Can you dig it? Scots urged to take part in events at key archaeological sites
An array of projects aimed at unearthing Scotland’s past are planned for the summer,
THEY are the places that tell the stories of Scotland’s past. The country’s many archaeological sites offer an insight into our history and culture, and help to link the past to our future.
The important locations have lain relatively undisturbed over the last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but their stories will begin to be told again this summer as they reopen for visitors.
Scotland Digs 2021 will offer the public the chance to visit sites and volunteer at events, as well as providing live updates on the progress of digs.
Hosted by community groups and dig organisers, the event – which runs from today until September 22 – aims to shine a spotlight on the country’s world class archaeology.
Dr Jeff Sanders, project manager at the Society Of Antiquaries Scotland’s Dig It! project, which coordinates the campaign, said: “A summer of discovery is an exciting prospect and we are thrilled many of these sites are able to open up to the public again.
“Whether they are community or development led, each one will help add a new chapter to a bigger story.
“And as Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy outlines, uncovering new stories helps create a connection to past peoples, gives a sense of perspective on what it means to be human, and helps us imagine how the future can be different.”
The campaign will see visitors invited to watch archaeology in action on Orkney as excavations resume at the 5,000-year-old Neolithic settlement at the Ness of Brodgar.
Events will also take place at the island’s Skaill farmstead, the site of a large Norse hall that was discovered in 2019.
Next month, the public will also get the chance to help investigate the 15th-century ruins of Glengarnock Castle, in North Ayrshire, with Digventures and Garnock Connections.
Archaeologists believe this medieval fortress could be much older than first thought due to the discovery of artefacts such as a copper alloy sword pommel at the site.
Meanwhile, towards the end of the summer, volunteers can help the Can You Dig It team search for evidence of prehistoric stone tools in Dumfries and Galloway and unearth more of Scotland’s first railway and the remains of 17th-century salt making in East Lothian with the 1722 Waggonway Project.
No experience is required to take part in the digs.
Plans are also being finalised for investigations into Mesolithic mountain dwellings in the Highlands by University College Dublin, while a 60 square kilometre-wide Neolithic “axe factory” in Shetland is also being looked at by Archaeology Shetland.
In addition, Scotland Digs 2021 will highlight the work of commercial archaeology units whose work offsets the impact that developments such as new housing estates, schools and roads have on the historic environment.
A statement on the summer campaign said: “After the Covid-19 pandemic halted much of the sector’s plans last year, many community-led groups and other dig organisers plan to again resume fieldwork and welcome the public with free site visits and volunteering opportunities.”
Historic Environment Scotland is supporting the summer project and hopes to encourage more Scots to explore their heritage.
Amy Eastwood, head of grants at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “This is a fantastic incentive to get people of all ages involved in archaeology and a great opportunity for volunteers to get hands-on fun with excavations and explore the fascinating stories of Scotland’s past.”
Dig It!, which advertises archaeology events throughout the year, is primarily funded by Historic Environment Scotland.
A summer of discovery is an exciting prospect