The most recent Cromarty History Society discussion was focused on the work of a trailblazing Black Isle archaeology project that involved the larger community and produced some exciting discoveries.

The Cromarty History Society's new season was inaugurated by Eric Grant's talk. He has been researching the potential for archaeology at the western end of the Black Isle, around Tarradale and Muir of Ord, since he moved to Ross-hire about 20 years ago.

His presentation painted a brief picture of how the region's archaeological legacy was discovered through six community digs, which revolutionized knowledge of the archaeology of the Black Isle and beyond.

Many members of the community participated in the Tarradale Through Time project and got to see how archaeology is conducted, from walking through fields that have been ploughed to find artifacts from ancient times to digging test pits and excavations that turn up unexpected findings and then interpreting the results.

Eric gave an example of how the project purposefully encompassed 8000 years of history and archaeology, beginning in the Neolithic with the entrance of the first farmers and continuing through the Bronze, Iron, Pictish, Medieval, and Post-Medieval abandoned communities. Good soil and relatively level terrain have historically made Tarradale an agricultural region, with rougher and less farmed country rising to the north.

This has affected how it was settled, how it was used, and what kinds of archaeological evidence were discovered. Axes, flints, arrowheads, pottery, stones, and shell middens are the principal "hard" objects that archaeology discovers that have survived. Since the soil at Tarradale is acidic, all traces of bones will be lost.

Eric's presentation was illustrated by aerial photos of crop markings, archaeology-related features, plans for rebuilding, and images of artifacts. There was a wealth of knowledge to absorb, and I also realized how mysterious some locations may be, leaving interpretation always up for debate. The area's continued habitation and land use are both obvious. Locals have been acknowledged with becoming more enthusiastic and interested thanks to the community effort.

Eric still has additional plans to carry out even though it is over. "We feel sure that we will be inviting him back again for further updates," a CHS spokeswoman said.

The next gathering will take place on Tuesday, October 17. Professor David Worthington will be the speaker. He will present a fresh interpretation of the Highlands before to Culloden based on the writings of Rev. James Fraser (1634-1709). The presentation will take place at the Victoria Hall in Cromarty and will begin at 7.30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.