School pupils from the Black Isle got their hands dirty yesterday as they unearthed clues about their past at a local archaeological dig.
Youngsters aged between six and 13 from Cromarty and Avoch primary schools and Fortrose Academy are taking part in the Cromarty Medieval Burgh Community Archaeology Project this week.
The excavation site allowed children to learn about the medieval roots of the village and how heritage is discovered, interpreted and preserved.
After winter storms in late 2012 eroded the shoreline and exposed parts of medieval Cromarty, an investigation to piece together its past began.
The deepest reaches of the excavation are now well into the 13th and 14th centuries.
The 2015 season is expected to be the biggest yet, with more volunteers, students and staff than before, with the initial week of fieldwork focusing on local school children.
Yesterday, a busy group of 55 pupils collected pottery fragments, as well as pig and fish bones and shellfish remains, as evidence of the farming and fishing industries present in early 20th century Cromarty.
Pupils will learn how to excavate archaeology, identify different artefacts found on the site and learn about their history, create records using photography, drawing, and notes, and create their own medieval-inspired pottery.
Project co-director, Mary Peteranna, said: “When the children hold personable objects it shows them what life was like and it helps them to understand their own heritage and culture. There is also the aspect of getting them outside and doing physical labour, which shows that not everyone sits at a desk all day.
“The children have brilliant ideas and suggestions about what things were used for and how they got there – it really does get them thinking about the past.”
Patrick Cronin, a history teacher at Fortrose Academy, said: “It’s important to make the most of the local history on our doorstep, and I think it’s an opportunity to get students out doing real excavation rather than just observing something in class.”
The 2015 Cromarty dig season also includes free on-site training from a range of heritage specialists and two family day events on July 12 and 18.
Funding for the project has come from various sources including the Heritage Lottery Fund, Highland Council and the Cromarty Trust.