Thinking of visiting an archaeological fieldwork site for the first time during Scotland Digs 2025: Meeting People and not sure what to expect? We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help, whether you’re stopping by to take a peek or getting hands on as a volunteer:  

DO I NEED TO HAVE EXPERIENCE TO VOLUNTEER AT ONE OF THESE DIGS OR OTHER FIELDWORK EVENTS?

No. Opportunities advertised on the Dig It! website are open to the public with no experience, level of education or qualifications required.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG OR OTHER FIELDWORK EVENT?

If you’re just visiting a site, you can wear what you would usually wear to spend time outdoors in Scotland (e.g., jeans, t-shirt, jumper), although you might appreciate the addition of sturdy, waterproof footwear as the site may be muddy.

If you’ll be getting hands on, we recommend a pair of long trousers, a t-shirt and a long-sleeved shirt that you don’t mind getting dirty and that you’re comfortable in, as you may be bending, crouching, etc. A waterproof jacket and trousers are also recommended, along with sturdy, waterproof footwear. If you need anything else, the organiser for the event you’ve signed up for will let you know ahead of time.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG OR OTHER FIELDWORK EVENT?

You won’t be asked to bring any archaeological tools. However, we recommend SPF, snacks and drinks (see below), as well as insect repellent if you’re in an area where midges can be found.

If you’re volunteering and need to bring anything else, the organiser for the event you’ve signed up for will let you know ahead of time.

DO I HAVE TO BRING MY OWN FOOD TO AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG OR OTHER FIELDWORK EVENT?

If you’re just visiting a site for a tour or open day, it will most likely state on the event page whether food and/or drinks are available.

If you’re volunteering, this depends on the event so it’s worth contacting the organiser for more information. Some excavations provide tea and biscuits for volunteers, but not lunches. It’s also possible that there won’t be any shops or facilities (kettle, microwave, fridge, running water, etc.) nearby, so if you do need to bring your own food, plan ahead and pack a picnic lunch, drinks and/or snacks accordingly.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN I ARRIVE AT AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG OR OTHER FIELDWORK EVENT?

If you’re just visiting a site for a tour or open day, you’ll likely be greeted by the archaeologists or volunteers who will be happy to chat to you and answer questions.

If you’re volunteering, you’ll also be greeted by archaeologists or other volunteers and shown around the site (where to keep your belongings, work that’s been done so far, etc.). In most cases, you’ll be assigned tasks alongside other volunteers, given a demonstration and then you’ll get started. An archaeologist will always be nearby if you need more information or another demonstration.

CAN I ATTEND AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG OR OTHER FIELDWORK EVENT ON MY OWN?

Absolutely! Since you’ll immediately have something in common with the other attendees or volunteers, it’s a great way to meet new people.

WHAT KIND OF VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE AT ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIGS?

This depends on the event. It could be excavation, but it could also be recording, surveying or something else entirely. It’s worth contacting the event organiser if you want more information.

ARE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES SUITABLE FOR PEOPLE WITH ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS?

This depends on the site and activity. Please check the “Accessibility Information” section of the event page or contact the event organiser for more information.

DO I HAVE TO BE PHYSICALLY FIT TO VOLUNTEER AT AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELDWORK EVENT?

This depends on the event, but there’s usually activities on offer which don’t involve heavy lifting, etc. (such as recording). However, if you have any medical conditions, you should make yourself known to the medic on site as soon as you arrive. It’s also worth contacting the event organiser before arriving on site if you want more information.

DO I NEED TO REGISTER FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIGS OR OTHER FIELDWORK EVENTS IN ADVANCE?

This depends on the event. Tours and open days are often available on a drop-in basis, while volunteering opportunities almost always require participants to register ahead of time. Please check the event page for more information.

WILL THERE BE TOILETS AT THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE?

This also depends on the event. If you’re just visiting (instead of volunteering) or the site is in a remote location, it’s possible that there won’t be any toilets available. However, if you’re volunteering, it’s likely that you’ll have access to portaloos or toilets in a nearby building. In both cases, it’s worth contacting the event organiser if you want more information.

ARE THESE ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVENTS FOR ADULTS OR CHILDREN?

All activities on the Dig It! website are suitable for adults, although some welcome children as well. If you want to bring your budding young archaeologist, it’s worth contacting the event organiser to ensure that the event will be suitable for them (if it’s unclear on the event page).

You could also get in touch with the Young Archaeologists’ Club, a UK-wide club for 8- to 16-year-olds. Members take part in “all sorts of fantastic, hands-on activities, such as excavation, working with artefacts, visiting historical sites and undertaking experimental archaeology”.

CAN I BRING MY DOG TO THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE?

Dogs tend to be a popular addition to sites, but it’s worth contacting the event organiser if you want to be sure.

If you have any other questions, please get in touch and we’ll do our best to find an answer for you.

Image Copyright: Shahbaz Majeed 2023