Category: 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.