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Bennachie Colony Excavations

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Bennachie Colony Excavations

The story of the Bennachie Colony is where the Bennachie Landscapes Project began.

The Bailies of Bennachie wanted to uncover more about this unique 19th-century squatter community that once made its home on the eastern slopes of the hill. The Bailies were not alone however, researchers from the University of Aberdeen were equally curious about the people who chose to live here, outside the norms of Victorian society. 

While settlers were scattered across the hill, the area around Clackie Burn became a hub of activity, forming the heart of what we now call the Colony. Over the years, it has inspired archaeological digs, historical research, and community creativity. This section focuses on what the archaeology has revealed about daily life in this extraordinary place.