The Tarbat Historic Trust (THT)curates archaeological human skeletal remains that were excavated as part of a large-scale archaeological investigation at Portmahomack (download Carver et al. (2019))

A curious medieval burial from St Colman's Church, Portmahomack, Tarbatness

A large-scale isotopic analysis of skeletons from the Scottish Highlands has provided evidence for the first time about the diet of the Picts.

Ms Cecily Spall, director of FAS Heritage, has worked at the Portmahomack site over a number of years and is leading this collaborative project involving specialists in archaeological science including Dr Shirley Curtis-Summers, who will analyse five male burials thought to date to the 15th century. The project, supported by grants from Historic Environment Scotland and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, includes facial reconstruction, radiocarbon dating, stable isotope analysis to understand diet and origin, and ancient DNA analysis to understand genetic heritage and explore possible familial relationships.‍

The Tarbat Discovery Centre’s successful 2019 lecture season came to an informative, well attended and very enjoyable close on Friday 22nd November at Portmahomack’s Carnegie Hall. The speaker was Professor Gordon Noble, Head of the Department of Archaeology at Aberdeen University. He is valued supporter of the Centre.