers to engage with communities and provide wider benefit, bringing archaeology to a larger audience.”

The conference will also showcase the latest National Trust excavations of early whisky distilling at Upper Drumin, which forms part of the story of one of the biggest brands of Scotch in the world, Glenlivet.

The conference, on Saturday 13 September 2025, is open to all members of the public who can attend either in person or online, thanks to UHI Moray who are hosting the conference at the Alexander Graham Bell Centre for Digital Health.

For more information contact: curator@elginmuseum.org.uk
When: Saturday 13th September 2025, 9 am – 5 pm
Where: Alexander Graham Bell Centre for Digital Health (AGBC) at UHI Moray, Moray Street, Elgin, IV30 1JJ
Book online: https://bit.ly/EMConference2025

Treasure Trove www.treasuretrovescotland.co.uk

Elgin Museum is Scotland’s oldest independent museum and receives objects through Scotland’s ‘Treasure Trove’ system - through which historically important finds are retained for the nation.

Dr Nick Brown, President of the Moray Society said, “This prestigious Moray event promotes, raises awareness, and celebrates some of the significant archaeological finds made in our area in recent years. We have an array of esteemed speakers lined up, some of whom have long associations with Moray's archaeology, such as Fraser Hunter, Gordon Noble and those involved in the Covesea Caves project. We expect the conference to be exciting and informative, leading to a wider knowledge base and understanding about our historic area".

Janet Trythall added, "The conference is an opportunity to showcase the importance of Elgin Museum as a regional repository for archaeological finds and other items of historical significance, which highlights the need for the museum to be fit-for-purpose into the 21st century. The museum, thanks to its group of committed volunteers, has been open during the summer, albeit on a limited basis during preparation work in anticipation of a repair and redevelopment project.”