There can be no doubt that the Romans left their mark on the local landscape. They also left behind some relics which help in our understanding of that period of our history when the Roman army tried to take control of Scotland.

When visiting Museums where Roman relics are displayed, we may expect to see Roman coins, Roman pottery, Roman weapons and Roman armour.

Early in the 18th century, a Roman relic of a very different kind was discovered in the Moss of Cochrage to the north of Blairgowrie, where Blairgowrie people had permission to cut peat for fuel.

We can read of this discovery in John A.R. Macdonald’s book ”The History of Blairgowrie (Town,Parish,and District)”

“In the Moss of Cochrage the body of a Roman soldier, in full armour and in an upright position, was found, besides other relics, human teeth and bones mixed with charcoal, doubtless the remains of Caledonians or Romans who were slain there.” 

It is thought that he drowned while trying to cross the marshy ground while fleeing or being chased.

Cochrage Muir - Photo Courtesy Graeme Berry

Today though, no other accounts can be found of the discovery, or indeed of what happened to the remains and relics supposedly discovered, leading some to believe the whole thing may have been a hoax or an exaggeration of the discovery of an arrowhead.

Real or not, standing on the moor looking toward the mountains in the distance, it’s easy to imagine the ghostly remains of fierce ancient battles lurking in the bogs, peat hags and dark woods just waiting to be uncovered.

Who knows what the truth of it is, but the first leg of the Cateran trail runs through these parts, so why not take a walk or cycle up to the moors and make up your own mind, if you dare.

Read more at https://canmore.org.uk/site/28790/cochrage-moss

How To Find The Moss Of Cochrage:

The Moss of Cochrage is between Blairgowrie and Bridge of Cally and can be accessed by following the Cateran Trail from either town. 

This is a signposted trail suitable for walking and mountain bikes, however terrain is rough in places and can be boggy following wet weather. Cochrage Moss is remote and visitors should be suitably equipped for the conditions.

Cyclists can also access Cochrage Moss via Kinloch on the Dunkeld road (A923) or Black Craig forest outside Bridge of Cally. These tracks and trails are rough in places and suitable for mountain bikes or (with care) gravel bikes.

OBSERVE THE SCOTTISH OUTDOOR ACCESS CODE AT ALL TIMES. Visit www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot