Historic Tain Revealed In New Book

Issued By Historic Scotland

The history of Tain in Easter Ross is uncovered in a new book launched today by the Council For British Archaeology and Historic Scotland.

Historic Tain: Archaeology and Development is the latest book in the Scottish Burgh Survey series, designed to identify the archaeological potential of Scotland’s historic towns, to guide development decisions and set questions to be answered by further investigation.

The book, by Richard Oram, Paula Martin, Charles McKean, Tim Neighbour and Ali Cathcart, is published by Historic Scotland in association with the University of Stirling and the Council for British Archaeology and with support from The Highland Council.

Richard Oram, Stirling University “Tain has a unique community that cherishes its past as the thriving hub of medieval religious and economic life in northern Scotland.“

Charles McKean, University of Dundee  “My take on Tain is excitement at working out the form of the town when it was still a focus for pilgrimage.”

Paula Martin, Institute of Archaeology, University College, London, said: "Scotland has many small towns, but each has a very different history and character. Having studied in detail the history of Cupar, I could see similarities with Tain, a small county town, the social and craft centre for the surrounding area. When we started we had no idea how important Tain had once been as a centre of pilgrimage, and the surviving buildings still have an air of tranquillity which is special. It was a great experience to be able to investigate the archaeology, history and standing buildings of Tain."

Joint editor Mark Watson, Historic Scotland, said: “Tain has an outstanding conservation area encompassing its medieval street plan and distinctive domestic and municipal architecture. Historic Scotland is pleased to guide and support a study that endorses these qualities. ”

Councillor Ian Ross, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee said: “Tain is a county town with an important and fascinating history, much of which is still visible in the street layout and in the architectural detail of many buildings. This book will allow us to consider how best to protect and preserve the important historical heritage value of Tain. “
ENDS