A digital reconstruction of Tap o'Noth Hillfort, near the village of Rhynie in Scotland (c500 AD). Recent archaeological surveys indicate the locations of around 700-800 small hut platforms across the hillside. While archaeologists continue to debate whether the hillfort was a permanent settlement, a major gathering place, or a combination of both, the sheer number of dwellings points to a centre of considerable power and influence. This large number of huts indicates that the hill was home to a remarkably large community, possibly numbering in the thousands. This would have made Tap o' Noth one of the largest known settlements in northern Britain at the time, and has transformed our understanding of the hillfort and its place in early medieval Scotland.

Further archaeological evidence recovered from the platforms, including imported pottery, metalworking debris and multiple layers of occupation, shows that these were more than simple temporary shelters. The scale of construction and the investment in the site suggest that Tap o' Noth was a place of exceptional importance, attracting people, resources and activity from across a wide region. Whether occupied year-round or used periodically for large assemblies, Tap o' Noth was clearly a focal point for the communities of north-east Scotland and one of the most significant sites in the region during the Late Roman and early medieval (Pictish) period.

How this image was made

Software and tools used: Blender 3D, Cycles Render Engine, Photoshop.

Notes: The image was created by developing a 3D model that integrated geospatial laser survey data, GIS data, and archaeological recordings of the locations of individual huts and other features. The reconstruction was developed for the University of Aberdeen with input and assistance from Professor Gordon Noble.