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Perthshire Archaeology Month
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Perthshire Archaeology Month held in June 2009 was the seventh annual celebration of archaeology in Perth and Kinross. From its origins as Perthshire Archaeology Week in 2003, the programme is now widely recognised as offering first class events by providing expert guidance to the best archaeological sites in the area. The event is funded and organised by Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust (www.phkt.org.uk) with the events being provided by a consortium of organisations including Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, the Scottish Crannog Centre, Perth Museum and Art Gallery, Historic Scotland, the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland, and very importantly, local history and archaeology societies.
Details of the 2010 event will appear here once the programme has been finalised.
Popular Publications on Archaeology!
Interested in finding out more about the archaeology of Perth and Kinross?
Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust have produced a series of booklets on various different aspects of the archaeology and historic buildings of Perth and Kinross. From cupmarked stones to the Romans, and from the medieval burgh of Perth to its historic shopfronts, these are fascinating, colourful and easy to read publications. And all for only £2 to £3 a booklet!
The next publication in the series, The Crannogs of Perthshire by Nick Dixon, has just been launched at the Scottish Crannog Centre, Kenmore.
Other titles already available to buy include The Origins of Perth: A Medieval Burgh; Around Aberfeldy: A Brief History; Cupmarked Stones in Strathtay; The Romans in Perthshire; and Atholl Estates: A Brief History. All of the publications are in full colour and are available, priced £2 to £3, from the AK Bell Library shop, Perth Museum and Art Gallery, or direct from the Trust office at the Library Lodge.
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Exploring Perthshire's Past
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Exploring Perthshire’s Past: getting your hands dirty
Volunteer opportunities in Archaeology & Historic Buildings
The Exploring Perthshire’s Past project offers opportunities for the public to take part in hands-on practical activities, including archaeological excavation and field-walking, geophysical survey, site clearance and conservation, and historic building recording. You don’t need to have any previous experience of these activities to volunteer – EPP! will provide training and supervision.
Archaeological excavation
Archaeological excavation involves the uncovering, interpretation and recording of archaeological sites. Excavation is a key way to find out more about how people lived in the past by providing physical evidence for past activities. Today, volunteer opportunities on excavations are uncommon, however through EPP there are a number of chances to get your hands dirty and experience the processes of archaeology for yourself. There are opportunities to take part in the Black Spout homestead, SERF, Roman Gask Project, and MASS
Historic building recording
Historic building recording involves the detailed study and accurate recording of historic buildings by photography and measured-drawings. This is normally carried out in advance of demolition or prior to conservation works. Detailed study of a building can help to uncover the date and history of the structure, as well as providing a chance to interpret and understand how it has developed over time. There are opportunities to take part in projects with PKHT including Westown Chapel.
Archaeological field-walking
Field-walking involves the organised collection of archaeological objects from the surface of ploughed fields. It can be used to discover new sites or gather information on existing sites. A field is laid out into a grid and systematically checked, with objects found plotted on the grid. This can show patterns of occupation, and when results from many walks are studied together they can help to understand the use of landscapes in the past. There are opportunities to take part in fieldwalking with SERF, and PKHT.
Geophysical survey
Archaeologists use a number of geophysical survey techniques both to map out the detail of known sites, and discover new features. These methods allow for differences in the underlying terrain to be measured and recorded without the need for digging. This can involve detecting the electrical or magnetic properties of features in the ground which contrast greatly with their surroundings.
Site clearance and management
The clearance of overgrown archaeological sites and historic buildings is commonly carried out in advance of excavation or conservation work. Essential to the longer-term management of many sites is the removal of vegetation which endangers the survival of the site. There are opportunities to take part in site clearance and conservation with PKHT, including Balado Bridge.
Getting Involved
If you are interested in taking part in any of the activities, please contact Steven Timoney STimoney@pkc.gov.uk Pre-booking is essential for all of these events.
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Doors Open Days and Scottish Archaeology Month
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Doors Open Days - 26-27 September 2009
Every weekend in September you can take advantage of a wonderful opportunity to discover some of Scotland's hidden heritage. By joining in Doors Open Days you can explore some of Scotland's most interesting buildings - free of charge!
Buildings of every possible shape and description - castles, stately homes, legal courts, fire stations and tiny cottages - will all be opening their doors to visitors. At some you will be able to enjoy an organised tour, music or exhibition. At others you can just have a good look round.
For further information on Doors Open Days please visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk
Scottish Archaeology Month - September
Scotland has an amazing diversity of archaeological remains which represent some of the most intriguing and best preserved sites in Europe. Across Scotland there are burial cairns, settlements and military sites which are hidden under grass and layers of soil, built up over thousands of years or submerged in bogs, lochs and coastal waters. The land is the voice of generations of people who worked and shaped the landscape that we know today.
Scottish Archaeology Month provides an opportunity for you to discover and explore some of this unique archaeological heritage through excavation open days, guided tours of sites, exhibitions, lectures, ancient arts and crafts and workshops.
For further information on Scottish Archaeology Month please visit www.scottisharchaeology.org.uk
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