Trust unveils vision for Trimontium's Iron Age past
Last updated 16th Jun 2026
Ambitious plans have been unveiled to build a replica Iron Age roundhouse at the site of Scotland's largest Roman fort near Melrose.
It's hoped the visitor attraction will help tell the story of the locals who lived alongside the soldiers, and attract more visitors to the area.
The Trimontium Trust, which is behind the award-winning museum in Melrose, is raising money to build a wooden cabin on an unscheduled part of the site at Newstead to support its work.
Secretary Kay Callander today (Tuesday) told councillors: "Over the last few years, we've developed a very successful museum in the heart of the town of Melrose. And the museum there mainly reflects the Roman occupation.
"It's always been our ambition to represent the local Iron Age people in the bigger picture.
"It's very easy, in a way, to show the Romans in the museum. They left a very wealthy material culture, which it's easy to put in a beautiful case and show it to the public. Much harder to represent the Iron Age people who did not leave such a legacy.
"A better way to tell their story is to build an Iron Age roundhouse. And that's our ambition."
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The latest plans follow calls to reveal more of the internationally significant site to the public.
Despite being Scotland's largest Roman fort, very little of its story can currently be seen above ground.
But the Trust has recently secured a 25-year lease for the land, opening the door to more development.
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Kay said: "One of the main things that people say when they come into the museum is: 'Is there anything to see at the site?' And, unfortunately, our answer at the present time has to be: 'Well, not very much'."
In recent years, the Trust has begun changing that. New interpretation boards have been installed; pathways cut through the grass now trace the outline of the Roman roads and fort ramparts; and visitors can walk parts of the ancient defences for themselves.
The next step will see QR codes and augmented reality characters from both the Roman and Iron Age worlds help bring the landscape to life.
"The museum in Melrose is very restricted for space and building something out at the fort site will give us the capacity to have a much more interesting and diverse programme of events for schools," Kay continued.
"We aim to have a festival, we're starting that with a pilot this year in August; and we hope to use the site to show the public the fort site itself."
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As well as providing a reception area, the proposed visitor hub would offer a muster point for guided walks and storage for learning materials.
It would also act as a base for constructing the replica roundhouse, which remains subject to separate funding.
"We need something that will act as a base," Kay said. "I know it's a small start and we have great plans, but we need to start somewhere.
"This would prove a focal point, if you like, to be there when people could turn up, ask what we're doing. And the hope is that we link the two sites, we link Melrose itself, the museum in the town and bring the story out to the site itself."
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The Trimontium Trust employs three staff and is supported by around 100 volunteers. The attraction already draws thousands of visitors each year, bringing economic benefits to the town.
A bid for £15,000 from the William Hill Trust, administered by Scottish Borders Council, has been put on hold while officials clarify whether the project qualifies for support.
The fund is intended for projects in Melrose, while the proposed development sits on land associated with nearby Newstead.
But local councillors are supportive of the plans.
Councillor Jenny Linehan (Conservative, Leaderdale and Melrose) said: "I think it's wonderful, the virtual stuff that you've done as well. But some people actually need to see a physical building to kind of get drawn in."
Councillor John Paton-Day (SNP, Leaderdale and Melrose) added: "Having actual physical things there to see will bring people in, which in turn will create more revenue in the long run."
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