Dunblane Local History Society talk by Dr Murray Cook – Stirling’s Vitrified Forts

I attended the latest event at Dunblane Local History Society on Tuesday 19 January 2016. Dr Murray Cook, Stirling Council’s archaeologist delivered a stimulating and interesting talk about the range of vitrified forts in both Stirling and the northeast but looking specifically at Dumyatt, Moathill and Abbey Craig. Essentially rock was burned at extremely high temperatures which fused the rocks, offering the opportunity for settlements in some cases, and strategic points for defence. It was interesting to learn that when the Romans passed through any area, wherever they stayed was generally understood to be the capital of the Roman Empire. Dunblane was chosen as a base for Septimus Severus on his travels so you could argue that Dunblane was the capital of the Roman Empire for one day at least!