‘Remarkable’ Pictish Ring Uncovered at Burghead Fort After Over 1,000 Years

A ‘remarkable’ Pictish ring, untouched for over a millennium, has been discovered at the ancient Burghead Fort in Moray, Scotland, during a dig led by the University of Aberdeen. Found by volunteer John Ralph, the intricately designed ring features a kite-shaped setting with a red garnet or glass at its center. Its discovery at a site previously thought to have been archaeologically compromised sheds new light on Burghead’s historical importance during the Pictish period.

Rediscovering Burghead: A Forgotten Pictish Treasure

Burghead Fort, once a significant stronghold during the Pictish era, had long been considered a lost archaeological site. When the town of Burghead was constructed in the early 19th century, large portions of the fort were dismantled, with much of the stone being repurposed for new buildings. The construction of the new town was a key development for the region’s fishing industry, with families, including the ancestors of John Ralph, moving there for work.

However, thanks to excavation efforts led by Professor Gordon Noble and funded by Historic Environment Scotland, Burghead’s Pictish past has gradually re-emerged. Over the past three years, Noble’s team has uncovered a wealth of artifacts and evidence suggesting that Burghead was once a seat of Pictish power, with high-status metalworking and impressive structures.

John Ralph, a retired engineer and University of Aberdeen graduate, had been volunteering at the site for two weeks. Despite initially unearthing what he humorously described as “shiny pebbles,” his persistence paid off on the last day of the dig. When he uncovered the ring, he was unsure of its significance until a fellow volunteer recognized its importance.

Finder, John Ralph on site with the Pictish ring. (University of Aberdeen)

A Remarkable Find

Professor Noble was quick to recognize the importance of the find:

“Even before the conservation work, we could see it was something really exciting, as despite more than a thousand years in the ground, we could see glints of the possible garnet setting.”

The ring’s discovery on the floor of what had once been a Pictish house was unexpected, as such valuable items are typically found in deliberately hidden hoards.

The ring shortly after being found after the site. (University of Aberdeen)

The ring is now in the care of the National Museum of Scotland’s Post-excavation Service for further analysis. With very few Pictish rings ever discovered, this piece is an extraordinary addition to the growing evidence of Burghead’s importance in the Pictish world.

Professor Noble and his team plan to study the ring in more detail, looking at its craftsmanship and the possible identity of its owner. The discovery supports the theory that Burghead was not only a significant political center but also a hub for metalwork and craftsmanship during the Pictish period.

A reconstruction of Burghead as it was, and as it is now. (Alice Watterson/University of Aberdeen)

Burghead: A Seat of Pictish Power

The ring’s discovery complements other findings from Burghead that point to its significance as a Pict stronghold. Excavations have revealed extensive metalworking evidence and numerous buildings that hint at the site’s political and economic influence. The ring’s intricate design suggests it was crafted for a high-status individual, further reinforcing the idea that Burghead was home to a powerful elite.

For Ralph, the discovery is not just significant for archaeology but also on a personal level. His family’s historical connection to the town of Burghead makes the find especially meaningful, as it symbolizes the full circle his family’s story has taken. “It is good to think that I’ve given something back with this little piece of the puzzle of the past,” Ralph said.

Reflecting on his time volunteering at the site, he adds:

“It is a real thrill to dig up an artifact in the knowledge that you are probably the first person to see it for 1,000 to 1,500 years.”

A New Chapter for Burghead’s History

The discovery of this Pictish ring marks an exciting new chapter in the ongoing research at Burghead. Professor Noble’s work has already led to the creation of 3D reconstructions of the site, providing a glimpse into how the fort may have looked during its heyday. With new artifacts coming to light, the picture of Burghead as a bustling, influential center of power for the Picts is becoming clearer.

The public will have the chance to learn more about the Burghead excavations at an open day on September 8, where they can meet archaeologists, view Pictish carvings, and explore the fort’s history.

Top image: The Pictish ring photographed by National Museums Scotland.       Source: National Museums Scotland/University of Aberdeen

By Gary Manners