Allt Moraig Historic Shieling Community Excavations

AOC Archaeology Group is delighted to partner with The Shieling Project for an upcoming archaeological investigation of a historic shieling at Allt Moraig, Struy, near Beauly.

This offers a fantastic opportunity for archaeologists and the local community to find out more about these historic structures. Shielings were integral to the process of seasonally moving cattle to new pastures and higher grounds during the summer months. Evidence for these shielings, likely used between the 17th and 19th centuries can be seen across the upland areas of the Highlands and we are hoping that this investigation at Allt Moraig will help to increase our knowledge and understanding of their use.

We are working in partnership with The Shieling Project, a social enterprise working with teachers and young people to explore the natural and cultural heritage of shieling life and its significance today, based in Glenstrathfarrar. As part of this project we will be visiting local schools and introducing them to the work of archaeologists, the shieling structures and the traditional way of life that accompanied them. Local schools will also be offered the chance to visit the site, and volunteers are being recruited to assist in the process and receive free, practical archaeological training.

There is an Open Day on April 30th where visitors can learn more about the site, speak to the archaeologists and see the excavation underway in its final stages. This Open Day is free and open to all. Please be aware there is a long, but beautiful, walk to the site, and that a certain level of fitness needed for access. The walk is on a good quality track, and is about 3.5 km uphill, with an initial steep section.

If you would like to book onto our Open Day, or have questions regarding access or the project itself, please contact Inverness@aocarchaeology.com and we will be happy to advise you. Also, please visit the website of our partner, The Shieling Project, to find out more about their exciting and inspiring work in this local community: http://www.theshielingproject.org/ and follow us on Facebook.