Rare 3,500-Year-Old Chariot Wheel Discovered at Inverness Golf Course Site

Archaeologists have unearthed a rare prehistoric chariot wheel at the site of a future golf course near Inverness. The discovery sheds light on ancient ceremonial practices and the lives of those who inhabited the Highlands thousands of years ago.

This extraordinary find, revealed during excavations at the Old Petty Championship Golf Course, underscores the area’s profound historical significance and beautifully intertwines the traces of modern development with the echoes of its ancient past.

The chariot wheel was discovered within a cremation burial pit believed to date back thousands of years. Alongside this significant find, archaeologists also unearthed a 3,500-year-old Bronze Age cremation urn, flint tools, millstones, and evidence of at least 25 Neolithic timber buildings. Collectively, these artifacts paint a vivid picture of life in the Highlands from approximately 6,000 years ago to the Middle Ages.

Andy Young, Principal Archaeologist at Avon Archaeology Highland, emphasized the rarity of the chariot wheel, stating, “It’s a very rare thing. None of us have ever excavated one physically before.” Initially, Young approached the find with skepticism, mistaking it for a more modern piece of equipment. However, closer examination revealed its historical importance, marking it as the first chariot component ever discovered in the Highlands and only one of five known from Scotland.

The excavation site, being transformed by Cabot into a championship golf course, is a treasure trove of historical artifacts. The discoveries highlight not only the ceremonial practices of ancient peoples but also their agricultural innovations. Stuart McColm, Executive Vice President of Golf Developments at Cabot, expressed pride in the project, saying, “To think that our new championship course, Old Petty, will lie on such historically rich ground is humbling.”

Efforts are underway to preserve key features of the site, including a prehistoric ceremonial circle that has been carefully reburied in its original location, in accordance with best practices in Scottish archaeology. The collaboration between Cabot and Avon Archaeology Highland has been lauded as a model of responsible development, balancing heritage preservation with modern construction.

The findings from the excavation will be meticulously documented and radiocarbon dated, with final reports expected to coincide with the official opening of the golf course in 2025. The artifacts will eventually be handed over to museums in Inverness and Edinburgh, ensuring that this glimpse into the past is preserved for future generations.

As the Old Petty Championship Golf Course takes shape, it stands as a testament to the rich history of the Highlands region, inviting both golf enthusiasts and history buffs to appreciate the ancient stories that lie beneath the surface.

Cover Image Credit: Area PS5 Prehistoric palisade enclosure. Credit: Avon Archaeology Highland / SWNS