PERTHSHIRE Archaeology Week has fast become one of the top events on the local calendar.

The annual celebration of the area’s past draws in both locals and those from afar, with this year’s event set to start on May 28 and run until June 5.

Perthshire boasts a wealth of prehistoric monuments, the legacy of Roman occupation, ancient burgh towns, picturesque castles and long-abandoned hidden settlements and a nine-day programme of events should offer a little insight into each.

A host of opportunities will be presented to those with an interest in the past —and no qualms about getting their hands dirty —including excavations, exhibitions, walks and talks.

The programme of events will take participants on a journey of discovery through prehistoric, Roman and medieval Scotland, touching on Arthurian legend, Pictish sculpture, Celtic missionaries and Shakespeare on the way.

Over 30 events will take place throughout the area at venues including the Scottish Crannog Centre and Perth Museum and Art Gallery.

Visits include guided tours of sites of historic interest such as the Gask Ridge, Dunsinnan and Dun Coillich, while Historic Scotland will be offering discounted admissions to all their Perthshire properties during the week.

The main feature of the event, however, will be the opportunity to visit or even take part in excavations on the Black Spout homestead, by Pitlochry.

The circular enclosure is thought to date from the late iron age to the early medieval period and is one of around 60 examples in Perth and Kinross.

While visits are free of charge, they must be booked and anyone wishing to take part can contact David Strachan at Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust on 01738 477080.

As a forerunner, and to whet the appetite, the Scottish Archaeology Fair takes place in Perth City Hall on April 30.

The free event will feature over 30 local and national organisations, all presenting hands on activities, displays and exhibits about local history, archaeology and heritage resources.

Perthshire Archaeology Week will be in attendance for those who would like to find out more.

A Perthshire Archaeology Week leaflet containing full programme details will also be available shortly from all Perthshire tourist information centres or by calling 01738 450600.

Details can already be found online by visiting www.perthshire.co.uk/archaeologyweek.