After a hugely successful tenth anniversary year in 2009, Scottish Archaeology Month (SAM) is upon us once again.
Organised by Archaeology Scotland, the 2010 installment of the annual festival of dirt-digging – which takes place from late August right through until the end of September (okay, so a little longer than a month, but who’s counting?) – comprises a panoply of archaeology-related events, around 150 of them in total, taking place up, down and all over Scotland, from the Borders in the south all the way to Orkney in the north, and from Aberdeen in the east all the way to Ayrshire in the west.
Free talks, tours, guided walks, exhibitions, workshops and hands-on events including volunteer digs will help the Scottish public – young and old – to discover some of the amazing archaeology on their doorstep, be it a Bronze Age burial mound near Bathgate, a Celtic power base at Birnie, a Roman signal fort on Rubers Law or an Iron Age dwelling in Holyrood Park, slap-bang in the middle of the City of Edinburgh.
Here we round-up ten not-to-be-missed events taking place at SAM 2010. Check out loads more events besides on the Archaeology Scotland website.
1. Insight – On-site Guided Tour of Knockfarrel Iron Age Hillfort
Location: Knockfarrel Hillfort, near Dingwall, Ross-shire.
Dates/times: September 19, 2pm (1pm for those walking from Strathpeffer).
Description: Knockfarrel is one of the best preserved vitrified Iron Age Pictish hillforts in the Highlands, not to mention the site of one of Scotland’s first archaeological digs. Archaeology for communities in the Highlands will lead a guided tour around the site, which commands spectacular views of the Ross-shire countryside. Attendees are invited to either meet at the site, or arrive at Strathpeffer an hour early for a guided walk up the hillside.
Essential info: It’s a steep hike and good weather is by no means guaranteed, so dress accordingly. Children welcome, if accompanied by an adult.
Find out more: www.archhighland.org.uk
2. Birnie Excavations Open Day
Location: Birnie, Moray.
Dates/times: September 12, 10am-4pm.
Description: A must-attend event. 2,000 years ago, Birnie was a crucial Celtic power base in the north east of Scotland. Two impressive hordes of Roman coins (possible evidence of the Romans bribing the Celts to remain peaceful), chariot parts and the remains of over 20 roundhouses have been found there during 13 seasons of archaeological activity. Yet, sadly, summer 2010 marks the final year of digging at the site. Join archaeologists from the National Museum of Scotland as they reveal Birnie’s hidden secrets for the last time.
Essential info: Tours for adults are at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. Tours for families are at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
Find out more: www.nms.ac.uk/ironage_scotland
3. Holyrood Park Archaeology Day
Location: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh.
Dates/times: September 26, 11am-3pm.
Description: Rising from Edinburgh’s urban sprawl, Holyrood Park – with the extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat at its centre – is an archaeological treasure trove situated in the middle of Scotland’s capital city. Hosted by rangers from the Holyrood Park Education Service, this day of fun activities – including wattle fencing, bow drilling and fire starting – will give an insight into what life was like in Holyrood Park during the Iron Age. A Druid will be among a variety of characters from the past dropping by.
Essential info: All from youngsters to grannies are welcome – the event is suitable for all the family.
Find out more: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
4. The Newbarns Project
Location: Newbarns, by Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway
Dates/times: September 1-26
Description: Another chance to roll up your sleeves and get involved with the Newbarns Project – a dig at site which has yielded three prehistoric burial cairns dating from the Neolithic period through to the Iron Age, as well as evidence of medieval occupation. Anybody is welcome to drop by for a tour of the site by a member of the Stewartry Archaeological Trust, or to have a go at digging.
Essential info: Booking is essential. Stout shoes and comfy clothing are a must. Be aware that there are some accessibility issues at the site – give organisers a shout if you need to know more.
Find out more: www.sat.org.uk
5. Orkney’s Venus and Other Gems: Recent Archaeological Discoveries at Historic Scotland’s Properties in Care
Location: Haddington Town House, Haddington, East Lothian.
Dates/times: September 4, 7pm.
Description: Historic Scotland’s Properties in Care is a body responsible for many of Scotland’s most important archaeological sites. At this special, 90-minute talk, Historic Scotland senior archaeologist Richard Strachan will discuss some of the key finds made at these heritage hotspots, which include Links of Noltland on Orkney – where the Orkney Venus Neolithic figurine was dug up last year – Stirling Castle and Tantallon Castle.
Essential info: No booking is required – just turn up. Part of East Lothian Archaeology and Local History Fortnight.
Find out more: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/archaeology
6. Paisley Abbey and the Place of Paisley
Location: Paisley Abbey, Paisley, East Renfrewshire.
Dates/times: September 11-12.
Description: Paisley doesn’t have the most flattering of reputations within Scotland as a place of culture and refinement, but it’s actually a place steeped in history, from the ancient right through to the modern. A look at the spectacular 13th century Paisley Abbey – a place of some important recent archaeological research – with its sumptuous gallery of 25 stained glass windows by 15 different artists will prove it, as the public are allowed access to normally off-limits parts of the building.
Essential info: Part of Doors Open Day Scotland.
Find out more: www.paisley.org.uk
7. Natives and Romans on Rubers Law – A Guided Walk
Location: Rubers Law, Borders.
Dates/times: September 15, 2pm-5pm.
Description: It’s a strenuous 350m hike to the top of extinct volcano Rubers Law Hill, but if Roman soldiers could manage it in full armour, then you can do it too, as part of an educational hike led by experts from Scottish Borders Heritage. Your reward at the summit is Peden’s Pulpit, a Roman signal station, plus the ruined ramparts of an Iron Age fort and – if you’re lucky and the weather’s good – some fine views of the Scottish Borders.
Essential info: It’s about 6 kilometres walk in total, so dress and come equipped accordingly. Part of Borders Heritage Week.
Find out more: www.scottishbordersheritage.co.uk
8. Kilwinning Community Archaeology Project – Excavations
Location: Kilwinning Abbey, North Ayrshire.
Dates/times: August 18-September 18, 9am-4pm.
Description: Founded sometime between 1162 and 1188, in a remote southwestern corner of Lowland Scotland, Kilwinning Abbey is one of the country’s lesser-known ancient monastic structures. Its ruins are much-reduced, yet the structure may once have been of towering importance on the world stage, with one local historian speculating that not only might the Knights of the Templar have sheltered in tunnels under the Abbey Church, but that the Holy Grail may be buried somewhere in the grounds too. See what large-scale community-led excavations have dug up so far.
Essential info: No booking is necessary, but check ahead to see that the site is definitely open on the day you plan to visit.
Find out more: www.kilwinningdig.co.uk
9. Cairnpapple Archaeology Weekend
Location: Cairnpapple, near Bathgate, West Lothian.
Dates/times: September 25-26, 11am-4pm.
Description: A major ritual site used and re-used several times over the course of 4,000 years from the Neolithic period onwards, Cairnpapple Hill yields all kinds of ancient remains, including a spectacular Bronze Age burial mound. Over the course of one weekend only, entry to the mound will be free, and there’ll be lots of special events taking place at the site, including kite photography demonstrations, ancient technology activities for kids and costumed performances by Druids with stories of Neolithic life.
Essential info: Accessibility can be tricky – contact organisers for more details.
Find out more: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
10. Open Afternoon at Ness Battery
key archaeological site. Picture credit – SAM.
Location: Ness Battery, Stromness, Orkney.
Dates/times: September 5, 2.30-5pm.
Description: Okay, not an ancient ruin this one but a fascinating site nevertheless. The Ness Battery, on the historic island of Orkney, has been described as the most important WWII gun-battery in Scotland, and perhaps all of Britain. It’s exceptionally well-preserved, right down to an extensive and enigmatic mural, painted by soldiers from the Royal Artillery 534th Coast Regiment – who once manned the station – across three walls of the mess hall and kitchen. The Battery is currently undergoing extensive restoration and preservation work – take a sneek peak with a guided tour by an expert.
Essential info: Meet at the gate to the Battery on every half hour. The last tour leaves at 4.30pm.
Find out more: www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/scapaflow