Prehistoric houses found on site of new Inverness Gaol

A 2,000-year-old prehistoric settlement has been discovered on the site of a new prison.

Evidence of 16 roundhouses was discovered in an excavation carried out as part of a first phase development of HMP Highland in Inverness.

Archaeologists said the settlement was occupied in the Iron and Bronze Ages.

They said some finds, including clay molds and copper alloy material, could be 3,000 years old and could be used to make swords.

The remains of the roundhouses included holes where wooden posts were fitted to support the “substantial” hut buildings.

Archaeologists said the interiors of some of the houses were protected by palisade fences.

A variety of prehistoric artefacts have been found, including metal artefacts made of iron and copper alloys, stone whetstones for sharpening tools and hoes for grinding grain.

Pottery and worked flint were also discovered.

AOC Archeology Group said it worked alongside contractors from UBCivils and Balfour Beatty to ensure careful excavation of the extensive buried remains.

The excavation was carried out on behalf of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS).

The prison site is within a much larger archaeological landscape where nationally significant finds have been found at Culduthel, Slackbuie and West Link Road.

AOC’s Mary Peteranna said the latest dig was a team effort.

“The collaboration was made possible through the support of the Scottish Prison Service,” she said.

“They have facilitated the process of safeguarding the archeology at the site and have fully supported the presentation of the results so that they are available to the public.

“This is a really important part of Inverness’ cultural heritage.”

Lorraine Roughan, SPS Project Manager for HMP Highland, said: “This discovery encapsulates the importance of the site to the Inverness community, both historically and today.”

HMP Highland will replace Inverness Prison, which is over 120 years old, and will have a capacity of 200 prisoners.

The cost of the new prison is expected to be four times higher than originally estimated and completed six years later than planned.