Priority 1: Antiquarian accounts document Roman roads across Perth and Kinross but modern research has been limited, many may simply be more recent misappropriated ‘old roads’. Reappraisal of these accounts with remote sensing and non-intrusive survey are an important consideration for future research to both critically assess existing roads and prospect for additions.
Priority 2: Points where Roman roads crossed the region’s many rivers remain an elusive yet key element requiring investigation. Foremost consideration should be afforded to further examination of the potential Flavian crossing at Derder’s Ford near the fort of Bertha, the possible Severan bridging point at Carpow and associated bridgehead camp near St Madoes. Any prospection for early bridge remains should include consideration of timber survival; any surviving timber could contribute to the wider dendrochronological development and dating objectives for the Roman period in Perth and Kinross.
Priority 3: Most of the region’s Roman auxiliary forts, and the legionary fortress, are located on the River Tay and its tributaries. With the importance of rivers for the movement of troops and supplies in the conquest of Scotland established (Jones 2018), it is clear that both rivers and the estuary were vital to transport and communication during the Roman presence. Understanding the relationship between military sites and waterways is a priority, with the identification of docking structures, harbour or landing features a key element of this. For example, the annexe of both Cargill and Cardean forts appears to reach a flat beach, a possible landing place that offers a promising starting point for investigation. Comparison and regional application of approaches from the extensive work carried out elsewhere in the Empire on Roman harbours and landings sites over the last 20 years could be very promising.