Pictish Hill Forts were tribal power centres.from the first millennium,

Landscape view of Traprain Law Hill Fort, East Lothian. — Traprain Law Hill Fort, East Lothian

Introduction

Pictish hill forts date from the first millennium and are predominantly found in the north and east of Scotland.

The Picts were native peoples who occupied what is now Scotland prior to arrival of the Gaelic speaking Scots from Ireland in the west. It is likely the Picts spoke a Brittonic language linked to modern-day Welsh. They are remembered for their high quality and elaborate stone carvings. From the Romans we know they painted and/or tattooed their bodies in elaborate and colourful designs. Also, the Picts were fearless warriors who were prepared to confront the mighty Roman army with relatively primitive weapons and strategy.

Pictish era carved stone from Meigle in central Scotland. — Pictish carved stone at Meigle Museum, central Scotland

Hill Forts

Britain’s topography is well populated with hills which have been used since prehistoric time to house defended, probably tribal, communities. At the time the countryside would have been heavily forested and home to wild animals such as wolves and bears. In addition to the animal threat hill tops were converted to refuges against rival tribes and invaders.

Recent Excavations at Pictish Hill Forts

In recent years archaeology at two separate sites has revealed remarkably similar evidence of high status power centres coupled with sophisticated lifestyle. These sites are discussed below.

King’s Seat Hill Fort, Dunkeld, Central Scotland

Occupied by an elite community who had influence over the production of high status goods. There is evidence of metal working, textile production, animal butchery, leather working and other crafts. The scale of activities suggests this was a production centre.
Evidence of trade links with continental Europe in the 7th-9th centuries AD including glassware.
Structural remains include a large rectangular building which may have been a type of hall or gathering place.There are also multiple hearths, probably for metal and craft working.

Dunkeld was in the region occupied by a tribe named the Caledones. The name Dunkeld has been corrupted over the years but translates as ‘Fort of the Caledonians’. This confirms the importance of this ancient site.

Tap O’Noth Hill Fort, Aberdeenshire, N.E. Scotland

A township dating from the 3rd century AD and housing more than 4000 people in 800 huts spread over17 acres.
Inhabitants consumed wine from the Mediterranean region. Like their compatriots at Dunkeld, they used glass and were involved in intensive metalworking.
Carbon dating has shown that settlements on the hill extend back to the 3rd century AD. The fort dates to the 5th-6th centuries AD.
The scale of the site ranks it as the largest from the early medieval period.
Question arises as to why this concentration of population occurred. One line of thought is that, hitherto dispersed communities, came together for defence in the face of invasion. Such movement was possibly triggered by the numerous Roman incursions into the territory.

This site was also in the region controlled by the Caledones.

Pictish era carved stone at Aberlemno in eastern Scotland. — Pictish era carved stone at roadside at Aberlemno, eastern Scotland

Traprain Law Hill Fort

Traprain Law, East Lothian (near Edinburgh)

This site was covered in a separate blog post of August 8th 2019. In essence the site was occupied by a tribe known as the Votadini who seem to have cooperated with invading Romans. Here was found a cache of hidden, Roman-era silverware which may have been given to the tribe as a bribe.

Note that ‘Law’ means ’rounded hill’ in Old English.

More information.

For more information on the Picts, Scottish history and touring please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4

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