ACFA Field Archaeology for All Arc-eòlas do na h-uile
Formerly the Association of Certificated Field Archaeologists, ACFA, as we are now known, was founded in 1987. Since then, our members have acquired a range of knowledge, skills and experience in archaeological field survey that has gained ACFA an enviable reputation in Scottish archaeology. As a charity, we are mainly self-funding, and we often work in conjunction with other heritage and community organisations.
A bit of history…
Founded in 1987, with the encouragement of course director Lionel Masters, by graduates of the Certificate in Field Archaeology, a qualification awarded by Glasgow University’s Department of Adult and Continuing Education, ACFA was intended to give the graduates opportunities to exercise the skills and knowledge they had acquired. Read more about the early days in these two personal accounts and watch these short videos celebrating ACFA’s history and achievements.
Archaeology beyond the Gregory Building
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 140 surveys in Scotland in areas as widespread geographically as the Hebridean islands of Tiree, Raasay and Luing, to the Halterburn Valley in the Borders. Have a look at our list of publications for an idea of the breadth of our work.
We welcome applications for membership from anyone interested in the practice of field archaeology and survey with or without experience. At ACFA we learn by doing as well as more formal training.
Registered Scottish Charity SC 007099