Off the west coast of Scotland lie An t-Eilean Muileach (the Isle of Mull) and Ì Chaluim Chille (the Isle of Iona). It’s thought that the islands have been occupied for at least 10,000 years and, if you know where to look, you can still find the remains of the past residents
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Destination Archaeology
Travel back into Scotland's past with our guides to unmissable sites and discoveries by region
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Get to grips with the science and techniques behind Scotland’s archaeological stories
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Princes and Prehistory on Eilean Bhòid (Bute)
Anyone arriving at the main ferry terminal in Baile Bhòid (Rothesay) can’t help but notice the seaside-retro grandness of this small island town. 150 years ago water was the motorway, and the unique streetscape reflects the island response to the vast numbers of tourists who crammed onto paddle steamers to come ‘doon the watter’
Archaeological Discoveries from Scotland’s 2020 Summer Dig Season Reimagined
A medieval gravestone, servants’ accommodation and a “magnificent” moat have been uncovered and brought to life by three digital artists
Laying the Foundations of Discovery: What is Developer-led Archaeology?
90% of all known archaeological sites in Scotland have no protection other than what their local authority archaeologists can do for them – and that doesn’t even take into account all the sites that we don’t know about yet, the ones waiting to be discovered. [NOTE: Article contains images and descriptions of human remains]
Finding the Stone Age in Scotland: Your Guide to the Fun World of Fieldwalking
The main archaeological evidence for the people who lived in Scotland in earlier prehistory (Palaeolithic – Neolithic, roughly 14,000 to 4,500 years ago) is made up of stone tools (hence: the Stone Age).
Dogs, Not Dinos! The Truth about Zooarchaeology
Ask any archaeologist what the most common questions they get from the general public, and you’re likely to hear one about dinosaurs. Although both fields deal with very, very old bones, dinosaurs are more of the realm of palaeontology, not archaeology.
AN SPÀINN AGUS ALBA: ÀRC-EÒLAS AR-A-MACH SEUMASACH 1719 (GHÀIDHLIG)
B’ e ar-a-mach nan Seumasach ann an 1719 an t-aon ionnsaigh Seumasach a rinneadh le taic nan Spàinnteach. Ann an còmhragan roimhe, b’ iad na Frangaich a chuidich na h-Albannaich a bha dìleas do na rìghrean Stiùbhartach a bha air fògradh.
Spain and Scotland: The Archaeology of the 1719 Jacobite Rising (English)
The 1719 Rising was the only Jacobite activity conducted with Spanish support. In prior conflicts, it had been the French who assisted the Scots loyal to the exiled Stuart kings.
Bioarchaeology and Tales from Bones
Archaeological science and technology have come a long way in the past twenty years and powerful new analytical tools have allowed us to dig deeper into the lives of people from Scotland’s past. [NOTE: Article contains images and descriptions of human remains]
What is Radiocarbon Dating?
It’s a very exciting feeling when you unearth your first artefact, one which anybody who has uncovered a find will know well. You could be holding something – a bowl, a bead, or a brooch, perhaps – which has not been seen for hundreds, or even thousands of years.
“A Long Love Affair” with Bearsden Roman Fort: the Story of an Excavation
In the summer of 1973, I began a long love affair with the Roman fort on the Antonine Wall at Bearsden when I undertook an exploratory excavation in advance of building work.
Top Seven Scottish Archaeology Models on Sketchfab
Take these 3D models for a spin to explore the best of Scottish history in 3D!
How to Support Scottish Archaeology the During COVID-19 Pandemic
Along with the rest of the heritage sector, the pandemic has had a hugely detrimental impact on Scottish archaeology. A large amount of fieldwork – particularly community-led events – has been postponed or cancelled so far, with many activities unlikely to take place this year.
Industrial Archaeology: Unearthing Scotland’s ‘Iron Burgh’
Half-hidden in a natural amphitheatre right in the centre of Coatbridge lies one of the most significant places in modern Scottish history.
LiDAR and the Antonine Wall
Not all archaeology is done with a trowel and bucket, and digging a hole isn’t the only way we can learn about our past. A growing number of archaeological projects are undertaken using remote sensing techniques and some can even be done without leaving the house.
Learning from the Dead: Why do archaeologists excavate, move and analyse human remains?
Archaeologists can discover an amazing amount about the past from the remains of buildings, pottery and other artefacts of human life. But one of the best ways to learn about how people lived in the past is to analyse them directly. [NOTE: Article contains images and descriptions of human remains]
Archaeologists Reveal their Work Outside the Trenches as Scotland’s Summer Dig Season Goes Digital
Scotland’s dig season has gone digital this year with archaeologists and experts running online events and sharing the “before and after” side of excavations.
Six of the Best Ancient Sites on Eilean Arainn (Isle of Arran)
Eilean Arainn (Isle of Arran) is packed with prehistoric sites. Their accessibility, however, ranges from ‘ok with stout shoes, a mac and midge repellent’ to ‘a detailed map, compass, ice picks and Mountain Rescue on speed dial’. This is a guide for the former.
8,000 years of Deer and Aden: Aberdeenshire’s lost monastery and country park mysteries | Archaeological Research in Progress
Aberdeenshire’s history stretches back thousands of years and two archaeology projects – focusing on Leabhar Dhèir (the Book of Deer) and Aden Country Park – have been digging into this story for decades.
Finding a Pictish Power Centre: Bennachie’s Mither Tap | Archaeological Research in Progress
The Picts are a ‘lost people of Europe’ and continue to be a society of enduring public fascination.
A Portrait of Life and Death in Aberdeen: Excavations at Aberdeen Art Gallery | Archaeological Research in Progress
Excavations around Aberdeen in recent years have provided a wealth of fascinating discoveries and insights into its medieval heritage. [NOTE: Article contains images of human remains]
Ancestor or adversary? Understanding the six-headed medieval burials from St Colman’s Church in Portmahomack | Archaeological Research in Progress
When the Tarbat Discovery Programme excavated a Pictish settlement in Easter Ross, over 80 medieval burials were also recovered – including a “six-headed” grave which made headlines across the country. [NOTE: Article contains images of human remains]
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