Archaeological Digs in Scotland | 2026 Edition
Want to volunteer or visit an excavation in 2026? We’re rounding up the best free (or low-cost) archaeology opportunities from across the country that are open to everyone – no experience required!
Cammo Estate, Edinburgh – VOLUNTEERING & OPEN DAYS
When: Every Monday (plus open days on 4 July, 8 August and 6 September)
Uncover an area packed full of archaeology and hidden stories. Find out more…
Skaill Farm, Orkney – SITE VISIT
When: 6 to 24 July (weekdays)
Visit the site of this multi-period settlement site at Skaill, Rousay. Find out more…
Ness of Brodgar, Orkney – SITE TOURS
When: 7 to 30 July (weekdays)
Watch as the team investigates a series of anomalies identified through ground-penetrating radar. Find out more…
Gallow Hill, Dunblane – VOLUNTEERING & SITE VISIT
When: 14 to 24 July
Join in this dig at the site of an Iron Age broch (a stone-built roundhouse) near Dunblane. Find out more…
Govan Old Church, Glasgow – SITE VISIT
When: 18 and 19 July
Drop by and watch this year’s dig to unearth more secrets of Govan’s ancient burial ground. Find out more…
Bannockburn House, Stirling – VOLUNTEERING
When: 18 to 26 July
Join Stirling Field & Archaeological Society’s community excavation at historic Bannockburn House. Find out more…
Spurness, Orkney – SITE VISIT
When: 19 July to 14 August (weekdays)
Visit a site where an Early Bronze Age structure with ‘double house’ architecture has been uncovered, as well as other interesting elements. Find out more…
Sprouston, Borders – VOLUNTEERING
When: 21 July to 7 August (not every day)
Help excavate this multi-period settlement site right, first identified through cropmarks in the 1980s and 90s. Find out more…
House of Dun, Montrose – VOLUNTEERING & SITE VISIT
When: 25 and 26 July
Help to further uncover the remains of a medieval castle. Find out more…
King’s Park, Stirling – VOLUNTEERING & SITE VISIT
When: 4 to 14 August
Join in this ongoing dig on the Roman Iron Age fort and prehistoric cemetery at King’s Park in Stirling. Find out more…
Burghead, Moray – SITE VISIT & OPEN DAY
When: 11 to 25 August (open day on 22 August)
The Northern Picts return to Burghead to uncover more of the early medieval Pictish stronghold. Find out more…
This list will be updated throughout the year. In the meantime, why not sign up to the Dig It! Digest to get Scottish archaeology stories, events and updates delivered straight to your inbox once a month?
While Dig It! takes every opportunity to ensure that this information is accurate, we advise that you contact the event organiser before attending the event to avoid disappointment.
Image: Excavation at Sgòr an Eòin at the National Trust for Scotland’s Mar Lodge Estate in the Cairngorms (Image Copyright: Shahbaz Majeed 2023)
