News

ACFA had a strong presence at the launch of Dig It! 2015, the year of Scottish Archaeology, on Saturday March 15 at Rouken Glen Park.  Our stall attracted a lot of interest and committee members and other ACFA members had a great opportunity to network with a wide range of Scottish archaeology groups as well as talking to members of the public about our work. Highlights of the day included demonstrations of kite aerial photography and a medieval re-enactment group.

ACFA members led a walk-over of the archaeology of the park followed in the afternoon by a training session introducing a group of volunteers to the joy of field survey which was an authentic ACFA experience conducted in the teeth of a howling gale and threatening rain.  On Sunday Ian Marshall, Susan Hunter and Janie Munro returned to the park to ‘reccie’ sites for future surveying as part of the Rouken Glen Adopt-a-Monument project.

A new field trip is being considered for September to the island of Tiree. Archaeology on Tiree includes Dun Mor Vaul, duns, standing stones and a stone circle, medieval chapel ruins and cross stones, kelp and corn kilns, and accommodation will be in the Category A listed lighthouse establishment built for the construction and servicing of Skerryvore lighthouse. This trip is only open to members and associate members, and full details can be found in the Members’ Area.

Last year ACFA took part in the public consultation on the draft Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland and the Outline Business case for the merger between Historic Scotland and RCAHMS.  Our written submission can be found in the Members’ Area.

The new strategy that emerged from the consultations and further discussions has just been published.  The intention is to ensure that Scotland’s Historic Environment is cared for, valued and protected in a sustainable way.  The strategy can be found at www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/03/8522 .

The Historic Environment Bill to create a new Non-Departmental Public Body, Historic Environment Scotland, has been laid before the Scottish Parliament and can be found at www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/73219.aspx .

ACFA members are taking part in a new archaeology project based in Rouken Glen Park on the southside of Glasgow. The project will kick off with a training weekend for community volunteers on March 15 and 16. A group of ACFA members will help tutor the volunteers in learning to recognise features in the landscape with a guided walk-over of the park and continuing with an introduction to surveying. 

The Saturday will also see the launch of Dig It Archaeology Year 2015.

Glen Lochay survey dates for March to June have been announced.  They are:  March 23, March 30, April 6, April 13, May 4, and May 11.  All dates are Sundays.  A camping weekend is also planned.  More details can be found in the Members’ Area.

On Saturday22nd March 2014, the SCAPE Trust is hosting an Archaeology Fact Finding Event in Glasgow. Designed for all those who have an interest in and take part in archaeology and heritage in a non-professional capacity, this one-off event will give you the opportunity to get up to speed with the incredible range of techniques, specialisms and services across the sector and meet the experts and practitioners face to face.

The day will be structured into 2 parts: short presentations throughout the morning and timed surgeries in the afternoon where you will be able to find out more about specific techniques and services, discuss project ideas and meet specialists and contractors.

The event will be held at the Western General Lecture Theatre and more information can be found at SCHARP’s website.