The Association of Certificated Field Archaeologists (ACFA) was formed in 1987. Its membership comprises holders of the University of Glasgow Certificate in Field Archaeology, awarded by the Department of Adult & Continuing Education, now Short Courses. The intention of the course was to teach adult students the basic principles of archaeological field survey and the importance of recording our cultural heritage of all periods.
Applications for membership of ACFA are considered from holders of similar qualifications including degrees in archaeology. Applications for associate membership are considered from those who have demonstrated a level of experience and commitment to the practice of Field Archaeology. We encourage volunteers to take part in our activities who may in due course be offered associate membership.
What we do…
ACFA seeks to continue this work by undertaking field surveys in Scotland. The Association is willing to undertake non-commercial surveys at the request of private individuals, local community groups, Heritage and Local History societies etc. Members who participate in surveys do so in a voluntary capacity and ACFA does not charge for its services, but seeks grants and is willing to accept donations to offset costs. All surveys undertaken are recorded and the results published in our ACFA Occasional Paper Series, allocated an ISBN number and lodged with Historic Environment Scotland and other public bodies. To date, ACFA has carried out over 100 surveys in Scotland in areas as widespread geographically as Sandwood in Sutherland, North Uist in the Outer Hebrides and Coalburn in South Lanarkshire.
We run occasional short courses introducing the basics of field survey, in conjunction with Short Courses Glasgow University .