News

Another group of would-be field archaeologists took part in this year’s weekend field survey course in association with Glasgow University’s Centre for Open Studies.  Held on Saturday and Sunday of the May holiday weekend the weather wasn’t as kind as last year but nothing dampened the group’s enthusiasm.

After a classroom-based introduction the group embarked on a guided walk round the archaeological highlights of Pollok Park including a never previously surveyed enigmatic stone garden feature.  On the Sunday three survey teams were formed, each under the supervision of an ACFA tutor, and set to work getting to grips with the skills of surveying and drawing.  The teams proved that they had ‘the right stuff’ by working through torrential rain until they had completed their drawings.  

A day visit to the SERF excavations at Forteviot has been proposed for either the 27th or 28th June. More details can be found in the Members’ Area.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, has announced the establishment of a Strategic Forum for Scotland’s Historic Environment which will facilitate the closer working of heritage organisations and other bodies to ensure Scotland’s historic environment is understood, valued, cared for, protected and enhanced. 

Historic Environment Scotland is the name of the new lead public body to be formed from the merger of Historic Scotland and RCAHMS. Information on the strategy can be found here .

Stage 1 of the Bill and the report will be debated in the Parliament on the afternoon of Thursday June 19 following which, if Parliament agrees, the Bill will proceed to Stage 2 where amendments can be proposed.  This stage is expected to begin in mid August. Any MSP, or preferably a member of the Education and Culture Committee, can be approached to propose an amendment.  Information on the Bill and report can be found here and here.

ACFA contributed to the original consultation (available in the Members’ Area) but if any member has comments on the report or would like to suggest amendments to the  Bill as described above please contact the committee.  acfacommittee@gmail.com 

Following the recent launch of Dig It! 2015 and the Rouken Glen Project, an assessment was made of the site of the Rouken Mill. The remains proved to be more substantial than first thought although the site is quite precarious and threatened by saplings and encroaching shrubbery. Photographs of the site have been posted in the gallery. The mill is possibly the oldest structure in the park, being associated with the original Rouken settlement first noted on the Pont map.  Following sensitive clearance of the site, to be arranged by the park rangers, it is proposed to survey the mill and its surroundings which include two possible small associated structures and extensive rig and furrow.  Thanks to Ian Marshall for photographs.

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 .