At the Far End of Everything: A Likely Ahrensburgian Presence on Skye – HYBRID EVENT
Stone tools found on the Isle of Skye have been dated to the Late Upper Palaeolithic (LUP), around 11,500 – 11,000 years ago. Based on reconstructions of local glacier formation and sea level data, an enigmatic group of stone circular structures which lie below modern sea level are estimated to date to the same time period.
These discoveries mean that the west coast now represents the largest concentration of evidence for these pioneer human populations anywhere in Scotland and reveals how early humans of this period ventured much further north than previously believed. Find out more at this Society of Antiquaries of Scotland talk.
About the Speaker
Prof Karen Hardy FSAScot began working in Skye in 1999 and jointly established the Scotland’s First Settlers project investigating the earliest known human occupation of the region (2000-2005). From 2008-2022 she was an ICREA Research Professor (Barcelona). In 2022, she was awarded €2.5m by the European Research Council (now funded by the UKRI) for her project ‘Powerful Plants’. This is hosted by the University of Glasgow as Professor of Prehistoric Archaeology, until the project terminates in 2027.
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. As “transport is Scotland’s biggest contributor to climate change” according to Net Zero Scotland, Dig It! also encourages you to walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport to arrive at this event if possible.
Image: Rolled stone tools from north Skye (© Karen Hardy)
Accessibility Information
Please note, the hearing loop facility at Augustine United Church is currently unavailable. The main entrance to the church is up four steps with a handrail. Step free access is available via a door to the right of the building - please ring the bell for attention. Please note there is a tight turn in this passageway. A standard accessible toilet is available on the ground floor and on the lower level (accessible via lift). Assistance dogs are allowed inside the venue. If attending via Zoom, captions are included. You can find further information on accessibility here.
Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL (AND ONLINE)
Thursday 12 March 2026 @ 6:00pm - Thursday 12 March 2026 @ 8:00pm
Free Entry
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