29/05/2026
We asked our manager to provide a detailed overview into the operations on site at Pittodrie, Bennachie, sharing photos to give a behind-the-scenes look at what was revealed.
Uncovering the Past, Supporting the Future
Located on the slopes of Bennachie, Aberdeenshire, our 380-hectare Pittodrie site presents a diverse and sensitive woodland environment. The site includes designated areas of ecological importance, high levels of public access along established core paths, and a rich historic landscape spanning from Pictish activity through to the well-known 19th century Bennachie Colonies.
Following the impacts of Storm Arwen in 2021, areas of windblow opened up previously inaccessible ground, revealing significant archaeological features. Among these was the remains of a longhouse structure, linked to the historic settlement patterns on the hill. Storm Arwen brought widespread damage across Bennachie, with large volumes of windblown timber and disrupted access routes, but it also created a unique opportunity to better understand the hidden landscape beneath the forest canopy.
In collaboration with the Bailies of Bennachie and local volunteers, this longhouse site has since become a focal point for community-led archaeological investigation. The wider Bennachie Landscapes Project has already identified a wealth of multi-period features across the estate, reflecting centuries of human activity and settlement.
A defined area within our managed, certified forest has now been made available to support the Bailies’ ongoing work. This includes excavation, interpretation, and future plans to develop the site for community engagement and education. These efforts aim to reconnect local people with the hill’s heritage, from early settlement to the stories of the Bennachie Colonists.
Our client is fully supportive of this work, recognising the importance of integrating sustainable forest management with the protection and celebration of cultural heritage. The Pittodrie Longhouse is a strong example of how modern forestry can work in partnership with local communities to safeguard and enhance both environmental and historical assets.
