Prehistory

Evidence of an Iron Age settlement in Meigle was uncovered recently by an archaeological excavation, aided by drone photography, that was carried out before the construction of the Strathmore Meadows housing development on the outskirts of the village. 

The site was described as 'multi-phase' with early structures including an outer enclosure ditch, cremation, larger enclosure ditch, and a series of internal structures. 

This phase was followed by a late Iron Age settlement with a substantial souterrain and at least nine distinguishable structures or buildings - including three round houses - and several extensive areas of stone paving, pits, and truncated postholes. These structures were extensively recorded and cleared. Recovered artifacts included Roman (Samian) pottery, rotary querns and miscellaneous objects including two metal pins. 

Souterrains are partially subterranean structures which, within Tayside, take the form of a tightly curved, C-shaped, tunnel. They vary in length from 12 to 52 metres, and from 1.2 to 3.6 metres in height. Most are of stone construction and include corbelling to hold the cap stone or lintel roofing stones in place. They may have one or more entrances, paved floors and reused neolithic carved (cup and ring marked) stones placed within them. 

It is not known what role these monuments played in the societies that built them, but suggestions to their primary function include burial or spiritual practices, refuge, defence, ritual, or storage for cereals and/or dairy products. It is estimated, largely through aerial photographs, that there are more than 430 souterrain sites in Tayside. 

The souterrain in Meigle attracted considerable attention and Souterrain Crescent is named in its honour. The souterrain is in fact the second one reported in the village, the other being about 100 metres away near the Manse, which was recorded in 1878 during house building.