Archaeology month digs deep to uncover nation’s rich heritage and history
From archaeological excavations and exhibitions, to walks, talks and re-enactments, budding Indiana Joneses have enjoyed a fantastic month.
September was Scottish Archaeology Month (SAM) and organisers laid on a bumper programme of events.
Co-ordinator Maria Gundestrup-Larsen says: “What SAM aims to do is encourage people to explore and engage with heritage, history and archaeology. There is a focus on local work and we try to get as big a geographical span as possible.
“The vast majority of events are organised by national heritage organisations, museums, community-run museums, volunteer-run organisations, local history societies and sometimes universities.”
There could scarcely be a more exciting time for those interested in Scottish history than now. The Northern Picts Project continues to advance our understanding of this enigmatic people, the 10th-Century Book of Deer has been wowing visitors to Aberdeen Art Gallery and, whether through geophysical surveys or the bleep of a metal detector, discoveries around the country are challenging established ideas.
“The events in the last couple of years that I know of have covered Viking, Roman and medieval,” adds Maria.
“Around Stirling there are the walks around the Wallace Monument, with that whole Wallace and Bruce history, and then there are all these little local histories – Jacobites, and what has been important for the different areas.
Maria hopes the publicity received by SAM will help encourage even more people to discover the country’s rich past in future.
“SAM is a Historic Environment Scotland-funded project but we are also part of something called European Heritage Days. Doors Open Days alongside SAM are both part of European Heritage Days, run by the Council of Europe,” she says.
“I’ve been co-ordinator since 2020 so you can imagine that I have not co-ordinated a SAM that was 100% normal.
“In 2020, we ran a mostly digital campaign where we promoted smaller, local places. We looked away from the bigger organisations and tried to promote local activities and community groups.
“In 2021, we had a more hybrid festival. There were a lot of online events still but also the outdoor events started to become popular again. This year was quite exciting.”
So, whether you like the clash of steel and the blast of musket fire, the clack of trowel against long-buried coin or the brogue of a passionate tour guide, hopefully Scottish Archaeology Month has inspired you to get out there and start learning about the country’s past.