New book views Moray cave's grisly past
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The strange and eerie history of a Moray cave is the subject of a new book published by two leading archaeologists.
It’s thought that around 3,000 years ago, the mummified remains of children would be brought by local people to the Sculptor's Cave near Lossiemouth.
Gruesome as it sounds, it's believed that their young corpses may then have been displayed on rack-like structures at the cave's entrance.
The notoriously difficult-to-access sea cave on the south shore of the Moray Firth is the focus of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland’s latest publication.
'Darkness Visible: The Sculptor’s Cave' offers a glimpse into the symbolic and ritual lives of Moray’s former inhabitants.
Its authors are archaeologists Professor Ian Armit and Dr Lindsey Büster from the University of York.
Dr Büster said: "The Sculptor’s Cave represents one of the most intriguing later prehistoric sites in the UK.
"It provides a window into the complex rituals used by past inhabitants of Moray to navigate the difficult transition between life and death."
The ancient site’s most stunning find is arguably ten gold-covered hair-rings dating from 3000 years.
Added to that, though, the most northerly Roman coin hoard of its kind was also unearthed there.
Then there are the series of Pictish symbols carved into its entrance walls over 1500 years ago which give the cave its name.
However, it's the hundreds of human bones found within that have cemented its status as a place of special significance to the ancient people of Moray.
The majority of the human remains were unearthed during a series of excavations which took place between 1928 and 1930.
Tragically the bulk of them have now been lost.
However the new book takes a new look at the archives to cast fresh light on the cave's history.
In addition it also applies new scientific and methodological approaches as well as the results of terrestrial laser scanning and 3D imaging of the cave and its carvings.
Dr Simon Gilmour, Director of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, said: "Since 1780, the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland has promoted the understanding of Scotland’s captivating past by supporting original research and innovative projects.
"We’re thrilled to publish this ground-breaking book on the Sculptor’s Cave in the run up to our 240th anniversary celebrations and share the stories of ancient Moray with the public."
The book will be the subject of of the society's first ever online lecture.
The event at 6pm on Monday, October 12, is free and open to everyone.
Details can be found on the events section of the society's website – socantscot.org
Darkness Visible: The Sculptor’s Cave, costs £30 and is now available to purchase on the society's online shop.
A £5 discount will be available for attendees of the online event.
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