Archaeologists discover ancient sea fort in Scotland

A team of archaeologists had to scale a sea stack — a feat so arduous they had to take along a climbing guide — for their latest excavation, but it was worth it.
The University of Aberdeen team found a fort in a remote part of Scotland, off Aberdeenshire's coast, that had never been excavated. They believe the fort belonged to the Picts, an ancient group of people who lived in northern and central Scotland.
At the fort site, the archaeologists discovered the remnants of a house and a fireplace. Dr. Gordon Noble, the team's lead archaeologist, told BBC News that the home's hearth was surprisingly well-made, as was the home's floor.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The team believes there could be more forts on Stonehaven's coast, much of which hasn't been explored. In the 19th century, local residents reportedly found six stones with Pictish symbols on them, but the ancient ruins were unknown until now.
Noble believes the fort may have been a "precursor" to Dunnotter Castle, which is about a quarter mile away from the site. The archaeologists are continuing the excavation for the rest of this week.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.
-
Today's political cartoons - April 20, 2025
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - Pam Bondi, retirement planning, and more
By The Week US
-
5 heavy-handed cartoons about ICE and deportation
Cartoons Artists take on international students, the Supreme Court, and more
By The Week US
-
Exploring the three great gardens of Japan
The Week Recommends Beautiful gardens are 'the stuff of Japanese landscape legends'
By The Week UK
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans