Scotland archaeological finds reveal Iron Age structures and medieval siege trauma

Archaeological discoveries in Scotland are providing new insights into the Iron Age and medieval warfare. In Sutherland, near Dornoch, Highland Archaeology Services uncovered a well-preserved stone structure at the Evericks quarry. The oval-shaped structure, measuring approximately 3 meters long and 2 meters wide, features stone steps and a waterproofed base, suggesting it may have served as a well or a ritual site during the Iron Age.

In central Scotland, researchers at the University of Bradford have analyzed a medieval skeleton, known as ‘Skeleton 150’, discovered at Stirling Castle. The remains show evidence of 167 fractures, including 61 on the skull alone. Bioarchaeologist Joe Backberry suggests the extreme trauma is consistent with a direct hit from a trebuchet, a massive siege engine. This finding provides rare physical evidence of the devastating impact medieval siege weaponry had on the human body, potentially dating back to the siege of Stirling Castle in 1304.