Stone Age camp from 6,000BC discovered in far north of Scotland

Remains of a Stone Age camp that was inhabited in the far north of Scotland around 8,000 years ago have been discovered during the upgrade of a notorious stretch of the  A9 trunk road.
An artists impression of the Mesolithic camp at Berriedale Braes. PIC: Transport Scotland.An artists impression of the Mesolithic camp at Berriedale Braes. PIC: Transport Scotland.
An artists impression of the Mesolithic camp at Berriedale Braes. PIC: Transport Scotland.

It is thought the seasonal camp may have been used around 6,000BC with a number of flints and other small tools, used for hunting and the preparation of animal hides, discovered.

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Transport Secretary Michael Matheston, who visited the site to view the archaeological finds, said: “The finds unearthed here at Berriedale Braes are truly fascinating and provide a rare glimpse into Scotland’s ancient past.

A collection of flints found at the site of the Stone Age camp in Caithness. PIC: Transport Scotland.A collection of flints found at the site of the Stone Age camp in Caithness. PIC: Transport Scotland.
A collection of flints found at the site of the Stone Age camp in Caithness. PIC: Transport Scotland.
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“The discoveries which could have remained uncovered had works not progressed on the A9 Berriedale Braes project underline the importance of the value we place on meeting our environmental obligations as we plan and construct essential new infrastructure.”

The discoveries were made as work progressed to remove a dangerous hairpin bend on the stretch of road.

The archaeological finds will be displayed for the public to view at Dunbeath Heritage Museum in the coming weeks.

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