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Culloden Battlefield dig unearths new finds as experts uncover objects belonging to soldiers


By Imogen James

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The dig being set up. Pictures: National Trust for Scotland
The dig being set up. Pictures: National Trust for Scotland

A recent dig at Culloden Battlefield has uncovered lost treasures dating back to the Neolithic era.

The previously undisturbed areas are on the eastern side of the battlefield, where the government troops lined up in 1745.

Objects were found that belonged to the soldiers, including musket balls, buckles, buttons and pottery fragments.

The dig was undertaken by archaeologists from the National Trust for Scotland and the Culloden Estate team.

“This research comes at a really exciting time for us, as the history and archaeology research strands come together to update the whole battle story."

Derek Alexander, head of archaeological services for the National Trust for Scotland, said: “One of the musket balls had clear signs of impact. These lead shot may have passed through or over the Government first line to land close to the second line. The low concentration of lead shot may be the result of most Jacobite musket and pistol volleys hitting Barrell’s regiment in the first line, with only occasional shots reaching this far back.”

A horse shoe that is either related to the battle or agriculture.
A horse shoe that is either related to the battle or agriculture.

There were also horse shoes found, which can be related to either agriculture or the battle itself. Work is being done to date these objects.

Raoul Curtis Machin, operations manager at Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre, said: “This research comes at a really exciting time for us, as the history and archaeology research strands come together to update the whole battle story. The boggy, uneven nature of the physical landscape had a huge impact on how troops were deployed, and this survey work, paid for by the Culloden Fighting Fund, could confirm recent thinking.

"More than 150 visitors and volunteers came to our open day on Saturday, some of whom got their hands dirty helping us with the dig. The team gave an impromptu talk to a school group too, and it was great to see their enthusiasm for the battle which happened 275 years ago.

"We would like to say a big thank you to our supporters who have contributed to the Fighting Fund and we look forward to seeing where the research takes us next.”

A piece found from the prehistoric era.
A piece found from the prehistoric era.

Archaeologists also discovered pieces from a much earlier period. A piece of brown flint that dates back to the early bronze age was unearthed. This was not a surprise, as the battlefield is close to Clava Cairns, a prehistoric site.

The National Trust also used the opportunity to make a model of the Cumberland Stone - a huge boulder which is where the Duke of Cumberland is reported to have eaten a meal on the day of the battle.


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