Bulletin
3, 1997
Programme for 1998
The priority for excavation will be Sector 2, since the intention is to release the north end of Sector 2 for a car-park as quickly as possible. Sector 2 does however have a stratigraphic sequence of unusual quality, great complexity and at least half a metre deep. There is little doubt that the sequence fossilised on the site destined to become a car-park is the richest at Portmahomack and one of the best in northern Scotland, containing settlements which extend in date from later prehistory to the later middle ages, and water-logged deposits. The buildings and living surfaces are identifiable as patterns of stones, soilmarks and pebbles, but require immense care to define properly.
It is likely that the excavations in Sector 2 will continue for a year or two and we shall have to make temporary provision for car-parking elsewhere. Our visitors, if they have to walk a little further to the Display Centre will enjoy the compensation of seeing a large area excavation in full swing.
The other site to be opened will be at the east end of Sector 1 where the Field School will continue to excavate and record the features in the south field.
It is likely that the urgency and complexity of Sector 2 will absorb all our energies and leave little time or opportunity for work further afield. However, as a separate venture, research has begun into the origins of the site at Hilton of Cadboll (see below), which is already proving invaluable for the understanding of the site at Portmahomack.
The restoration of Tarbat Old Church itself by Fred Geddes (architect) and by the contractors, Hall and Tawse, is currently (July 1998) nearing completion. Following 18 months of intensive discussion on the content of the display, the designers (Higgins Gardner) are at the same time producing their first mock-ups for approval by the Trust. Building of the display is expected to begin during the summer of 1998, and the display should be ready for commissioning and trials in October, with fitting continuing until the spring of 1999. The Tarbat Display Centre is expected to be officially opened during 1999.
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Last updated 10 October, 2003.
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