Celebrating archaeology in 2020

@SCOTARCHSTRAT #SCOTARCHSTRAT WWW.ARCHAEOLOGYSTRATEGY.SCOT [email protected] 2 3 Features Welcome! © ScARF I am delighted to welcome you to this 2020 report of Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy. We want a Scotland where Delivering archaeology 6 archaeology is for everyone! Despite all the disruptions of this year, archaeological A place where the study of Enhancing understanding 16 the past offers opportunities work has continued, and this year’s magazine presents for us now and in the future some of the myriad of activities that have been taking to discover, care for, promote Caring and protecting 30 and enjoy our rich and diverse place the length and breadth of the country. Historic heritage, contributing to our Encouraging greater engagement 38 Environment Scotland is delighted to be fully supporting wellbeing and knowledge and helping to tell Scotland’s the Strategy. stories in their global context. Innovation and skills 54 The Strategy’s vision is to make archaeology available In this magazine, bringing Waggonway Project, filming at the Class II for everyone. This has included the creation of an explicit together articles and comments salt pan house. , Elgin Museum. from people and organisations statement on Equality and Diversity as well as new across the archaeology sector, we celebrate how Scotland's ways of promoting archaeology digitally to audiences Archaeology Strategy is being at a time of physical distancing. In this magazine, we delivered across the country. celebrate how the Strategy is being delivered in these

Online reporting form for assessing extraordinary times. landscape features identified by LiDAR. Whiteadder Project.

Alex Paterson CEO, Historic Environment Scotland @HistEnvScot © Carl Barber © Elgin Museum

Learn from home Investigating a with HES. wheel-house at , . WELCOME © AOC © AOC © HES 2020

Hillforts of Tay A75 Dunragit bypass Deep time in the woods Interpretative reconstruction Jet necklace excavated on the Character from Into the Wildwoods, illustrationof showing how Moredun A75 works, Dunragit. a new learning resource from Top hillfort may have looked. Forestry and Land Scotland.

14 29 50

Underhoull Broch, © Chris Mitchell © GUARD Archaeology Ltd © Forestry and Land Scotland by Alex Leonard Shetland 4 5

Previous annual Celebrating archaeology in Scotland Similarly, this 2020 publication Celebrating archaeology in Scotland © ScARF reports in 2018 and highlights the different ways Scotland’s Strategic 2019 fed back on strategy progress and hundreds of people have Archaeology the magazine has been CELEBRATING ARCHAEOLOGY IN SCOTLAND: 2019 2019 continued to make archaeology Committee enlarged each year Welcomes New Chair as the archaeological matter over the last 12 months, 2020 communities shares and how we will continue to be its stories. Andy Heald is AOC relevant to future discussions. Archaeology’s Managing

© Historic Environment Scotland 2019 You may re-use this information (excluding logos and images) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence Director and has ultimate v3.0 except where otherwise stated. This year has also seen To view this licence, visit: http://nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence/version/3/ Or write to: The Information Policy Team The National Archives responsibility for the strategic Kew London increased profile of Black Lives TW9 4DU Or email: [email protected] Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to management and direction obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. Matter and a rightly increased Any enquiries regarding this document should be sent to us at: Historic Environment Scotland Longmore House Salisbury Place of the company and six UK EH9 1SH emphasis on Exclusivity/ +44 (0) 131 668 8600 You can download this publication from our website at: www.historicenvironment.scot This document is printed on 100 per offices. cent recycled paper using non-toxic inks. If you no longer need this publication, Inclusivity. After the toppling please pass it on, recycle it or return it to Historic Environment Scotland.

The Archaeology and World Heritage Team (HES). Design by Submarine Design. of the Colston statue in He has over 20 years’ Front cover: Produced by: SIRFA Delegates at Pobull Fhinn , North Uist. #SCOTARCHSTRAT WWW.ARCHAEOLOGYSTRATEGY.SCOT Bristol, more thought is being Scottish Charity No. SC045925 [email protected] experience in heritage. His placed onto the role of the previous roles include Curator transatlantic slave trade in at the National Museum of the history of Scotland, with Scotland and Development ARCHAEOLOGY one of the more prominent Officer for the actions being the decision to Archaeological Trust. It has never been more important to realise the place a plaque at the Melville potential of archaeology to contribute to quality of Monument in Edinburgh, Andy gained his degree and @SCOTARCHSTRAT #SCOT IN 2020 WWW.ARCHAEOLOGYSTRATEGY.SCOTARCHSTRAT PhD from the University of life and various cultural initiatives, including Scotland’s highlighting its subject’s links [email protected] Archaeology Strategy, have a major role to play. to the slave trade. Edinburgh and has published work on a wide range of THE LAST TWO MAGAZINES THAT WE HAVE In June, Scotland’s Advisory Group on Economic Yet we should also seek to tell positive and engaging stories about subjects including the PRODUCED AS ANNUAL REPORTS FOR THE Recovery set up by the Scottish Government to advise diversity in the past and explore opportunities to expand not only prehistory and history of STRATEGY (2018 AND 2019) HAVE BEEN VERY on our economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic, the diversity of those telling the stories but also the resources and Caithness and Early Historic WELL RECEIVED AND WE HAVE UPDATED THE produced a report which included a section on the information that we have available to learners of all ages and cultures. and Viking objects. His recent FORMAT TO RESPOND TO YOUR SUGGESTIONS. Creative Sector, noting that “We must look after our Archaeology and museums also have a role to play in the debate co-authored book on Caithness THE SCOTTISH STRATEGIC ARCHAEOLOGY cultural heritage and create an enabled, inclusive society around the removal of statues and the creation of new monuments. Archaeology was nominated COMMITTEE AGREED TO CONTINUE THIS to build the heritage of the future.” This highlights the Many monuments and that were on public display in the at the Current Archaeology FORMAT FOR THIS YEAR, NOT REALISING ongoing requirement of collaborating across areas of past are now available in museums. Awards for Archaeology Book AT THE START OF 2020 THE SEISMIC SHIFT cultural activity, breaking down silos and challenging Society reflects on what it wishes to commemorate and celebrate, but of the Year. He was recently THAT WOULD HAPPEN GLOBALLY. perceptions of what archaeology can do for society. museums and heritage centres help to preserve the collective memory of involved in the community In addition, the Built Environment Forum Scotland the past and should provide safe spaces to have challenging discussions projects at Dun Deardail; The Covid-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed (BEFS) set up a national Covid-19 Historic Environment about the interpretation of our historic environment. Within this Strategy, King’s Seat and Clachtoll. almost every area of work. Our vision for Archaeology in Resilience Forum (CHERF) to look at the contribution we recognised that our intentions on equality and diversity were implicit Scotland, to make it available to everyone, now requires Andy Heald chaired his first heritage can make to the country’s recovery, and the rather than explicit, so we have created a statement rectifying the situation. new approaches. More and more information is being meeting of the SSAC in changing threats to heritage. Five workshops took With more and more archaeological activities going online, as noted in made available digitally, to attempt to try and provide February 2020. place in June and July, at which archaeology and the numerous articles in this magazine, we have a chance to broaden our resources and information in an era when people have Strategy was well represented, and the report of the audience engagement. been confined to homes and their immediate local initial workshops was published in August. Three key area. Archaeologists must consider social distancing Finally, localism. Archaeology is rooted in local communities. Whilst themes emerged from this work: Relevance; Exclusivity/ and new health and safety regulations in their day to archaeologists may travel distances to work in various areas, it is the local Inclusivity; and Localism. Archaeology is well equipped day work. The environment in which archaeological communities for whom this is their home, where they live, work and play. to contribute to these, and we need to consider how work gets undertaken will continue to alter rapidly, and Whilst much of the initial Covid-19 focused discussion has been around © Andrew Heald these can be addressed through our work in future, adaptability and innovation remain at the forefront of heritage tourism recovery, looking to the future, we need to ensure that including through this Strategy. activity. the needs and wants of local communities are placed at the heart of In terms of relevance – the Strategy is focused on archaeological research, engagement and delivery. Health is a global priority – how can archaeology making archaeology matter, making it relevant. We do contribute? As well as the physical toll that the Collectively, we have been working hard trying to achieve this through that through engagement, telling stories and providing pandemic places on individuals and communities, it many strands of the Strategy, for example, through consideration of opportunities for being involved in how we understand also affects our mental health, wellbeing, educational the needs of local museums (page 30) and regional research frameworks the past. Going forward, it is clear we need to make attainment and employability, whether through the loss (page 16). it even more explicit how we, as archaeologists, of loved ones or struggles in dealing with isolation and contribute to society, economy and the environment, Ian Baxter, Heriot-Watt University, lockdowns, closure of schools, and an inability to meet as well as to the cultural life of Scotland. Andy Heald’s Chair of CHERF and network beyond virtual. presentation on Commercial Archaeology and the Andrew Heald, AOC Archaeology, A survey on wellbeing and heritage, commissioned by Construction Sector in Scotland to a CHERF workshop Chair of Scottish Strategic Archaeology Committee HES in 2019 before the pandemic, produced positive led to a publication on commercial archaeology and results, indicating that 86% of respondents reported a Covid-19, which in turn has enabled the sector to have Rebecca Jones, Historic Environment Scotland, health or wellbeing benefit from engagement with the wider conversations on the impact on development-led Head of Archaeology & World Heritage historic environment. archaeology and its relevance to future agendas. 6 7

Inverness Workshop. Delivering Professional Archaeology The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists

(CIfA) is pleased to announce the launch of Image © Jen Parker Wooding Working together the report for ‘Professional archaeology in to broaden the impact Scotland: structure, funding, and delivery’. The summary report includes an outline of the facilitated discussions which took place and public benefit over the course of three workshops which were set up as a forum for the archaeological of archaeology. In 2019, HES launched the Historic Environment Policy sector to discuss the structure, funding, Statement for Scotland (HEPS). This is a high-level and delivery of archaeological practice document, based on a broad cross-section of views in Scotland. received during the What’s Your Heritage? campaign in SETTING THE 2016/17. HES has a legacy of guidance and standards, The which needed to be updated and formalised under Workshops HEPS. HES’s legacy archaeology guidance is diverse

STANDARD Image © Rob Lennox Held in late 2019, the workshops supported and patchy, covering subjects as diverse as the archaeology of thatching, through to the Treatment the ‘Delivering Archaeology’ Aim of Scotland’s ONE OF THE CHALLENGING OBJECTIVES OF AIM of Human Remains in Archaeology operational Archaeology Strategy, and successfully 1 OF SCOTLAND’S ARCHAEOLOGY STRATEGY policy. This contrasts with the coherence of HES’s brought together over 70 professionals IS THE ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING STANDARDS conservation guidance, and this was recognised during from across Scotland representing 33 AND GUIDANCE FOR ARCHAEOLOGISTS the consultation phases of the Strategy in 2015. We organisations. WORKING IN SCOTLAND. propose to bring archaeology practitioner guidance Questions were posed for discussion that into HES’s Inform guide series, which provides building focused on the current set-up and practice As the professional body for archaeologists working conservation advice. These publications will nest under of professional archaeology in Scotland in the UK and overseas, the Chartered Institute for HEPS, and be put out for consultation. whilst encouraging ‘blue sky thinking’ and Archaeologists (CIfA) ensures that its members work Following the HES review of policy and liaising closely the exploration of different approaches. The to professional standards, and that the Standards with HES in the planned review of its guidance, CIfA are resulting discussions were broad, and the and guidance they have access to are specific to the reviewing existing guidance for archaeology, how it is feedback mixed with a few topics achieving country where they work. Members also promote used, promoted and how compliance is measured and some measure of consensus and others those standards to non-professional archaeologists, achieved. In 2019-20 CIfA undertook a wider review provoking more varied debate. community groups, developers and others. When of archaeology guidance in Scotland to identify issues looking for guidance on how to excavate different Going forward, CIfA (in partnership around use, promotion and compliance. This forms types of site, sample appropriately to answer research with the Scottish Strategic Archaeology part of a wider piece of work within CIfA arising from questions, choose the right remote-sensing method, Committee) will explore how to facilitate the Historic England funded 21st Century Challenges in however, there are more options. Archaeological regular sector-wide discussions to encourage Archaeology project which resulted in recommendations companies, professional bodies, estate managers further knowledge sharing and cross- to CIfA to rethink and reformat its own suite of and community groups all produce their own how-to sectoral collaboration and the twenty Standards and guidance. Preliminary work on this has guidance, so how do we ensure best practice, and recommendations of the report will feed into taken place, recognising the divergence in planning who sets the standard? a revised delivery plan for the Strategy. policy across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern It is important that one organisation sets professional and the need for nationally specific guidance Blue sky thinking at Jen Parker-Wooding, CifA UHI Workshop. standards, as CIfA does for archaeology in the UK. This across the four UK nations and elsewhere. ensures that archaeological investigation is undertaken At a regional level, ALGAO oversee the implementation Those committed to delivering the Strategy must ethically and to appropriate specifications, this prevents and adherence to national standards and guidance EQUALITY & ensure that: loss of significant knowledge about our past. In the within the commercial sector. The challenge often lies case of guidance, which is advice on how to approach DIVERSITY • All members of our archaeological community in translating overarching standards into real-world a situation, this can come from a variety of sources. and stakeholders are treated with fairness, dignity delivery, as there are issues that cannot be addressed STATEMENT It is vital that the advice is recognised as being high and respect. in high level documents. ALGAO continues to develop a quality, and that where multiple bodies are producing When we say “We want a Scotland where programme of working in partnership with HES and CIfA • We uphold and value ‘protected characteristics’ guidance, they reference and recognise each other. archaeology is for everyone” this means it will to review and revise their standards, while producing and so will not discriminate on grounds of, including Having an Archaeology Strategy which the whole be inclusive. Scotland’s archaeological heritage further detailed guidance which sits below these but not limited to: age, disability, marriage and sector has signed up to deliver presents us with an will reflect the past and present diversity of its documents. The most recent example is the production civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, opportunity to collaborate, share information and to population, and this will allow everyone who seeks of detailed guidance for the management of lithic religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or gender achieve consistency in the advice we give out. Historic to experience, enjoy, study or work in archaeology scatters, and ongoing work on defining ‘museum ready’ reassignment. Environment Scotland (HES), CIfA and the Association to find a place for themselves in its practice. for the deposition of assemblages which is discussed of Local Government Archaeological Officers (ALGAO) • We will challenge inequalities and remove barriers further on page 30. Scotland work together to identify and cross-promote to equality and diversity in archaeological activities. areas of guidance. Kirsty Owen, Historic Environment Scotland 8 9

Screengrab of the form for In entering deposit information. Depth

TECHNOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO COVID-19. ARCHAEOLOGY IN THE CLOUD AOC’s Greame Cavers delivers an online lecture as part of the Rhins Revealed project.

A screengrab of the form for reporting possible archaeological

features in the Images © AOC Whiteadder project area LiDAR data.

Covid-19 has imposed new requirements on field practice as well, and technological approaches have helped to overcome some of these: on our live excavations for the High Speed 2 rail construction, field supervisors and project officers are using a newly-designed data management app for tablets and phones, allowing site operatives to contribute to digital registers from mobile devices, negating the need Using an iPad in the field to for shared paper files. The app feeds data to a feed site data into a centralised register. centralised register, allowing managers and post- excavation staff to carry out quality assurance and consistency checks, at the same time as LIKE ALL SECTORS, THE HERITAGE Adapting our practice facilitating coordinated data management across contributions by local artists, historians, place- PROFESSION HAS HAD TO REACT QUICKLY At AOC Archaeology Group, as part of our the excavators on site. name researchers and story tellers. An interactive TO THE NEW WORKING ARRANGEMENTS Covid-19 response plan we increased the web map designed for that project allows the Expanding outreach IMPOSED BY COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS. use of cloud-based IT platforms for routine opportunity for public participation – from management of office services to the Many of our outreach, education and training home – in a ‘citizen science’ initiative based management of field deployments and quality initiatives moved online during lockdown, on the analysis of new high-resolution LiDAR Archaeologists are used to working remotely, assurance of data. Our survey data management public archaeology on site was impossible, for the Lammermuirs; to date over 200 new often from the field, so as a profession were services are now handled through syncing of live and uncertainty over future arrangements archaeological features have been reported perhaps better placed to adapt to being away projects to cloud storage, so managers working made planning site works over the summer by volunteers through that portal. from our desks. The requirement to stay away from home can quality assure data, monitor impossible. In response, we designed online from offices placed a strain on IT support as As always, archaeology continues to mature progress and return edited working drawings to seminars and lectures, delivered to community remote access to servers and the management rapidly as a profession and while Covid-19 teams in the field. Making use of dedicated team- projects in the Rhins of , the Whithorn of large datasets from home and the field presents us with many unwelcome challenges, management solutions like ESRI’s Workforce Northumbrian church project and for community became necessary. We were also prompted to we continually look to move forward and make platform means managers and team leaders lecture series like that hosted by the North of take the opportunity to fast-track our ongoing use of new ways of working, wherever these can exchange progress reports and track live Scotland Archaeology Society. The Whiteadder development work in digital recording, team and improve the quality and efficiency of projects in the field, exchanging updated project Project, managed in collaboration with Scottish data management. our archaeology projects. plans and the latest safety information without Borders and East Lothian Councils, hosted a returning to the office. weekend festival of archaeology talks alongside Graeme Cavers, AOC Archaeology Group 10 11

Tram excavation in Constitution Street, Edinburgh, July 2020. In Depth © City of Edinburgh Council/GUARD

Detail of bone recovered on Constitution Street, showing bone deformation caused by infection.

As an integral part of the project’s management Communicating results team, CECAS have worked with the project’s main Forensic analysis of these burials will add to the results contractors SFN, Morrison Utilities Services (MUS) contained in the 2019 publication by CEC Past Lives and archaeological contractors GUARD Archaeology, of Leith. This is the largest such study of medieval to finalise the mitigation and design and work towards inhabitants from Edinburgh, providing a nationally delivery. Archaeological excavations commenced important look at the lives of the inhabitants of Leith and in Constitution Street in November 2019, but work Edinburgh between the 14th and 17th century, examining stopped on site between late March and June 2020 not only their health and diet but also information about due to Covid-19. Sensitivity to archaeology and their movement/origins and occupational health. heritage has been a key consideration through Given the high visibility and public interest in the project construction mitigation as well as interpretation we decided to undertake the work in public and engage and engagement workstreams. with them throughout. The lockdown let the project The site use imaginative ways of engaging with the public, local An important part of the project is the down-taking community, schools and groups. We have introduced and rebuilding of the A-listed, South Leith Parish a regular Youtube video log of the excavations (which Kirk’s Graveyard Wall on Constitution Street and the is promoted via our social media, newsletter and excavation of an estimated 200 burials underlying the website platforms. We are adapting the Heritage wall and external footpath. These remains form part of Heroes programme to accommodate schools, having a graveyard discovered and excavated in 2008 as part produced several online activities including virtual site of the original phase of the Edinburgh Tram Project. It visits, presentations and video banking key activities CITY OF EDINBURGH was revealed that these ‘new’ burials extended across throughout the archaeological works which can be Constitution Street beyond the current graveyard. utilised and shared with the local community. Dating of these burials determined a graveyard was COUNCIL ARCHAEOLOGY Promoting innovation and skills established c.1300 on the site of St Mary’s Parish Church, The project includes the creation and funding of a over 150 years earlier than its foundation in 1483. This SERVICE (CECAS): TRAMS year-long Archaeological Traineeship, the first of its older phase of burials stopped around 1650. type in Scotland. Based within the MUS’s archaeological TO NEWHAVEN PROJECT By early September around 140 burials had been contractors GUARD Archaeology, it was designed exhumed ranging from adults to a possible new-born with the help of CIFA, as an opportunity for a non- A COMPLEX £200M+, FOUR-YEAR baby. Interesting pathology has been observed including archaeological graduate to acquire the appropriate PROJECT CONNECTING EDINBURGH’S an adult with a fused hip and another individual with a training (NVQ, CSCS, PCIfA accreditation) for entry to NEW TOWN WITH ITS HISTORIC large bone growth on their ankle (see image) possibly our profession. Interviews were held in January 2020, MEDIEVAL PORTS AT LEITH AND from an old injury or infection caused by an open sore. and the successful candidate was welcomed on site NEWHAVEN WAS APPROVED. in July after the resumption of works.

John Lawson, City of Edinburgh Council 12 13

THE HILLFORTS PKHT adopted a ‘citizen science’ approach, involving the Here, radiocarbon dates showed that it was use in the A well-preserved cattle phalanx recovered from the local community in the archaeological exploration of these second half of the first century BC, placing it firmly fort’s cistern/well was dated to sometime during the OF THE TAY prominent sites, and working with AOC Archaeology Group, within the Iron Age and pushing forward the narrative fourth to second centuries BC, suggesting an episode of undertook six seasons of excavation over four years. around these features on other sites. Excavation of deposition during this time, and neatly demonstrating a roundhouse at the north-east corner of the hilltop the significance of retaining and caring for the material Hilltop forts revealed charred timbers and burnt deposits indicated remains of our past Moncreiffe Hill boasts twin summits, with a hillfort on each. FROM 2014 TO 2018, that the building was destroyed by fire. Moncreiffe Hillfort occupies the lower summit. The site was All three sites yielded everyday artefacts typical of Iron HERITAGE TRUST (PKHT) LED FIELDWORK unexcavated; the outline of its ramparts was indistinct, and Retracing trenches of the past Age hillforts – pottery, stone tools, spindle whorls – but ON THREE HILLFORTS IN PERTHSHIRE its date disputed. Excavation revealed at least four ramparts, Castle Law was excavated in the 1890s by David Moredun Top delivered some truly illuminating finds AS PART OF THE TAY LANDSCAPE and an impressive entrance on the western side. Radiocarbon Christison and Joseph Anderson. Their trenches were left including a copper-alloy bird-headed pin, a masterpiece PARTNERSHIP (TAY LP). THE HILLFORTS dating indicates the fort was built and used between around open on completion so Tay LP’s excavations targeted of early dating to the third century BC. OF MOREDUN TOP AND MONCREIFFE 700 BC and 250 BC, during the Iron Age. these areas to identify their level of preservation, and HILL, NEAR PERTH, AND CASTLE LAW, Excavation of three hillforts as part of one project explored other untouched areas of the interior. NEAR ABERNETHY, ARE WELL-KNOWN The fort on Moredun Top has been recognised for centuries. helps create a ‘big picture’ story. The area was heavily LANDMARKS BUT THEIR CULTURAL Ramparts enclose the summit and lower slopes, with further The ramparts had deteriorated since the earlier occupied during the Iron Age, with each site yielding VALUE TO THE LOCAL LANDSCAPE enclosures lower down. The highest point is occupied by excavations, but it was evident that their construction evidence for more than one episode of construction. WAS UNTAPPED. a large ring-shaped feature 55m in diameter, which mirrored the style of the citadel walls at Moredun Re-modelling of the banks, walls and ditches suggests proved to be formed of 5m wide timber-laced Top. Within the interior, a charcoal-stained occupation use over an extended time, probably over several ramparts. Similar features on other hillforts are deposit was discovered over the natural bedrock. generations. These impressive edifices were visible for AOC’s Dawn McLaren often referred to as ‘citadels’ and are thought However, none of the relevant contexts was deemed miles around, testament to the power and influence held (standing) with volunteers

at Moredun Top. to be early medieval in date. secure enough for radiocarbon dating so we turned by those who lived in – or visited – them. All photos © AOC/PKHD unless otherwise stated to the site assemblage from work in the 1890s, held by National Museums Scotland. 14 15

Castle Law during excavation.

Telling the story The Hillforts of the Tay were the most popular volunteering opportunity within the Tay LP © K. Ward

© Chris Mitchell scheme, equating to over 1,500 person days in total. Broadening engagement was key to Tay LP’s aims, and participation in the excavations was not the only access point: the education team delivered learning with local primary schools; Moncreiffe Hillfort was recreated in Minecraft; outreach events in central Perth brought archaeology onto the high street and before new audiences; and a night-time torchlit procession up Moncreiffe Hill with virtual reality photo-sphere stations offered an extraordinary, immersive experience. Results from the project have been collated into a booklet, The Hillforts of the Tay, and distributed The ‘citadel’ rampart exposed free to volunteers as a gesture of thanks for their on Moredun Top. The short contribution. Hard copies will be obtainable from modern timber struts mark the voids which have been PKHT and AOC going forwards, and a digital left by a decayed ancient copy available online, making this new research timber framework. discoverable and accessible to all for a small fee.

David Strachan, Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, A bit of rain didn’t dampen Moredun: Interpretative and Charlotte Douglas, AOC Archaeology Group spirits at Moredun Top. reconstruction illustration showing how the hillfort at Moredun Top may have looked in the second half Some of of the first century BC. the team on Moredun Top in 2017. © George Logan 16 17

Signposting the way to the The rich archaeological remains of a Viking Longhouse landscape of Shetland. at Underhoull, Unst. Increasing knowledge, understanding and All images © ScARF interpretation of the past. ENHANCING

UNDERSTANDING THE SCOTTISH Delivering Scotland’s research frameworks The week included trips across the Islands to visit ARCHAEOLOGICAL We now have five frameworks either complete or in a key sites, including Mousa broch, the axe RESEARCH FRAMEWORK progress with plans for two more now scheduled for factory sites in North Roe and the Viking/Norse sites (SCARF) PROJECT HAS 2022. Our ambition is to cover the country with regional on Unst. The sessions were arranged by themes CONTINUED TO UPDATE THE frameworks by 2026. including ‘Connections and Insularity’ and ‘Economy NATIONAL SCARF OF 2012, and Subsistence’, as well as by chronology. The notes Coming soon! WITH A SERIES OF DETAILED and recordings from these sessions along with data Our Archaeological Research Framework REGIONAL FRAMEWORKS. compiled as part of the project from the local HER, (HighARF) is due to be launched in 2021. Over the past literature reviews and other sources will be used to year Archaeology for Communities in the Highlands create the new framework. Plans are being made for (ARCH) have worked with local communities, museums our final symposium in – now scheduled for 2021. and archaeologists to combine the data gathered and create the first drafts of a framework. Work is also As well as working on our new frameworks and our continuing on the Perth and Kinross Framework – which website, we continue to support student events and due to Covid-19 is now due to be finished by the end of early career researchers with our student/Early Career 2021. The ‘Priorities in Progress’ Conference was held Research bursary scheme. in Perth in 2019 with a mixture of talks and break-out We have continued our series of successful research sessions to discuss the region’s rich archaeology and and museum skills workshops and hope to bring you future research priorities. Base data for the region has more events in the next year. been gathered from many sources and the first draft summaries are being written. As the current projects head into their final year we will be opening the draft frameworks and research questions Progress in the islands for consultation. Keep an eye on our new ScARF website The Scotland’s Islands Research Framework for for more information. Archaeology (SIRFA) has concentrated on Shetland in 2020. Following a successful symposium in the Western Helen Spencer, Isles in January 2019, the second symposium was in Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Lerwick, Shetland in September.

A replica Viking longhouse and Gokstad ship at Haroldswick, Unst. 18 19

This image and right: Julie Bond and Colleen Batey leading the fieldtrip to the Viking and Norse

Longhouse sites at All images © ScARF Underhoull, Unst.

Sunlight and sea Neolithic Axe reflecting on the Factory, North Roe, interior of Mousa Shetland. Broch.

A tour of Old Scatness, led by Steve Dockrill.

Re-enactors provide some colour at the Perth and Kinross Archaeological Research Framework Priorities in Crossing the water to visit Progress conference. the Isle of Mousa and Mousa Broch.

SIRFA delegates heading across the rocky landscape of North Roe to visit the sites of Neolithic hand-axe factories. 20 21

Orsoyla Czere explains what Scottish Archaeological national, thematic and regional frameworks – but remains are also archaeological research frameworks from across suitable for In scientific Research Framework the UK. New technology will link the website to OASIS Depth analysis. Images © ScARF Website Launch and Discovery and Excavation in Scotland reports – as new discoveries are made, some research questions After much work the Scottish Archaeological might be answered, and some new questions posed. Research Framework launched the new ScARF A sample The aim is to create an inclusive, contemporary and website in May. extracted for useful resource that people will use and return to DNA analysis. New and improved regularly. The ScARF team are always on the look-out While the basic structure and original content remains for current research to highlight and new case studies familiar, the new and improved website is easier to to feature. If you would like to contribute research navigate - featuring eye-catching landing pages, links or a case study to add to our research frameworks, to relevant content and case studies, and improved we would like to hear from you. imagery showcasing archaeological research in Helen Spencer, ScARF Scotland. The website will be regularly updated The new with fresh content, including news posts, blogs, homepage. student reports, a ‘case study of the month’ feature to bring engaging original content back to the fore and new case studies to highlight exciting current

Faunal research. The new format enables the website to host remains from databases, new thematic frameworks and to become archaeological contexts. the gateway to the regional research frameworks as they are launched.

We’ve only just begun These changes are just the beginning, future improvements will include an improved search facility that will enable users to not only search the ScARF

Older titles that are no longer Unlocking Scotland’s available for purchase in print are released under a Creative Participants were guided through millennia of pottery Archaeology Scholarship Commons licence, which means styles by Beverly Ballin Smith. that they are free to download and read worldwide. ‘A commitment to scholarly Taking this principle as one of To find the first three releases work carries with it a responsibility its main goals, the Society of visit our website. to circulate that work as widely as Antiquaries of Scotland partnered possible,’ wrote John Willinsky, a with Edinburgh University Library While print books about excavations ScARF Skills Workshops leading advocate for open access and Historic Environment Scotland at major sites in Scotland stay at the Specimens of human remains were shown by research literature. to launch a platform for open access heart of our publishing programme, At the beginning of 2020 we were delighted to Cat Irving from Surgeons’ Hall Museums to illustrate e-books in 2019. we are focused on making research work with the Highland Archaeological Research the visibility of malnourishment and disease and and learning about Scotland’s past Framework and Museum to organise how bones change over the course of a life. available to all. The e-book platform a series of ScARF Skills Workshops. In February, a prehistoric pottery identification lets us reach a wider readership Collaborating with museums and experts, these free workshop delivered by Beverly Ballin Smith and provides us with user-friendly to attend one-day events are open to anyone with guided participants through 4,000 years of means to make peer-reviewed an interest in museum collections and archaeological prehistoric pottery typology! Newly acquired research freely available, so that research in Scotland. pottery identification skills were tested as participants this knowledge can be built on by future scholarship. Hands on learning viewed a range of pottery sherds and vessels, The first workshop in January introduced including examples Beverley is currently working on, As we grow the selection, we zooarchaeology and osteoarchaeology methods and a selection from the Inverness Museum collection. are also getting ready for the and theory. A hands-on animal bone session Both workshops were full and attended by a diverse ext step: to start publishing brand delivered by Karen Kennedy allowed participants to range of participants including heritage professionals, new titles in open access. Watch handle an archaeological assemblage and complete archaeologists, local archaeology society members, this space for more free e-books a faunal analysis task, followed by an overview of and students. We look forward to being able to offer coming soon. cutting-edge scientific methods by Orsoyla Czére more ScARF Skills Workshops in the future. of University – who also gave an update Adela Rauchova, on her own isotopic research. Helen Spencer, ScARF Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 22 23

From bottom left: Cardboard castle. Learn from home banner. In These records will all be linked We visited local museums to Make your own horse. Depth to the National Record of the help with questionnaires, held Historic Environment. public workshops on using and contributing to the HER, Project Coordinator Susan Kruse and gave talks to local Highland Regional has consulted widely, focussing organisations and conferences Scottish Archaeological on gathering information about about Highland Archaeology Research Framework archaeological finds. The HER and and the ScARF project. Volunteers CANMORE are good for site and This project is one of four, were recruited to help with building records but not for object designed to provide an improved cataloguing at Inverness Museum information. The Highlands have and up to date regional overview. and Art Gallery, have processed over 50 museums, heritage centres 4,000 objects. They inventoried It will assess the differences and and archives. The museums were and photographed Dunrobin similarities from the National canvassed to see what they held, Castle Museum. Skills workshops ScARF, and what research particularly diagnostic artefacts. were held for museum staff, questions and recommendations Catalogues from other museums volunteers and others on pottery, should be highlighted. In Highland, with large holdings of Highland lithic and bone identification. it is led by Archaeology for objects were searched, and in Just before lockdown, a museums Communities in the Highlands some cases visited this information day was organised, providing (ARCH) and tries to involve is being added to the HER. a wide number of people and a chance to share information organisations. The search for finds has also about their holdings, and focus highlighted the need to track finds on common issues. Connecting to the mains from discovery to allocation in The material gathered is being It began in June 2018 with a two- a museum or disclaiming from put in draft chapters to go to day symposium on periods and Treasure Trove. Often it is difficult consultation in autumn 2020. themes. It became clear that there to determine whether post- The aim is to provide a document was a need for data gathering and excavation analysis has occurred, accessible to all, pulling together cleansing. The Highland Historic or where objects and reports ended the rich heritage in the Highlands, Environment Record (HER) is used up. This is critical to know for and suggesting topics for further to underpin the project, and Project future research. Promoting Online Officer Grace Woolmer has worked investigation. Successful external promotion like inclusion on the Engaging the community for two years, adding new data, Susan Kruse, BBC Learning in Lockdown home page, Developing The project offered an opportunity rationalising existing information Archaeology for Communities the Young Workforce Teachers Market Place to engage with the public to and compiling an inventory of in the Highlands and Education Scotland e-newsletters and via radiocarbon dates and human encourage them to record local #LearningWithHES and #ScranLife helped the remains. heritage. content reach our target audience.

Pottery and This was followed by the creation of virtual end of bone workshop. term visits to Edinburgh and Stirling Castles and Summer Play and Learn, a holiday programme encouraging families to play with the past by trying out different medieval jobs. This offered added value © Michael Sharpe. Learn at Home for the re-opening of our sites through opportunities to engage with specific HES content pre and post-visit. Recently we’ve been working to enhance the digital element of our Learning and Inclusion offer to better Archaeology Gets Results support educators and share and promote our work. Archaeology themed material is present throughout covering everything from the Go-Roman virtual This resulted in the creation of exciting new co- game to a series of fieldwork blogs. We’ve supported designed digital content ranging from the popular the sector and linked to other resources including Craft Knight Videos to project outputs on the HES Archaeology Scotland’s Resources Portal and YouTube Channel Learn Playlist. Our response to Forestry and Land Scotland’s The First Foresters. the Covid-19 lockdown accelerated this process. Uptake has been good with over 5,000 views Behind the Scenes and downloads and we’ve learned a lot during We collaborated with the HES Digital Team to create the process. The next stage will see us create an Learn at Home within three weeks of lockdown, this accessible and engaging new learning resources involved coordination, development, content creation area on the HES website to suit the changed needs and promotion of new themed webpages. The of learners and practitioners. team curated over 100 existing resources within the organisation and created over 30 new resources and Craig Fletcher,

© XXXXXXXXXXX bespoke sections on subjects such as heritage careers. Historic Environment Scotland Images © HES 24 25

Hilton of Cadboll Replica on site. Stone-built circular Combined LiDAR and aerial sheepfold: the most common photographic data, showing © HES type in the Lammermuirs. locations of some sheepfolds in Hilton of Cadboll including outreach with the local the Lammermuirs. Community and school and fundraising activities such as the 2019 in the Park. News © David Connolly Monument HES and HHT planned a project stories to start in April 2020 but it was In 2019 Historic Environment postponed due to Covid-19. A Scotland was approached by geophysical survey of the entire Historic Hilton Trust to develop a site was intended, involving local project around the carved stone school pupils, to be followed up and chapel site in – with small scale investigations. Scotland’s sheep-herding heritage was the original stone is on display in New Ways of Working: Working with the HES Learning the focus of a project which mapped the the National Museum of Scotland. Archaeology on Furlough and Inclusion Team the project sheepfolds of the Lammermuir Hills. The The site, which is an HES Property hopes to develop its Junior Guide When Covid-19 forced the UK into team searched aerial photographs, LiDAR in Care, is owned by the HHT, scheme with local children. lockdown in 2020, Rob Wiseman data and old maps to identify sites. They who also look after the base of the set up Archaeology on Furlough to catalogued 860 sheepfolds, documenting At the heart of it is engagement with following provide online volunteer projects for twenty different types. Most of these were the local community as they value its excavation in 2001. There is archaeologists unable to work. simple circular sheepfolds built of turf the site highly and want to see it a strong interest in archaeology or stone (above left), but others involved better understood and appreciated. Over 120 volunteered in the first week and history amongst the local more complex arrangements with multiple the projects went live in mid-April. Most community, who have a deep Stefan Sagrott, enclosures. The team identified sheep projects involved collating then analysing connection with the site Initiatives Historic Environment Scotland dips, stells, shelters and other sheep- excavation data from online archives. handling structures. GIS was used to Targets included burials, , temples, analyse sites (above right), and sheep- and planting trenches. Other projects had Crown © Scottish Government, SEPA and Fugro (2020); aerial photographs: courtesy Ordnance Survey BY TAGGING YOUR related place names in the area were a practical bent, like reviewing options for #SCOTARCHSTRAT CONTENT WITH explored. Results have been passed to digital recording on archaeological sites. the local Historic Environment Record. #SCOTARCHSTRAT East Lothian We created an online digital heritage who have agreed to be involved YOU CAN JOIN Contributing to the record For best results festival; with events such as walks so far, we are hopeful of a good level A NATIONAL Contributions to Scotland’s archaeology The final project database, digital report, Heritage and talks largely being provided of participation. CONVERSATION included recording 49 Saxon buildings, and outputs from the other ten projects, Festival Online (as with the traditional Fortnight) by While this has been a challenge ABOUT HOW such as halls, houses and sunken will be available via the programme our wonderful community of heritage Due to the Covid-19 pandemic to organise, and a steep learning SCOTLAND’S feature buildings. The team recording website They will be permanently archived enthusiasts. These events would be it was clear that East Lothian curve, we are hopeful that once we ARCHAEOLOGY aurochs bones in Britain identified 45 for public access in the University of hosted by the Archaeology Service Council Archaeology Service could are able to host physical events STRATEGY sites in Scotland with remains of these Cambridge’s Apollo repository. on our YouTube channel. not host its annual East Lothian IS MAKING prehistoric cattle. again, the inclusion of digital events Rob Wiseman, CAiS ARCHAEOLOGY Archaeology and Local History Double down on the digital will enable us to offer an expanded MATTER. Fortnight in as normal. We hoped to get 15 or so events and enhanced East Lothian online during the first two weeks Archaeology and Local History The Fortnight, started in 2002, in September. However, at the time fortnight in the future. had over 5,300 attendees at over of writing we have over 60 which is 50 events in 2019, so despite Andrew Robertson, both exciting and terrifying at the the current circumstances, East Lothian Council same time! What the actual level or OUT & ABOUT we knew it was important to nature of engagement with the online continue engagement and public found a skeleton and coffin festival will be remains to be seen but Partnership working is the discovery and treatment of maintain a presence in some form. eroding onto the beach at Bridge of judging by the enthusiasm of those with archaeological human remains. Don, Aberdeen. HES run a human When remains are first discovered Part of Local Authority remains and emergency excavation and reported to the police, the police East Lothian Heritage archaeologists’ work includes call-off contract, and local authority Festival Big Dig. usually use the Virtual Anthropology liaising with Police Scotland during archaeologists can request its Consultancy Service at the discovery of archaeological assistance. The Archaeology Service University to identify whether the human remains. and HES will work together on these bones are human and therefore likely cases. The eroding skeleton at Bridge Over the last year to be of interest. of Don made use of the HES call-off, Council Archaeology Service has Dundee then advise as to whether and this led to the excavation and responded to five requests by the police should contact the local recovery of the remaining bones. Police Scotland for assistance in authority archaeologist. Analysis is ongoing but the remains providing expert advice on newly are of a woman who died nearly discovered skeletal remains. ALGAO Case in point 300 years ago, though why she was Scotland are part of the Scottish One recent case at Robert Gordon’s interred in this particular location is Heritage Crime Group, along with University in Aberdeen involved currently unknown. Historic Environment Scotland a utility contractor uncovering (HES), Treasure Trove and others, part of a medieval burial, while Bruce Mann, Archaeologist,

and part of the remit of this group in another case, members of the Aberdeenshire Council © East Lothian Council 26 27

The Peebles Hoard The road ahead Although the Treasure Trove process has only News On 21st June 2020, metal detectorist Mariusz just begun, it is clear this is an incredibly significant stories Ste˛pie´n reported a number of Late hoard, demonstrating the connections between artefacts, including horse harness fittings, the area of Peebles with the rest of Britain and to the Treasure Trove Unit (TTU). the Continent. We look forward to seeing what Images © Cameron Archaeology more is revealed in the coming months. Within days the TTU, supported by National Museums Scotland, attended the site near Peebles to investigate. Emily Freeman, Mesolithic Deeside Mariusz got a strong signal and stopped digging when Treasure Trove Unit fieldwalking and a volunteer with he realised this was no ordinary find. What he found a flint tool. was a Late Bronze Age horse harness, cart fittings and a sword. “Every stroke Mesolithic Deeside The lockdown allowed volunteers to develop of the brush Lockdown Channel skills in online meetings, courses and talks, Swing into action revealed leather particularly in presenting their research projects. Excavation was challenging due to stony soil and and wood.” stormy weather, but we were armed with a tent and Community volunteers have been active for many Heart and soul of the project steely determination. The preservation of the bronze years, undertaking fieldwalking to collect and map Professional talks include Caroline Wickham-Jones on lithics along the river Dee in Aberdeenshire. artefacts in the ground was good, but we hadn’t the Mesolithic in Scotland and Experimental Archaeology, anticipated how well the organic material had been We carry out test pitting supervised by a professional Chantal Conneller on why there are so few Mesolithic preserved. Every stroke of the brush revealed leather archaeologist with local communities and schools. burials in Scotland and where we might look for them and wood, we could trace the remains of leather This work is part of a bigger project investigating and Michael Stratigos about lost lochs on Deeside. The straps, decorated with tiny bronze studs, linking early prehistoric settlements along the Dee valley, volunteers and members of our social media community the bronze harness fittings. in collaboration with the Universities of Aberdeen, have many questions – one of the main ones being ‘When St Andrews, Stirling and Aberdeenshire Council will we be able to get out fieldwalking and test-pitting The artefacts are intertwined and coupled with the Archaeological Service. again?’ We are not sure of the answer but the Lockdown preserved organics, it was clear that the hoard should Channel has kept minds busy and we hope they be block lifted. After consulting with conservators, soil Upskilled volunteers are ready for all the was removed from around the deposit and the block During lockdown we created a YouTube Channel walking this winter! was securely wrapped. Wooden slats were inserted with talks by volunteers, students and professionals under the hoard and fastened to a bespoke wooden Alison Cameron, on subjects relating mainly to the Mesolithic and box, built by the finder in the field. We all held our Cameron Aberdeenshire. They include a demonstration of breath as it was successfully lifted and transported Two harness fittings and Archaeology two decorative ornaments nettle cordage manufacture, a chat about fieldwalking to the National Museums Collection Centre. recovered by Mariusz Ste˛pie´n. flints and fashions, Mesolithic plant use and 3D photography by keen Mesolithic Deeside volunteers. A volunteer with a flint.

Parliamentary Reception resources, including the artefact investigation kits. Archaeology Scotland’s A special part of the evening Parliamentary Reception, was the handing out of ‘Making Archaeology Matter’, Heritage Hero Awards to marked the organisation’s young people, including 75th anniversary and saw the the first ever Gold Award. launch of the ‘Archaeological The real highlight, however, Learning’ report. was hearing from young The report highlights how and people about how engaging why archaeology is important, with archaeology has had showcasing its suitability, positive benefits to their lives as a multi-disciplinary subject, and aspirations for the future. to deliver the Curriculum The event was kindly for Excellence. Guests could sponsored by Musselburgh find out about Archaeology MSP, Colin Beattie. Scotland’s projects and explore our many learning Archaeology Scotland View of some of the in situ finds, including the top of a decorative Matthew Knight from ornament and ring. The netting was NMS excavating the used to try and secure the organic © Cameron Archaeology hoard. material on the sword before lifting. #SCOTARCHSTRAT Images © Crown Copyright 28 29

Reconnecting with A75 Dunragit bypass and more recent pottery. Other materials the community archaeology excavations recovered included cremated human bone, animal bone, and wood samples. As lockdown began, daily outdoor exercise From mid 2012 to early 2014, Guard Disseminating the results during Covid-19 was promoted. Archaeology for Transport Scotland undertook extensive investigations along the With all specialist analysis complete, At first, there was no restriction on how far people the results have exceeded expectations. © Shetland Amenity Trust A75 Dunragit Bypass, . could travel. The local paper was rather short

Throughout the post-excavation programme Images © GUARD Archaeology of news, so “Off the Beaten Track” was born, These revealed prehistoric remains that the results of the analysis were available a series of articles about walks which took in have significantly added to our knowledge in a series of blogs and prior to the archaeological sites. As the rules changed they of prehistoric settlements and activities in outbreak through classroom presentations. were accommodated, by suggesting visits to places southwest Scotland. A series of archaeological Alternative outreach such as webinars and all over Shetland. There has been an article on sites were unearthed spanning eight further blogs are being considered. Both a full page of the Shetland Times for the past millennia, along with many spectacular the popular publication and monograph 18 weeks as they have less adverts. In addition, artefacts with remarkable stories to tell. are to be published later in 2020/21 and Shetland Amenity Trust is posting them as a series Post-excavation analysis will be available online. The results will of blogs, which endeavour to showcase a different shed new light not only on the prehistoric In 2018, following a public procurement type of site each week. archaeology of southwest Scotland but competition, Transport Scotland the country as a whole. The response has been incredible, and I have commissioned Guard Archaeology to Above: Eastshore Broch looking towards found a rich seam of information. Since the first undertake the post-excavation analyses Transport Scotland Sumburgh Head. article, I have received emails, phone calls and and dating to bring the results of this From top: Left: A near mail from people all over Shetland, ranging in work to publication and public access. Priesthoulland, Jet spacer-plate necklace from an Early Eshaness. age from 9 to 90. These have been a mixture This is a considerable undertaking given Bronze Age grave at East Challoch Farm. of questions and reports about other sites – the enormous amount of material recovered Romano-British Brooch from an either from the area I wrote about or other sites during the investigations, generating Iron Age settlement at Myrtle Cottage. which might be similar. Lockdown has offered new information spanning 7,000 years of Large Bronze Age urn. the opportunity to develop new community prehistory. These results have contributed Bronze Age food vessel under excavation. connections and the Shetland Times is planning to our understanding of how the wider West to publish these walks as a book this winter. climate and local environment have changed Challoch over that time. Some of the latest scientific Mesolithic Val Turner, Shetland Amenity Trust site under techniques were used to provide additional excavation. information about the prehistoric people of Dunragit. A broad range of material culture Engaging Stirlingshire was recovered including jet jewellery, lithic debitage and tools, coarse stone tools, As we all know public I felt I could do more, querns, metal objects, glass and prehistoric engagement is essential, so with Bannockburn people have the right House I organised a series to know what we do of free Zoom lectures on Whiteadder: to identify ‘new’ archaeological broadcast on an accessible on their behalf. Stirling’s history. discovering the sites; a series of excavations at Facebook hub. This proved monuments including prehistoric immensely successful and can I write a regular newsletter The topics were wide- historic heart of dykes, and a Medieval be viewed repeatedly, unlike an for the people of Stirling ranging and included: the Lammermuirs sheepcote; talks, walks and schools unrecorded event which becomes promoting lectures and Where exactly was the 2020 saw the continuation and visits; artistic interpretations; and only a memory. Work continues to events which include several Battle of Bannockburn? development of this project in a project website and online atlas complete the project during 2020, free digs a year. These are Why did the Scots win at ways we hadn’t originally planned. for the afterlife of the project. so watch this virtual space! small scale, normally two to Stirling Bridge? Scotland’s Archaeologists in Scottish Borders three days, we try to answer Vitrified Forts: a burning Adapting to 2020 Keith Elliott, and East Lothian Councils secured a specific question, costs Issue; Roman Around Then lockdown postponed Scottish Borders Council funding from the Leader European fieldwork, but the project are low, people get a taste Stirling; Scotland’s Most Whiteadder Development Fund and Fallago of archaeology, meet new Important Archaeological continued. An online festival project Environmental Fund to augment website. people and most importantly Site: The Sheriffmuir celebrating George Henderson, developer contributions to have fun! Lockdown stopped Atlantic Wall Replica; a noted local 19th century doctor explore this predominantly this so I felt I should try to Royal Stirling and many and collector of folklore, was upland area in southeast Scotland. keep connected with people, more. The lectures were organised for a May Bank Holiday. many of whom might be recorded and can be found The Project Whilst the original programme lonely or isolated so I started on Bannockburn House’s Launched in 2019 and carried out had been for a celebratory event, compiling a weekly email YouTube Channel. by AOC Archaeology and CMC digital content – pictures, music highlighting a story from Associates, the project had several and songs, oral history recordings, If you would like to join the Scotland’s past, with elements planned – including poetry and archaeological talks mailing list please email me. poetry I love, free online the hosting of LiDAR data on a – were gathered from a range resources and jokes… Murray Cook, A view to the past, the website for members of the public of contributors, recorded and Atlantic Wall Replica, very, very bad ones. Stirling Council Sheriffmuir. © Murray Cook 30 31

Calling Time on And since the Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020, we have seen what © Tom Ryan Heritage Crime we have termed ‘Coronacrime’ what Heritage crime is any criminal appear to be opportunistic heritage activity which harms a heritage crimes and general anti-social asset. It includes historic places behaviour. (buildings, monuments, shipwrecks) Coronacrime and associated artefacts which can We have received 6 reports of be damaged or stolen. illegal metal detecting at scheduled But there are other costs, as monuments. Reports of camping resources are diverted from at scheduled monuments where conservation and maintenance damage can be caused by campfires, work on historic sites and there vehicle tracks, digging or using tent is a negative impact on local pegs have been investigated. We communities. We need to prevent have had many reports of graffiti, crimes happening in the first digging at Calanais, an attempted Examining a Neolithic place for everyone to benefit. break-in at Dunnottar Castle and carved stone ball from a grave slab at Restenneth Priory Sheriffmuir, recently Working in partnership acquired by Perth being moved. Museums with the Our Casework Team have a key help of the Perthishire role in the investigation and We intend to continue working Society for Natural with partners to highlight and Science. enforcement of heritage crimes that affect scheduled monuments investigate heritage crime to ensure as they are legally protected. Last the historic environment is looked Ensuring evidence of year, the Scottish Heritage Crime after, protected and managed for Group was set up to support the future generations. our past is valued and work of the Scottish Partnership You can help by reporting incidents Against Rural Crime (SPARC), to Police Scotland on 101 or cared for sustainably. and this has enabled us to work Crimestoppers anonymously on more closely with Police Scotland 0800 555 111 or online. and local communities to raise awareness of the impacts of Nicki Hall, CARING AND heritage crime and how we can Historic Environment Scotland work together to tackle it. Above: HES metal detecting guidance. Despite these efforts, heritage Below from left: Damage to door at PROTECTING Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire. crimes persist. In 2019-20 Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire. we investigated 160 reports Right: Restenneth Priory, , Angus. Caring and protecting This group have undertaken a survey of of unauthorised works on Above right: Unauthorised movement Despite the challenges set by Covid-19, museums, commercial companies, and scheduled monuments. of grave slab at Restenneth Priory. Aim 3 continues to go from strength universities looking at the current issues to strength. Recent developments faced in ensuring an assemblage Images © HES include new guidance documents for the is ‘museum ready’. Amongst the Management of Lithic Scatters in Scotland problems highlighted is the lack of a and for sector partnership working with detailed, standard approach which is now Transport Scotland, a report detailing being addressed through the ongoing the impact archaeology has within the development of a new guidance document. planning system. Further working groups have been established considering whether a fee Before the Museum can be introduced for depositing Significant is progress being made on assemblages, and for the creation of the recommendations from a workshop templates for use with archaeological in May 2019 which sought to improve collections. the state of archaeological assemblages being deposited in museums. Earlier this While the significant impacts of Covid-19 year a ‘Before the Museum Project’ group on key parts of the sector, such as was established, led by the Association of museums, cannot be ignored, it is Local Government Archaeologists Scotland encouraging that solutions to long- and the National Museums Scotland, term issues are being implemented. and consisting of representatives from Bruce Mann, Association of Local museums, local authorities, HES, and Government Archaeological Officers the Treasure Trove Unit. Image courtesy of The Dunnottar Estate 32 33

In Depth

Results to date have included increased local knowledge The A9 Dualling Project from the public around sites of sensitivity, production of Terms of References and reviews of Written Schemes Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust exists to promote, of Investigations in advance of site mitigation work, and preserve, maintain and enhance the historic input into post excavation designs and public outreach environment of our region, and does so in a variety projects. A9 associated works outside the road corridor, of different means from skills training to building such as borrow pits, are not part of the curatorial service grants, research frameworks to development but are covered mostly under the council planning remit. control management. Having the same curator for both ensures consistency Providing a curatorial planning archaeology service to of approach in decision making, underpinned by up-to- Perth and Kinross Council is also a core part of the date information. Trust’s role and is in line with Scottish Planning Policy. A slice through time Along the A9 Taking a thin section across an entire historic landscape from floodplains to mountains will provide a huge wealth Late in 2018 we worked in partnership with Transport of information, increasing knowledge to the Historic Scotland to agree provision of a curatorial service for Environment Record and improving future heritage the A9 upgrade project. Moreover, although the scheme management projects. By having the local archaeologist was already in progress it became clear that by providing in the curatorial role, it strengthens these outputs, a curatorial role, as opposed to consultee, there was improves consistency in the planning process and links increased synergy of local knowledge into the programme back into the Perth and Kinross Research Framework. and benefits to the overall management of the historic Clava Cairns in environment during the delivery of the A9 dualling Sophie Nicol, November 2019. project through the region. Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust Clava Cairns – managing the Impact of increasing visitor numbers Managing the sites in the care of This proved erosion from Historic Environment Scotland is a visitor footfall posed the greatest balancing act between preserving threat to the monument. their sensitive nature and setting Chance for a rest and encouraging people to visit A coordinated response from and appreciate them. HES staff began to develop Recently the Clava Cairns just a solution, but lockdown was east of Inverness have experienced enforced, and we have been a large increase in visitors from unable to move forward. However, around the world. Drawn by its with the reduction of visitors associations with the television between March and August we series Outlander, and the stunning are curious to see how the site architecture of the prehistoric has recovered. burial monuments. A new erosion survey will be Managing the impact undertaken to establish a baseline This increase has presented against which we can measure challenges in how we manage their any ongoing changes and inform impact it is apparent that increased ongoing management options footfall is causing ground erosion; for the site. leaving desire line scars and Watch this space as we strive threatening potential archaeological to find a new way to care for deposits below the surface. CFA and protect the Clava Cairns. Archaeology were commissioned to undertake an erosion survey to Stefan Sagrott, Prehistoric timber postholes discovered in advance of assess the scale of active erosion Historic Environment Scotland A9 Borrow Pit (outside road across the site. corridor) at Newmill Farm. Images © HES © AOC Archaeology 34 35

Kilmartin Museum’s These people strived to adapt While the human remains have The National Fund for Acquisitions: Prehistoric Collection to cataclysmic changes in climate not survived, ancient DNA has Supporting museums to acquire and sea level, a sobering reminder revealed significant movements of In November 2019, the of our own predicament in the people, including a first-generation Treasure Trove Collection was the 50th face of unprecedented immigrant from the continent, National Museums Scotland administers the National Fund for in Scotland to be awarded environmental degradation. quite possibly the Lower Rhine. Acquisitions (NFA), an annual grant of £150,000 provided by National Significance. An exquisite blade core they left This highlights themes of personal Scottish Government to help museums throughout Scotland However, now the heritage sector behind marks the earliest known identity and diaspora which continue to acquire objects for their collections. faces its greatest ever threat human presence in Glen. to resonate. In 2019/20 the Fund contributed 55 grants with a total value of from the Covid-19 pandemic. How The Neolithic on display We’ve been here before £158,554, helping to develop and enhance the collections of 23 can an independent archaeology Around 4000 BC, a new way of Our Prehistoric Collection is a legacy organisations across Scotland with acquisitions worth £870,875. museum, focused upon the distant living emerged which included of some of the most profound past, contribute in the face of such animal husbandry and cereal social, technological and ideological It belongs in a museum a crisis? As a discipline focused cultivation. Studies of ancient revolutions in human history. It Among these, 22 grants enabled museums to acquire upon studying humanity from its DNA suggest these practices reveals the diverse experiences of objects allocated to them by the Queen’s and Lord Treasurer’s earliest origins to the present day, were introduced by migrants people in antiquity and their power Remembrancer (QLTR) through the Treasure Trove system. archaeology widens our thinking, arriving into Scotland from to surprise and inspire us today. They included a grant to Culture Perth and Kinross to support and the artefacts in Kilmartin mainland Europe. Several of our To ensure it is preserved for future their acquisition of a Pictish carved stone dating from the Museum are now recognised as stone axes were made from Irish generations, Kilmartin Museum fifth or sixth century AD. Unearthed during roadworks in being essential to the life, culture stone, suggesting their users were is delivering a circa £7 million Perth in 2017, it depicts a naked figure carrying a spear. and history of Scotland. connected into long-distance redevelopment project to construct For more information on the stone read Mark Hall’s post on the NFA blog: Taking a Line for a Walker. The deep past exchange networks; axes that were state-of-the-art exhibition, research The oldest artefacts in the instrumental in clearing immense and education facilities. Amongst the The funding continues Prehistoric Collection are tracts of forest, partly creating unfolding human tragedy resulting On 3 August 2020 we launched a special funding scheme Mesolithic, crafted by intrepid space for the construction of from Covid-19, Museums and other worth £100,000 to give support and encouragement to museums hunter-gatherers who ventured gigantic monumental buildings. heritage bodies will be severely struggling to raise match funding for acquisitions. The scheme north as ice sheets retreated The Neolithic precipitated a affected into the future. Whilst we considers requests for 100% funding for acquisitions costing up over a hundred centuries ago. fundamentally different relationship struggle to stay afloat and keep the to £1,000 and grants in excess of the normal 50% of purchase between people and the natural Redevelopment Project on track, price for higher value acquisitions. We welcome applications from world which has repercussions our Nationally Significant Collection museums planning to bid for finds in the next Treasure Trove to this day. has motivated us throughout these round. More information on the NFA and our new funding scheme From top: difficult and uncertain times. We look Scottish connections can be found on the National Fund for Acquisitions webpage. Mesolithic blade core. forward to it taking pride of place as The Prehistoric Collection features A Beaker pot. the centrepiece of the new displays. Pictish stone from Perth, Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have an acquisition a valuable funerary assemblage Neolithic stone axe. The future will be challenging, acquired by Perth Museum in mind. We look forward to hearing from you. including some of the earliest & Art Gallery in 2019 with but it is at times like these that a grant of £1,500 from Beaker pottery in the British Isles Hazel Williamson, we need our heritage the most. the National Fund for (2450–2300 BC). Finely made, it Acquisitions. National Fund for Acquisitions © Perth Museum & Art Gallery has counterparts in the Netherlands. Although too numerous to list

here, we would like to thank all Class II Kinneddar involved in supporting Kilmartin Coveted where it will make an Pictish Stone. Museum’s application to the MGS excellent addition to our Recognition Scheme and with our During carved stone collection. redevelopment project. Covid-19 We intend to display it with our important Early Aaron Watson and Sharon Webb, When the Falconer Medieval carved stone Kilmartin Museum Museum showed us a photo assemblage. Unfortunately, of a carved stone fragment due to Covid-19 it is still found on the beach north with the Treasure Trove Unit of RAF Kinloss we were and conservation work has immediately struck by halted. It is a mystery how the form of the cross and the carved stone ended up its similarity with our Class near the mouth of the River II stone from Kinneddar. Findhorn. Perhaps it was en route from the important As the Falconer was not able workshops at Kinneddar or to receive Treasure Trove, even and and sadly the museum is the boat foundered on the now indefinitely closed, Findhorn Bar? we successfully bid for the stone’s allocation instead, Janet Trythall, Elgin Museum © Elgin Museum Images © Kilmartan Museum 36 37

Last year, 2019, marked the 20th anniversary of The final report forms one of the most extensive Dollar Glen National Trust for Scotland Archaeology Thistle Camps. investigations into post-medieval settlement in Thistle Camp. Much of the Trust’s work is supported by volunteers. Scotland (Atkinson et al 2016) and is available here. Since the 1980s Thistle Camps, which are working Three years were completed at Brodick (2003–5) holidays usually lasting for a week and involve exploring a clamp limekiln, close to the castle, 10-12 participants staying on or nearby a Trust property, and Bronze Age round houses in Glen Rosa. Three have helped with the management of our estates. years of camps were also undertaken on Canna Work involved removing invasive vegetation, repairing (2004-2006) evaluating rabbit-damaged sites, including fences and footpaths, or helping with garden activities. a prehistoric mound that produced decorated Neolithic In 1999 a camp was dedicated to the archaeological pottery. The end of the decade saw camps undertake survey of Old Village of Lawers, below Ben Lawers. consolidation and conservation work, as on Iona (2008-2010) where the 8th century earthworks Over the last 20 years the Trust has undertaken around the Abbey were repaired, and the 19th around 80 camps across the country. These have century marble quarry machinery painted. mostly comprised small scale trial trenching, and in total have provided around 860 places for The second decade Dollar Glen (2011 & 2012) and Grey Mare’s Tail At Mar Lodge (2018) excavation was required at the participants and completed over 7500 days of input. The first Thistle Camp at Culzean (2010) investigated (2011 & 2012) investigations led by Daniel Rhodes Red House before it was converted into a mountain a cropmark enclosure of medieval date in one of the examined medieval and post-medieval settlements. bothy. At Glencoe (2018 & 2019) excavation work The greatest hits outlying fields. Subsequent camps (2011 and 2012) Daniel then focused on the walled garden at House focused on the remains of the historic township at Highlights from the first 10 years included the work at focused on the 19th rubbish chute and the site of Dun (2013 & 2014) using Trail Blazer camps (for Achtriachtan and tied in to the re-interpretation of the Ben Lawers (2002-2005) where the Ben Lawers Historic of the house belonging to the freed enslaved young adults between the ages 16-17) to examine the Visitor Centre. It set the framework for the proposed Landscape Project, completed 22 weeks of camps, African, Scipio Kennedy. site of the medieval castle. building of a 17th/18th century turf house in 2020. The supervised by archaeological staff from GUARD. work at Kintail (2018 & 2019) informed and marked the Camps linked closely to local community projects 300th Anniversary of the Battle of Glenshiel, the only were undertaken on Iona (2013 & 2014), on Canna Excavations engagement of 1719 Jacobite Rising. Finally at Castle (2013 & 2016) and on Unst in Shetland (2014-2016) at Inverewe Fraser (2019) the camp built upon two years of public 2018. and the latter found a later prehistoric site which archaeology test-pitting to the south of the main castle. produced a large assemblage of pottery and flint. 20 YEARS OF By combining the Thistle Camp volunteers and further We have used Thistle Camps to record the current public test-pitting, over 200 people were supervised condition of archaeological sites, using a tablet-based in a rare hands-on experience. ARCHAEOLOGY recording method (ODKCollect, set up by Stefan The past 20 years of Archaeological Thistle Camps Sagrott) on Canna (2015 & 2016), Torridon (2017) meet many of the aims of the Scottish Archaeology and on the Bishop’s Isles (2016-2019). THISTLE CAMPS Strategy and in particular have introduced a large Focussing on a number of key Trust properties led to number of people to the processes of conservation, Archaeological Thistle Camps at Culzean (2017-2019), survey and excavation. We have built a group of in the caves below the castle, and at Inverewe (2015- dedicated volunteers who help with the running of Surveying the Coire a Bhradain Roundhouse 2019) on the prehistoric roundhouses, in the wider our camps and have increased our understanding 2017. estate. Work was undertaken at Threave (2014, 2016 & of the archaeology of many Trust properties. The 2018) looking at a range of cropmark enclosures and at challenge for the future, post-Covid-19, will be if Rockcliffe (2016) in the field below the Mote of Mark fort. we can return to this model of participation or whether we have to develop new approaches Recent work to fieldwork. The last couple of years has focused on telling stories at key properties. At Ben Lomond (2018 & 2019) survey Derek Alexander, and excavation took place to improve interpretation National Trust for Scotland along the Ardess Hidden History Trail, especially of the iron bloomery sites.

Culzean Caves Excavations Glen 2018. Sheil battlefield. Images © NTS 38 39

Archaeology Scotland delivered the cultural Encouraging creative heritage section of the ‘Taking Archaeology into learning and engagement the Classroom’ course.

Running family activities at for everyone. Parkaeology in Holyrood

Park. ® Canal College programme

Archaeological Learning leaflet.

ENCOURAGING GREATER ENGAGEMENT

Archaeology Scotland work with partners from The course was delivered by heritage education archaeology, heritage and education to encourage specialists alongside Archaeology Scotland. On greater engagement with our past and maximise completion of the course participants said they felt the role archaeology can play in learning for people more confident about delivering archaeological of all ages. activities. The course will be repeated next year, training more archaeological educators. Archaeology in learning The Archaeology and Learning Working Group Outdoor learning (ALWG), with members from across the archaeology As schools reopened following the Covid-19 lockdown, and education sectors, continues to meet to discuss they were encouraged to maximise use of outdoor key priorities and next steps for the promotion of spaces. Outdoor learning has become a key component archaeology as a tool for learning for everyone in within a blended learning model. Place-based, heritage both formal and informal settings. learning is an important and inspiring strand of outdoor learning but many teachers report they do not have In 2018, the ALWG commissioned Northlight Heritage the skills, confidence and resources to deliver these to produce ‘Archaeological Learning: The Benefit and activities. To address this issue, we have delivered Impact of Archaeology’, a report demonstrating how training sessions for teachers looking to use outdoor archaeology can support delivery of the Curriculum for archaeological learning with their pupils and our Excellence and benefit different audiences. A leaflet of Heritage Hero Award scheme has been adapted key report findings was produced to get the message to suit remote and home learning. out to teachers, Heads of Education and policy makers. The information and toolkit included in the leaflet are Learning resources designed to help teachers engage with archaeology Digital resources are a key tool for teachers during and incorporate it into their teaching. They can both these difficult times. OurHeritage Resources Portal be viewed on Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy website. showcases the best online heritage learning resources in Scotland. It is aimed primarily at teachers but it is a great Archaeology Scotland’s learning team deliver hands-on place for youth workers, home schoolers and people archaeology workshops for pupils and teacher training in other learning settings to find resources to support sessions promoting the use of archaeology in and out of archaeology and heritage sessions. Originally set up in the classroom. Over the past year we have been invited 2018, the Portal grows in strength with over 70 learning to attend a growing number of ‘Developing the Young resources and blog posts from across the sector. Workforce’ events and have seen an increased demand for careers talks and workshops. Public engagement Informal family and lifelong learning activities at Archaeology in the classroom public events are a great way to reach new audiences. To support educators and archaeologists deliver Every September, we promote public events as part archaeology learning activities in schools, a ten-week of Scottish Archaeology Month and, whilst 2020 had course was developed and delivered to 14 participants a greater digital element due to restrictions imposed from September to November 2019. The course covered Getting hands by Covid-19, there was a varied events programme on with heritage a comprehensive range of topics from understanding at Archaeology and signposting to other heritage festivals. teaching and object-based learning to creating Scotland’s Scottish Living History

resources and evaluating activities. Jane Miller, Archaeology Scotland Images © Archaeology Scotland Festival. 40 41

Local primary We also wanted the boxes to be used A team of local volunteers, school visit to the Learning about Craft and Camas nan Geall field school. Technology in the Past by all ages, children to adults, and not just Field School Archaeology Scotland members, in schools. We worked with teacher Dave and students from national and In Over the past three years Archaeology Peers and archaeologists Lachlan and Collaboration, community and international universities took part for Communities in the Highlands Depth Lynne McKeggie to produce information lifelong learning at Archaeology in excavation, walkover survey and (ARCH) ran a series of 13 monthly sheets and lesson plans. Scotland’s field school on the historic building recording; gaining hands-on workshops and school visits Ardnamurchan peninsula. hands-on experience to professional where craftspeople demonstrated and The sheets briefly cover chronological archaeological standards, whilst explained different technologies from the periods, as well as one-page summaries In the autumn of 2019, in what contributing to a community-led past, using Highland objects as their basis. about the different technologies showcased seems like a lifetime ago now, heritage project. A very enjoyable and in the workshops. we ran a two-week field school productive two weeks, the results of Workshop leaders were chosen who at Camas nan Geall, a small bay Attainment The lessons are written at multiple levels the work have shown the potential had practical experience but also rich in heritage located on the to allow a wide use from nursery through for further study at Camas, and the through knew about archaeological finds. Ardnamurchan peninsula. The workshops were filmed and to upper secondary/adult and include benefits of working with a mixed team. Archaeology blogs were written and hosted on specific resources to go along with the The field school was run by It is humbling how much we took the ARCH website. The workshops information sheets. Archaeology Scotland’s Adopt- for granted travelling (in some cases were on a wide range of subjects, from a-Monument scheme in The boxes are freely available to borrow flying!) to Ardnarmuchan, to engage flint knapping, to antler working, to partnership with Heritage and by schools, youth groups, libraries, in such a project. Our thanks go to understanding the engineering of Telford. Archaeological Research Practice community groups, adult education groups, AHHA for allowing us to join them, The workshops generated a great deal of and the Ardnamurchan History care homes etc. They do require someone and the Ardnamurchan Estate interest and excitement, and were attended & Heritage Association who have to take responsibility for supervising their and local community, who helped by intergenerational groups of people who been investigating the heritage of use, but so far demand has been high! support us in this endeavour. When would not have considered themselves Camas nan Geall and the wider circumstances allow, we’ll be back! The bay of Camas nan

interested in heritage. You can find out more by visiting our © Archaeology Scotland Ardnamurchan Peninsula since 2014. Geall and the study area. website. Helena Gray, Archaeology Scotland Past experience has shown that teachers sometimes find loans boxes difficult to Susan Kruse, Archaeology for incorporate into lessons. Communities in the Highlands Heritage Hero awards On a visit to the last November Responding to the ‘cultural’ heritage gap in Scotland’s we promoted the awards Youth Awards market, Archaeology Scotland developed in museums and outdoor the Heritage Hero Awards, a wider achievement education settings. award encouraging people to connect with their past, We’ve since had our first rewarding them in doing so, improving confidence and Western Isles Awards well-being and inspiring interest in Scotland’s past. recipients – the Kildonan The Awards have seen 12,621 recipients since their Museum Future Curators, who initiation in 2017 – a figure we’re exceptionally proud of. curated a fantastic Jacobite We’ve worked hard to increase award partnerships and exhibition at the museum entitled ‘Prince on the Run’. reach areas which previously had little uptake of the award. Projects have now been completed in 31 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities. Fingers crossed for a full house soon!

From left: Northfield Academy Pupils artwork inspired by Northfield Covid-19 presented a new challenge for awards groups, tower, as part of their interdisciplinary project studying Stamping the projects had to be quickly adapted to suit individuals Northfield Tower in Art & Design and Business Studies. The seals. project had to be adapted for home learning due to lockdown. and families working from home. A combination of the Having a go at flexibility of the awards, our support, and flint knapping. the new guidance created to support safe Loans box. lockdown projects meant the Heritage Hero Crafting day, Awards continued to thrive during this difficult period. Teachers have praised how they have helped their pupils engage from home. Lockdown awards have included projects with young people exploring the heritage on their doorsteps. Inspiring others with their findings digitally. Including PowerPoints for classmates and stop motion videos. We hope the awards continue to thrive this year, and that they will continue supporting school and youth groups in the future. Becca Barclay, Archaeology Scotland 42 43

Pictish Memes for Capitalising on current Podcasting We both already had Archaeological cultural trends, such as archaeology podcasts recent tv shows, proved Archaeology and saw the value of Screens effective and playful banter working together to build with other early medieval 2020 has been a year of questioning the perceived A big challenge for a platform. We now have groups can create crossover knowledge of the past, with the role of statues in our archaeologists is public 15 active podcasts and between more familiar periods public spaces in question and changes to planning engagement. Academic thousands of episodes and the Picts. We include law causing concern for heritage professionals. publications can be expensive in our back catalogue, and schools tend to focus on more educational memes In this environment, concrete and engaging covering a wide range more recognised periods and to encourage people to learn channels of communication are increasingly of topics. subjects, making difficult to more about Pictish society. important to the sector. Communicating ideas learn about less familiar time Memes are a way to catch There is no shortage of public outreach methods, Podcasts are a medium by which information periods and cultures. people’s attention. Just as online and offline. All forms of outreach have is conveyed to and interpreted by the listener. As University of Aberdeen a journal abstract summarises advantages and challenges. Online media like In order to craft the content of the podcast, time Archaeology students, we a paper, memes can summarise podcasting is a direct way to interact with and dedication are needed. I strongly believe the developed an interest in the and spread new research. audiences, providing an on-demand form of rewards for this effort are great. Podcasts have the Picts and in October 2019 When Pictish-era radiocarbon information and entertainment. When Chris power to be personal and authentic, for example, created a Facebook group dates were recovered from Webster and I set up the Archaeology Podcast when I create podcasts I encourage my guests to to share our Pictish memes. the Tap O’Noth hillfort, we Network five years ago, we wished to fill the gap talk at length and express themselves. I am looking What started as a way of updated one of our older we saw in the online media space. We wanted for substance not soundbites. The format lends itself amusing ourselves grew into memes to reflect the discovery. content created by archaeologists, for archaeologists, to lengthy discussions and deep understanding, two a page with over 2,000 We have been amazed by the as well as the public. sought after values if we wish for heritage and history followers across two platforms. interest and engagement and to be both meaningful and impactful. believe this shows the value of The associated pressures for ratings and profit At first, we had no experience social media for engaging and associated with traditional media were not part Tristan Boyle, in leveraging social media communicating archaeology. of our decision making. Archaeology Podcast Network platforms to engage viewers, but we have learned valuable Follow us on Facebook and lessons. For example, using Twitter. public holidays to reach Stuart Munro and Rob Pass, new audiences. University of Aberdeen

The hosts of the Archaeology Podcast Network.

Images © Archaeology Podcast Network #ARCHPODNET 2019 campaign. Last year, Digs 2019campaign.Lastyear, the successofScotland Digital Going online Kirkcudbright Bay old tombs,andwrecksin one ofOrkney’s5,000-year- Wall’ nearStirling,rockartin talks onthereplica‘Atlantic The campaignincludedonline after fieldwork. that happensbeforeand including theessentialwork working onduringlockdown, insight intowhattheywere into theirhomestoofferan Experts alsoinvitedthepublic pub quizzes. storytelling sessionsand virtual eventssuchastalks, platforms toreachoutwith Twitter, Instagramandother groups turnedtoFacebook, bodies andcommunity archaeologists, heritage Covid-19, manycommercial fieldwork postponeddueto With muchofthisyear’s from across thecountry. live socialmediaupdates together onlineevents and archaeology by bringing on Scotland’s world-class seen over4.5 million times. was usedby46 accountsand on thesiteand ahashtagthat success with35digsadvertised The campaignprovedtobe a summary ofthediscoveries. posts, newsstories,anda excavations, socialmedia Dig It!websitewithalistof hashtag andpagesonthe and featuredadedicated to thesummerdigseason bring asenseofcoherence campaign whichhelped time were collatedforthefirst Scotland’s summer Digital Digs Scotland Summer 2020, 2020 Digital in Season Goes Summer Dig Scotland’s 44

through a social media through asocialmedia shoneaspotlight Scotland Digs Digs Scotland

excavations excavations followed followed The DigIt!Team Instagram. on Facebook,Twitterand can find@DigItScotland and eventsallyear,you Scottish archaeologyupdates Dig It!project,whichshares If you’dliketofollowthe Stay tuned! with ScotlandDigs2021. that areopentoeveryone edge researchandfindevents discoveries, explorecutting- public touncoverthelatest again invitemembersofthe Next summer,DigIt!willonce of theseannualcampaigns. an ethoswhichisattheheart remained opentoeveryone– that Scottisharchaeology the countrywhoensured of passionatepeopleacross brought togetherthework Scotland DigsDigital From JunetoSeptember, Open to everyone and Islands. the UniversityofHighlands Northern Islesorganisedby on thearchaeologyof Caves Societyandseminars by theSaveWemyssAncient tours ofWemyssCavesinFife included highlights acrossthecountry authority archaeologist.Other interview withtheirlocal excavation talksandan including Vikingstorytelling, programme ofonlineevents Can YouDigIt?ranafull Scheme. Landscape Partnership by the‘GallowayGlens’ archaeology projectrun Can YouDigIt?,acommunity year’s campaignincluded Participating groupsinthis Kirkcudbright Bay. Fauna inDumfries &Galloway’s abandoned vessels suchasThe with TheSCAPE Trust focusedon Partnership Scheme’sAugusttalk Galloway GlensLandscape Right: AbandonedVessel‘Fauna’, freeze drying. pre-treatment priortovacuum site inOrkneywhichwasundergoing of anIronAgebowlfromTheCairns Archaeology sharedthisphotograph Top: NatalieMitchellofAOC virtual Facebook Livevirtual 45

© Solway Firth Partnership © AOC Archaeology Group/University of the Highlands and Islands Archaeology 46 47

Salt making experiment.

Scotland’s oldest railway unearthed in 2019. Gareth Jones, Alan Braby & Ed Bethune discuss the findings.

The salt pan furnace 19th century turntable remnants exposed. unearthed at Cockenzie Harbour.

© Carl Barber 1722 Waggonway Project community archaeology and research at its best… My personal research of Scotland’s first railway We formed the 1722 Waggonway Heritage began in 2014 when I realised that a heritage Group to raise funds for the project. asset of potential significance was on my The first community dig was in 2017, at the doorstep. Robert Stevenson designed Cockenzie Harbour, In 2015 I had plenty of information and contacted where we uncovered the remains of two sidings

the Battle of Prestonpans Heritage Trust, who from between 1815–1835. We successfully made The excavation in full swing, with volunteer had previously planned to make more of the sea salt using a method documented by William diggers at work while visitors are given a historic routeway of the 1722 Tranent – Cockenzie Brownrigg in the 18th Century, and we still run tour of the site. Waggonway, which crosses the land where regular salt making displays. This was the industry the famous Jacobite battle was fought on 21st whose furnaces the waggonway served. The Auld Kirk Salt September 1745. They were happy to assist me Pan site. In 2018, we rented a workshop at Cockenzie in my project, and I them with some of theirs. Harbour, and constructed a replica wooden © Ed Bethune I exhibited some of my research in local public coal waggon, now the centre-piece of our small venues and gained the support of Cockenzie & Waggonway Museum, where visitors discover Port Seton Community Council and East Lothian the history of the railway and the industries it Council in celebrating the waggonway. served. We also undertook further excavation In November 2016, following a coastal at Cockenzie Harbour in a new area at a ruined archaeology walk, archaeologist and salt pan house. The dig revealed another salt archaeological illustrator Alan Braby suggested pan house and the remains of a turntable, a remnants of the 1815 iron railway might lie under waggon tipper and a loading bay used to load the surface at Cockenzie Harbour. Investigation coal onto ships for export (all designed by Robert on 1st December 2016 revealed remains surviving Stevenson). Amazingly, we have all Stevenson’s in situ in good condition. plans for these! We then wanted to conduct a full-scale During more recent excavations we discovered archaeological excavation at the quayside the remains of the 1722 waggonway 1m below

Images © Copyright 1722 Waggonway Heritage Group with members of the public taking part. the surface of the modern bridleway. 48 49

This consisted of heavily decayed wooden Our group has achieved things we never rails either side of a cobbled horse path. thought possible. We operate a community Bringing the Waggonway The gauge was 4 ft 6 inches, rather than museum at Cockenzie Harbour and do to life through the accepted 3 ft 3-inch gauge based our best to bring archaeology to the reproduction. on the gauge of the later iron railway. people of East Lothian and beyond. © Fiona Braby A further dig of a longer stretch of the Passion for history and archaeology is waggonway was agreed with ELCAS for alive and kicking in our corner of East spring 2020. This was to assess the level Lothian, and we’ll do our best to make of preservation and understanding of sure it stays that way. 18th century waggonways. However, the 1722 Waggonway Heritage Group is a Covid-19 pandemic has prevented this until membership organisation – join online. 2021. After nearly 300 years in the ground, another year doesn’t seem too long to wait Ed Bethune, and it will be the oldest 1722 Waggonway Heritage Group railway ever excavated.

Etching by J. Gellately.

Issi Braby welcomes visitors to the Museum. © Battle of Prestonpans 1745 Heritage Trust Unloading at Cockenzie Salt Pans.

Waggonway evolution map. Images © Copyright 1722 Waggonway Heritage Group 50 51

Alex Leonard, illustrator, working on the drawings.

Covers of the three

Images © Forestry and Land Scotland booklets.

Wintra Exploring deep preparing time in the woods: a burial. For thinking about how our Mesolithic Five different woodland habitats are The richly illustrated booklets link archaeological shaping values ancestors understood, adapted to and highlighted and populated by a cast of methodology with today’s native woodlands, the sustained life in the complex habitats and cool characters, designed to decorate the ancient wildwood of the past and both the lives of using natural and ecosystems in which they hunted and classroom and inspire young minds. the Mesolithic wild harvesters who first ventured gathered can help us understand our own within and the Neolithic pioneers who followed During lockdown, we invited young artists cultural heritage place within the natural world. long after. to draw their own imaginary Mesolithic From place-based ecological outdoor landscape and the various resources that Working together Forestry and Land Scotland’s Woodland learning, to using map making in both could be found within it. Their prize was The booklets are the result of many different Heritage series combine inspirational geography and art and design, this to be included as apprentice Mesolithic contributions and collaborations from a range archaeological discussion, creative indoor accessible and imaginative learning map makers in a brand-new reconstruction of professions, including foresters, ecologists, activities and practical outdoor learning. resource contributes to Learning for drawing, by artist Alex Leonard. We had archaeologists, dendrochronologists, educators, Sustainability (an important part of a great response, with lots of fantastic artists and photographers. Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence) entries, including paintings, drawings The booklets are aimed at teachers, youth group by linking Scotland’s ancient past with and photographs of maps put together Tanta showing leaders, archaeological educators and anyone its contemporary landscape. from things found in the woods – sticks off his polished interested in exploring our native woodlands. and stones, even feathers and bones. stone axe. The booklet is rooted in FLS’s spatial Picking the winners from so many creative Shaping values approach to land management planning responses was difficult – so congratulations As both reference material and learning resource, and celebrates the various professions are due to Skye Porteous (P5) and Rowan the booklets use a popular communication style that contributed to the text. Quotes Pomeroy Soos (S2). We loved Skye’s bold and bold design to align an archaeological and and short features have been spread design and Rowan’s rich detail. ecological ethos with a more subtle message throughout, from archaeologists, landscape of stewardship and responsibility. They are architects, foresters and ecologists, to Imagine the world of the Neolithic pioneers, intended to share and shape values across a help make some of the key ideas more living and working within Scotland’s wide readership, providing the practitioner with accessible, and to link to the different ancient wildwood. background information, fresh ideas and fun careers represented. The First Foresters ventures beyond activities for their learners. Inspiring young minds the familiar stone circles of Scotland’s Imagine the world of the wild harvesters, living Into the Wildwoods and its supporting prehistory to explore the archaeology of within the wildwoods of Scotland over six Storyline uses cognitive maps and story our lost timber halls and timber circles. thousand years ago. Into the Wildwoods describes maps to explore the themes of connected Using different voices to emphasise key life in the Mesolithic using the interconnected landscapes, seasonal resources, special ideas, we draw on the work of leading aspects of habitat networks, natural resources places, movement and travel. archaeologists to describe a very different and seasonal change. Neolithic – one not of stone but of wood. 52 53

Jadetite Mesolithic axehead. map makers by Alex Leonard.

Mesolithic Map by Alex Leonard. © Forestry and Land Scotland, Alice Watterson 2018

The booklet uses the most iconic piece Linking natural and cultural heritage Its early autumn and, having spent all of spring and Pihla’s map is orientated towards the setting of Neolithic equipment – the polished The historic environment is usually summer trapping and hunting for furs, the Highland sun in the west. She has laid out the river stone axe – to explore timber and tree concerned with place: recording, Pinewood clan is travelling to the coast for the hazelnut with twigs and the sea with nettle leaves, assessment techniques and ascribe a protecting, conserving, restoring and harvest before the late autumn rains. Then they will moulding the hills and mountains out of forestry ethos to the Neolithic first farmers. interpreting archaeological sites, built move on to trade and celebrate the harvest at the clan earth. Her carved animal and fish figurines The ancient woodland environment is heritage and historic buildings. But what gathering by the sea. Pihla is explaining the route they are based on similar figurines found in described as a wildwood (to be tamed or if the place is no longer there? The deep will follow down the river, towards the sky of the setting Norway. The oak leaf lake and trout figurine feared), a timber resource (to be used time aspects of both the Mesolithic sun. Her two apprentice map makers are Skye and reflect the places and resources marked on Dendrochronologist or controlled), a place of ancient mystery and Neolithic in Scotland invite a more Rowan. Skye is carrying a harpoon based on one Rowan’s detailed map, while the charcoal Donald with timber (to be worshipped and respected) and imaginative ecological approach to our found at Tarradale in the Highlands. doors marked on the pebbles of the camp core. a familiar natural world (in which to live, cultural heritage. in the foreground and the red ochre of the hunt and gather). hearth were inspired by the bold design of Into the Wildwoods, Skye’s map. There are more pebble ‘tents’ The First Foresters provides another fine The First Foresters and marking the clan gathering at the coast, cast of characters to help explore Dendrochronology celebrate alongside the flint blades that the Highland our Neolithic past, and to ask the importance of outdoor Pinewood clan hope to exchange for their today’s children how they see their and archaeological pelts and furs. own forests and woods. learning, and reward interested practitioners Explore the science of tree ring dating with accessible key Trees form a living record of seasons educational information, and time, often stretching beyond unconventional ideas generational memory. Individual trees and exceptional artwork can be hundreds of years old, and by and design. The aim cross referencing their individual tree ring is to uncover an patterns, we can reach back even further. ancient past that This is the science of dendrochronology. is still accessible Dendrochronology was developed today, rooted in an in partnership with Dendrochronicle, ecological understanding Archaeology Scotland and Historic of place and time and our Environment Scotland. The resource uses human response to both. bold design and attention to detail to present the history and science of tree Matt Ritchie, ring dating. Forestry and Land Scotland Supporting activities explain the principles of dendrochronology – from measuring a

single core sample to building a thousand Dendrochronologist

year timeline in the classroom. Danny with timber drill. Images © FLS by Alex Leonard 2019. Eglay scamps. 54 55

Dendrochronologist Coralie Mills working at the King’s Own Buildings, Stirling Creating opportunities to acquire Castle. archaeological skills and driving innovation.

An overall theme of the year has been about None of this can be completed without sector- defining exactly what is required to tackle wide partnerships including the important systemic issues with our profession. role Universities play in developing future archaeologists. We have had wide ranging discussions on how we create archaeologists, trying to define entry Adapting training to a changing sector routes and career paths (challenging when there Over the course of the year 85 practitioners are over 80 job titles in archaeology!) and refining attended CPD courses, including ‘Embedding what we want new qualifications to do. It’s a Workplace Training’, ‘What’s going wrong key question and has taken a while to work out with desk-based assessments?’, ‘The practical succinct answers. A co-designing session with our application of dendrochronology in Scottish Industry Panel helped define what is needed from archaeology, buildings and landscapes’, ‘CIfA our first Professional Development Award (PDA). accreditation: a step-by-step guide’ and ‘Scottish We have decided that onsite practical skills need group: Introduction to standards and guidance’. to be addressed in the first instance. Forthcoming workshops will need to take into Developing new routes of entry consideration the restrictions placed on face-to- into the profession face gatherings, greater reliance on web-based Working collaboratively has allowed all involved training approaches is anticipated. Moving training to identify that one qualification will not fix online has had advantages including widening everything and we will need multiple qualifications our reach beyond the Central Belt of Scotland to meet the current and future professional and encouraging participation from more remote skill gaps. From the start, we recognised that locations. qualification development is one part of the work – we know that we also need to develop different Early indicators show that skills and training but attainable entry routes into the profession. will be a cornerstone to any Covid-19 recovery Our National Progression Award (aimed at 16 to and going forward we may need to adjust our 18 year-olds) will help start this process, as will priorities to meet the challenges ahead. In some archaeology-centred apprenticeships. respects, we are ahead – we have an established Industry Panel who were invaluable in informing the work so far and we have identified what our profession needs to develop to meet the INNOVATION challenges ahead. Cara Jones, AND SKILLS Chartered Institute for Archaeologists

Dendrochronology and Great Hall and the palace of James the Kings Old Building: V. Although of great historical in Southern Scandinavia while the unlocking a medieval significance, it has never been pine wall plate, probably a later lodging studied in detail. insert, was felled in Lithuania, in The refurbishment of the A series of early joists were the winter of 1750/51. Therefore, and Highlanders exposed on the first floor this floor post-dates AD1500 Museum within Stirling Castle and as they could have been (and probably post-dates 1539 provided a unique opportunity part of the original building when other 1500 felled timber to investigate the historic dendrochronologist Coralie Mills was recycled in the palace) and building it occupies. was asked to help us understand probably pre-dates 1750. Work is them, by undertaking scientific ongoing to refine and tighten the The King’s Old Building was the analysis to unlock their secrets. dating but already demonstrates royal lodging of James IV and the value of scientific analysis in possibly of earlier monarchs. Sampling of these and the wall understanding the development of Much altered, most of its wall plate they rest on revealed that this important medieval building. fabric is of late medieval date and the timbers are a mix of oak and it survives as an important part pine, mostly with too few rings for Stefan Sagrott, Historic

Recent CIfA of the royal residential complex dating. However, one oak joist was Environment Scotland Scottish group of Stirling Castle, alongside the felled in the winter of AD1500/01 and Coralie Mills, Dendrochronicle CPD workshop. © Cara Jones © HES 56 57

Cauldron after Ness of Brodgar Hearth conservation. with archaeomagnet. © Sam Harris

Conserving and Preserving The conservation department at Recently we have undertaken An iron cauldron was carefully AOC Archaeology Group currently conservation of smaller objects to cleaned to remove unstable corrosion holds the HES conservation call-off ensure they are stable and looking and an old unsightly surface contract and receives excavated good for exhibition. We also advise on treatment, then given protective material from across Scotland and the required environmental display coatings to stabilise the surface and beyond, spanning from prehistoric conditions to ensure the passive protect against further attack by Developing Archaeomagnetic to the modern day. preservation of these collections. moisture; a running crack through the cauldron was stablised by Dating for Neolithic Scotland We can process all materials: Exhibition at Tantallon Castle applying glass fibre ‘stitches’. our freeze-drying equipment and Tantallon is a ruined mid-14th- Archaeomagnetic dating relies on the ability of the cold storage allows us to stabilise century castle in East Lothian. Celebrating a big anniversary earth’s geomagnetic field to vary over archaeologically waterlogged organic material such It sits atop a promontory opposite at Abbey. relevant timescales. as wood and leather; our in-house the Bass Rock, looking out onto A new visitor centre exhibition Single ‘snapshots’ of geomagnetic behaviour in time x-radiography can examine all the Firth of Forth. to celebrate the 700th anniversary can be recorded and preserved in archaeologically fired metal types and assemblages; and of the Declaration of Arbroath A small group of ceramic, stone, material by the iron bearing oxides within soils and clays. our airbrasion facilities carry out offered the chance to discover bone, shell and metal objects Dating is possible by comparing these with a calibration precision cleaning and stabilisation fresh information through relating to both the furnishing and curve. One challenge is the lack of independently dated of important artefacts. conservation. Previously stored occupation of Tantallon Castle were records of the past geomagnetic field from which the objects, some that were excavated We assist with conservation of HES selected for conservation assessment calibration curves are created. from the site of the visitor centre, collections, allowing artefacts to be and treatment by our conservators. were selected for conservation Recent research at the University of Bradford used safely displayed for the public to The objects were part of a redisplay assessment and treatment. archaeomagnetic studies of well-dated archaeologically view and enjoy. Conservation work at the Castle where environmental fired materials to define and better understand variations enables the preservation of artefacts During examination of an inkpot conditions are extreme, with in the past geomagnetic field for the Scottish Neolithic. and can reveal information about and bone stylus the process revealed high humidity and salts from the This paved the way for a well-defined Neolithic period the manufacture, use, and life remains of the iron tip of the stylus, sea – both aggressive factors of archaeomagnetic calibration curve. The focus was the of an object. previously not visible due to dirt deterioration to artefacts, especially Ness of Brodgar, next to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney and soiling, and fine grooves in Current projects include the metals. A high spec museum-grade World Heritage Site. The site was key to this research the bone handle from manufacture conservation and redisplay of the display case was selected to minimise due to the longevity (circa. 3300 BC – 2300 BC) and or decoration. weapons collection in the Great Hall the deleterious effects of these. the number of well-preserved multi-layered hearths; of Edinburgh Castle, and the decant, Conservation ensured the objects During the conservation and cleaning crucial for improving the calibration curve. conservation and redisplay of three which had been in storage were of copper alloy pins, examination Additionally, the significant radiocarbon dating large firehooks from the Prisoner ready and stable for display. under magnification revealed programme undertaken there allowed independent of War vaults there. the presence of a white metal. dating of the hearth material which the archaeomagnetic Conservators highlighted these for directions were retrieved from. This exciting new Remains of iron tip on a Cauldron before analysis by x-ray fluorescence which bone stylus revealed by conservation work. research has had a major impact on archaeomagnetic conservation work. revealed the metal to be tin, most dating in the British Isles, significantly increasing the likely a coating to protect the pins number of data points for the Neolithic. The development from corroding. of the next calibration curve will reflect the variations Other objects conserved for display observed there and allow archaeomagnetic dating included arrowheads, nails, floor of other Neolithic sites in the UK. tiles, coins, decorated window Samuel E. Harris, glass and a bone ear scoop. University of Bradford Sam Harris, Gretel Evans, archaeomagnetic sampling.

Images © AOC AOC Archaeology Group © Manca Vinazza 58 59

Replica glass beaker by Ed Iglehart. From Picts to Parish: new study into dietary change Centre: facial In reconstruction of in Medieval Highland second man, left and Depth right: 3-D colour scan communities of the skulls of the first and second burials. A large-scale stable isotopic study of the adult skeletons from the old Tarbat Parish Church in Portmahomack, Easter Ross, is providing a new insight into the diet of medieval Scottish Highland communities.

This project analysed the bone collagen for stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes from 137 © Julia Muir Watt human skeletons and 71 fauna that spanned the 6th to 17th centuries AD; presenting Replica log coffin by Andy hundreds of years of Highland history. This Nicholson. includes two periods of Pictish life: from a 6th century small farming community to a subsequent monastery, as well as a late Centre © FaceLab, Liverpool John Moores University Skull images © Visualising Heritage, University of Bradford medieval parish church community. The results have shown stark differences Family matters between diets in the Pictish and later medieval periods (such as fish consumption Using ancient DNA to understand by the latter), as well as between different the six-headed burials at

© Adrian Maldonado sex and age groups, which appear to reflect Portmahomack, Tarbatness. important social and religious changes over A recent project provided Tarbat Old time. This is the first large-scale study on the Parish church. fascinating insight into burials from Portmahomack skeletal assemblage which Portmahomack, Tarbat. Three gives much needed insights into Pictish and burials were targeted for C14 dating, medieval subsistence patterns. It also provides stable isotope analysis, ancient DNA interpretation of the social and religious analysis and facial reconstruction. influences that could impact diet over time. Two burials shared a grave known The full results are published in the Journal as the ‘six-headed burial’, where of Archaeological Science Reports, vol. 31, the body of a mature man killed Diagram showing June 2020. violently was buried in the centre of family relationships St Colman’s Church, Portmahomack. shared by the three Shirley Curtis-Summers, skulls and three men.

There were four extra skulls - of a © FAS Heritage University of Bradford

young woman and three men - set woman was his mother. In time, his © Tarbat Discovery Programme in pairs either side of his head. The son was buried at his side. There grave was later reopened to bury a are a number of possible family Artist’s impression of second, mature man, displacing the relationships between the two men Portmahomack skull of the first ; a while later a third, who shared the grave, who are monastery.

younger man was interred at their related to one another through the © John Toscan side. second man’s grandfather. One possibility is that the grandfather The C14 dating places the burials is the uncle of the first man to be and three of the skulls centred on buried suggesting the two men who a long 14th century; the fourth skull shared this grave could have been dates to the 8th to 10th century The ‘six-headed burial’ first cousins once removed. and probably belonged to a Pictish showing the skeleton of the first burial surrounded monk. This behaviour suggests efforts to by the four extra skulls. cement the family by the practice © FAS Heritage Why were these skulls chosen and of primogeniture – the descent of The 14th century was turbulent, included? Results of aDNA analysis succession through the first-born seeing cattle plagues, the by Harvard University suggest the male. The inclusion of the skull of Black Death and environmental burials and three skulls are several the Pictish monk suggests it was deterioration. Holding and fighting generations of one family. The two selected as a holy relic. for land was an important part of extra male skulls were father and Highland life, especially in the son, and in turn, grandfather and Stable isotope analysis suggests face of such challenges. father of the second man buried in some grew up in the local area, the grave; the skull of the young others elsewhere. Cecily Spall, FAS Heritage 60 61

Between 2017 and 2018 On site Veterans are given a are being developed to give archaeological excavations took The Barry Buddon excavation workshop on Human anatomy Soil Moisture at the University of Dundee. understanding of surface place at the Ministry of Defence was the first Scottish Operation In and Heritage water preferential flow within training ranges at Barry Buddon Nightingale project and investigated Depth Landscapes archaeological landscapes. These in Angus on a series of First World the remains of substantial training analyses show the effects that War training trenches. trenches dug during soldier’s training Archaeological landscapes are topography is having on soil for the battlefields of France and The project was developed by the complex, and as climates change moisture, how above ground Belgium. The features were made Defence Infrastructure Organisation understanding their hydrological archaeological features influence from sandbagged walls, rather Archaeology advisors Phil Abramson interactions has never been more surface hydrology, how below than a deep cut trench, known and Alex Sotheran and overseen important. ground archaeology is influenced as ‘breast works’. They were used by archaeologists from Wessex by soil moisture and the influence where the water table was high, Current research in the Heart Archaeology. Operation Nightingale that the archaeology itself has. such as the clay conditions in of Neolithic Orkney and the dig works are undertaken by veteran Belgium, where deep trenches The main preferential surface Antonine Wall – Frontiers of By combining MMS monitoring volunteers suffering from various flows that occurs at the Ring were not an option. The veterans the Roman Empire UNESCO with the LiDAR data sets, mental health and physical injuries of Brodgar based on high were shown the University of resolution LiDAR data. World Heritage Sites focuses microtopographic influences on suffered during their service, Dundee forensic archaeology on non-invasive technologies to water flow and infiltration can they are managed by Breaking facilities where Diana Swales model soil moisture dynamics be determined, showing areas at Ground Heritage, a veteran run provided a session on human and determine how these may higher risk from changes in rainfall archaeological company. Operation bone identification. Veterans work on recording influence visitor access and long- regimes. In a climate changed Nightingale is an MoD led initiative the remains of the First term impacts on upstanding and future, the ability to monitor that aims to aid in pathways for Three seasons of work uncovered World War trenches. buried archaeology. changes in soil moisture and recovery of ex-service personnel interesting archaeology, provided target conservation intervention is and archaeology is perfect for this. an outlet for veteran’s recovery Microwave Moisture Meters (MMS) essential to maintain the integrity With attention to detail, teamwork, and added understanding to the are proving to be successful of archaeological landscapes. vocational and transferrable skill use of the training range at Barry in determining horizontal and development, along with other Buddon in the early 20th century. vertical influences of footfall Hazel Blake, positive factors, the benefits of on soil moisture in and around University of Stirling and HES Phil Abramson & Alex Sotheran, participating are a positive influence buried archaeology and are Defence Infrastructure Organisation on recovery and wellbeing. Some enabling monitoring for targeting participants have gone on to conservation. To extend these study archaeology and work in small-scale moisture mapping the commercial sector. analyses to wider landscape scales, new and innovative applications of LiDAR data © DIO

© Hazel Blake Operation The response of the MMS at Rough Castle. The Red areas indicate a lesser response from the MMS, which Nightingale at indicates a change in substrate and the Blue areas are areas of higher 0.3m response, indicating areas with Barry Buddon higher soil moisture. 7m

The Archaeology Training Forum hits 21 in Edinburgh! In October 2019, the Archaeology Training Forum celebrated its 21st birthday with a focused event in Edinburgh. The celebration not only explored the history and legacy of the Forum, it also invited attendees to inform the future direction of the ATF. The ATF was created in order to review the provision of training in archaeology and to co-ordinate future strategies to meet the profession’s training needs. 21 years later it is still going strong! A more detailed summary of this event, and the work of the forum itself is available on the Forum’s website, get in touch if you would like to be involved!

www.archaeologytraining.org.uk The First World War trenches at

© CIFA Barry Buddon. 62 63

We’d love to share Scottish Strategic Archaeology Rewarding Get your stories! Committee needs you! We are always keen to hear of great The Scotland’s Strategic Archaeology Heritage in touch work happening that is delivering the Committee is a group which Strategy – if you have an example of represents a wide spectrum of best practice, lessons you’ve learned, interests in Scottish archaeology. Heroes Our hashtag #ScotArchStrat is a or something you are particularly They oversee and drive the delivery great way for you to get involved. proud of, please get in touch! We of Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy. Follow it to see up-to-date news would love to share your project Members sit on the Committee for THE HERITAGE HERO AWARDS, about how the Strategy is being so that others can learn and be four years. We regularly look for new delivered or tag your own content inspired. You can quickly fill in members for both the Committee and run by Archaeology Scotland, offer a with it to share what you are a case study form at: its working groups. If you would like framework, a focus and a reward for doing to help make Scotland’s to be involved, please get in touch: groups undertaking heritage focused archaeologystrategy.scot/ archaeology matter. promoting-the-strategy/ [email protected] projects. The Awards are free and are based on a relationship of trust and #SCOTARCHSTRAT Scotland’s Archaeology #ScotlandDigs2020 support between Archaeology Scotland Strategy Website If you are conducting any The Strategy website launched fieldwork keep your eye out for and those taking part. in 2016 and is gradually being #ScotlandDigs2020! populated with more information on You can find all the paperwork you Use this hashtag to make your work how the Strategy is being delivered part of a national conversation. need for the Awards on Archaeology and how you can get involved. In Scotland’s website at: 2018, a launch video for the Strategy was released and racked up over 4,000 views in a couple of weeks. https://archaeologyscotland.org.uk/ You can find it, and much more, at: learning/heritage-hero-awards/

Bird’s eye view archaeologystrategy.scot/ of Cockenzie Harbour. © Archaeology Scotland

MAXIMISING THE ROLE ARCHAEOLOGY CAN PLAY IN LEARNING

Heritage Resources Portal Make the past come alive with Archaeology Scotland’s Heritage Learning Resources Portal! This is a one-stop-shop for resources about Scotland’s past and is for teachers and other educators to use with their learners.

• Activity and project ideas • Hands-on kits • Interactive games • Background info • Places to visit

http://archaeologyscotland.org.uk/ heritage-resources-portal #SCOTARCHSTRAT © Historic Environment Scotland Archaeology Scotland Scottish Charity No. SC001723, Company 262056 Funded by: © Battle of Prestonpans 1745 Heritage Trust 64 EERTN RHELG NSOLN:2020 CELEBRATING ARCHAEOLOGY IN SCOTLAND:

Front cover: Matt Knight (NMS) excavating the Peebles Hoard.

Below: bronze horse harness fittings recovered as part of the Peebles Hoard.

© Historic Environment Scotland 2020 You may re-use this information (excluding logos and images) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit: http://nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence/version/3/ Or write to: The Information Policy Team The National Archives Kew London TW9 4DU Or email: [email protected] Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. Any enquiries regarding this document should be sent to us at: Historic Environment Scotland Longmore House Salisbury Place Edinburgh EH9 1SH +44 (0) 131 668 8600 You can download this publication from our website at: www.historicenvironment.scot The Archaeology and World Heritage Team (HES). Design by Submarine Design.

Produced by:

Scottish Charity No. SC045925