News
On this page, you can find information on recent archaeological discoveries, ongoing fieldwork, changes to the Archaeology Service, and events or conferences. If you would like to share the results of your research with the wider archaeological community, please contact us!
- 29.07.10 - Radiocarbon Dates from Gigha
Radiocarbon dates have been obtained for samples of charcoal excavated from pits identified during monitoring conducted in relation to the construction of a new house at Tigh an Rubha on the Isle of Gigha (see previous news item on this page). For more information on the results of the post-excavation analysis, see this report - 21.07.10 - Prehistoric Occupation at Greenan
Evaluation trenching conducted on a proposed housing site at Greenan, Ayr, has identified evidence for prehistoric occupation. Find out more. - 20.07.10 - Engaging the Recent Past Conference
This three-day conference, held by the Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology, will be held in Glasgow on the 3rd - 5th of September. Find out more. - 09.07.10 - Kilwinning Community Archaeology Project
The Kilwinning Community Archaeology Project, run by the Kilwinning and District Preservation Society, offers volunteers the opportunity to participate in research and excavation exploring the history and development of the Abbey and associated burgh. Find out more. - 28.06.10 - Human Remains at Machrins, Colonsay
Human remains have been exposed in the machair at Machrins on the Isle of Colonsay. Find out more. - 24.06.10 - The Place of Paisley
Ongoing work at the Place of Paisley identifies what may be a surviving element of the West Range of the Abbey. Find out more. - 15.06.10 - Scotland's Rural Past Conference 2010
The third annual Scotland's Rural Past Third Annual Conference will be held on Saturday 30 October 2010 at Crieff Hydro, Crieff, Perthshire. As in previous years, there is a full and varied conference programme which showcases SRP projects taking place across the country. The keynote talk will be given by renowned writer and historian, Dr Fiona Watson, on Everyday life on the land: a hidden history. In addition to the papers being presented by SRP volunteers, work from many other projects will be on display throughout the day, and delegates will also have the chance to preview the new SRP training fieldwork videos. There will also be lots more going on, including workshops, book stalls and the SRP clinics. The conference will close with a wine reception and the conference dinner, all in the wonderful setting of the Crieff Hydro. On the following morning, Sunday 31 October, conference delegates are invited to come on a guided walk with RCAHMS experts to explore abandoned rural settlement sites in the local area. To book your place at the conference please download, complete and return the booking form by 15 September 2010. The programme and other details are also available on the SRP website. Please note that conference numbers are restricted and early registration is recommended to ensure your place. - 02.06.10 - WoSAS Map Search 2.0
This week sees the launch of a new version of the WoSAS map search page, aimed at making information on archaeological sites and monuments available to the public in a quicker and more accessible form. The page has been rebuilt by Stewart McCall of South Ayrshire Council using the Javascript API rather than the .NET ADF employed previously, and the results can be viewed here. Using Javascript means that a smaller resource footprint is needed to supply the map-search function, and should mean that the maps display more quickly. Work has also been done to improve the usability of the site. Instead of the 'zoom', 'pan', 'information' buttons used in the previous version, navigation is controlled through a combination of a zoom bar and an in-frame pan function, similar to the interface employed in Google maps, while further information of sites is returned by simply clicking on the relevant symbol. It's also possible to hide the left hand side panel to make the map bigger – just click the [-] button. Other bits of interest are the 'Terrain' button, to give the map a 3d appearance, and the 'More' button, which gives access to more advanced GIS tools like a navigation and measure toolbar. From here, it is also possible to run spatial searches – again the map highlights the results and the results highlight the map. Thanks go to Stewart McCall and the ICT team at South Ayrshire Council for all their hard work! - 01.06.10 - An Infant Inhumation at Dunstaffnage
Evidence for prehistoric occupation and burial has been uncovered during ongoing fieldwork at Dunstaffnage, Argyll. Find out more. - 18.05.10 - Recent Reports from Gigha
Reports on two pieces of recent fieldwork conducted on Gigha have demonstrated the high levels of archaeological survival that may be expected on this island. Find out more. - 13.05.10 - Renfrew Council Building, Paisley
A programme of archaeological monitoring is currently taking place in Paisley Town Centre, associated with the demolition of part of the Paisley Civic Centre. Find out more. - 22.04.10 - Time Team on Mull
In May of last year, Channel 4's popular and long-running archaeology programme Time Team visited the island of Mull to undertake a three-day evaluation on the site of a potential early Christian chapel identified by local archaeologists Bev Langhorn and Hylda Marsh as part of the Scotland's Rural Past project (WoSAS Pin 57999). This programme will be broadcast at 17:30 on Sunday the 25th of April. More information can be found on the Channel 4 website. - 31.03.10 - A Possil Pottery
A programme of evaluation has identified material associated with the former Saracen or Possil Pottery, in Glasgow. Find out more. - 23.03.10 - A Bee's Eye View of Beecraigs
Aerial views of the prehistoric material identified at Beecraigs Country Park, supplied by the West Lothian Archaeology Group, can be viewed on this page - 22.03.10 - A Hive of Archaeological Activity at Beecraigs
A programme of archaeological works at Beecraigs Country Park in West Lothian has identified significant evidence for prehistoric settlement in the area. Find out more - 19.03.10 - Illuminating the archaeology of Glasgow Cathedral
Over the last couple of years, a programme of archaeological monitoring has taken place during works to upgrade the floodlights at Glasgow Cathedral, and a report outlining the results of this work has now been received. Find out more - 18.03.10 - Radiocarbon date for Iona Midden
Radiocarbon dates have been obtained for samples taken from the spread of possible midden material identified during monitoring work conducted duing the construction of an extension to a cottage on Iona (see previous news item on this page). For more information on the results of the post-excavation analysis, see this report - 10.03.10 - Archaeological Resreach in Progress: Glasgow 2010
This annual conference, organised for 2010 by Archaeology Scotland and staged jointly with the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, provides an opportunity to hear up-to-date accounts of the fieldwork and research being carried out in Scotland. This year the conference is being held in Glasgow and will focus on recent work undertaken in Glasgow and the environs. For further details and booking information, download the booking form - 24.02.10 - Govan Burgh Survey Launched
The intriguing history of Govan was today revealed in a book, Historic Govan: Archaeology and Development, launched by Fiona Hyslop, Minister for Culture at the Pearce Institute in Govan. Read more on the Historic Scotland website - 15.02.10 - Possible Prehistoric Pit at Patterton
Archaeological evaluation at Patterton Quarry, Newton Mearns, East Renfrewshire, has identified a number of features indicating occupation during prehistory. Find out more - 09.02.10 - Scotland's Cluniac Heritage Conference
A conference to mark the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of the monastic Order of Cluny in Burgundy will be held at Paisley Town Hall on Saturday the 15th of May 2010. At this conference, Prof. Stephen Driscoll and Bob Will of Glasgow University will discuss the results of the recent excavations at Paisley Abbey, carried out by staff from Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division and volunteers from the Renfrewshire Local History Forum. For details of other speakers, and for booking information, see the Cluny Scotland 2010 project page. - 08.02.10 - Archaeology, Artefacts and Awards at High Morlaggan
The Community Excavation at High Morlaggan on the shores of Loch Long has won a prestigious national prize for the best archaeology project in the UK run by a voluntary group or individual. Find out more - 04.02.10 - Grave News from Crawfordjohn
Work carried out during the refurbishment of Crawfordjohn Primary School has uncovered a number of burials, likely be associated with the medieval parish church, which is immediately adjacent to the site. Find out more - 04.12.09 - Roundhouse Excavated at Whelphill, South Lanarkshire
Archaeological work carried out in advance of construction of a substation saw the excavation of a roundhouse and associated annexe, together with a number of other features. Find out more - 04.12.09 - Possible Prehistoric Occupation Evidence from Netherton Braes, Glasgow
Monitoring undertaken on a proposed extension to Linn Cemetery in Glasgow has identified a series of post- and stake holes. Find out more - 04.12.09 - Radiocarbon Dates for Allt Fearna Shieling Received
Radiocarbon dates received for samples taken during the excavation of a shieling on the Douglas Water near Inveraray indicate a long tradition of occupation on the site.Find out more - 13.11.09 - Community Excavation at High Morlaggan, Loch Long
The community-led excavation of the ruined settlement of High Morlaggan, which is situated on the eastern bank of Loch Long near Arrochar, has just begun this week. Find out more - 09.10.09 - Long Tradition of Occupation at Grishipoll
Fieldwork conducted in relation to the rehabilitation of an 18th century Laird's house at Grishipoll, Isle of Coll, has identified pottery that suggests occupation on the site from the Bronze Age onwards. Find out more - 16.09.09 - Prehistoric Midden on Iona
Archaeological monitoring undertaken during construction of an extension to a cottage just south of Iona Abbey has identified what appears to be a prehistoric midden spread. Find out more - 07.09.09 - Procedural Guidance for Archaeology and Development
At its meeting on 3 April 2009 the West of Scotland Archaeology Service Joint Committee approved the West of Scotland Archaeology Service Procedural Guidance for Archaeology and Development for general application across the 11 WoSAS Member Councils. This document is now available for download. - 25.08.09 - A Collared Urn at Snabe
Fragments of Bronze Age pottery have been identified during evaluation trenching at Snabe Quarry near Drumclog, South Lanarkshire Find out more - 18.08.09 - Mystery Cist Update
The cist whose discovery is shown in this antiquarian photograph has been identified by Dr Ralph Shuttleworth as being located at Pun Wrae in Stevenston, which is now the street from the Cross opposite the Champion Shell Inn. Dr Shuttleworth notes that the 'Wrae' element occurs in a number of Ayrshire place-names, and appears to be associated with some sort of small fort or homestead. He further notes that the Stevenston example is located close to a knoll now occupied by the High Kirk, which may have been an attractive location for settlement of this type. - 18.08.09 - Scottish Archaeology Month 2009
September 2009 is Scottish Archaeology Month. Details of hundreds of events taking place across Scotland can be viewed by downloading the programme of events - 17.08.09 - Do You Recognise This Cist?
WoSAS has been contacted by a genealogical researcher from Switzerland, who came across a photograph of the discovery of a cist during the course of her research. The only information available is that the photographer, Samuel Becket, was based in Saltcoats, and that the cist is likely to have been found in North Ayrshire. Possible matches identified so far in the WOSAS SMR include WoSAS Pin 5251, WoSAS Pin 5636 and WoSAS Pin 5732, but other suggestions as to its location will be gratefully received! - 14.08.09 - A long cist at Newbigging
A long cist has been identified during fieldwork in Newbigging, South Lanarkshire. Find out more - 13.08.09 - Scotland's Rural Past Conference 2009
The 2009 conference of the popular Scotland's Rural Past project will take on the 14th of November at the Ben Nevis Hotel, Fort William. The key note talk on turf buildings of the Highlands will be given by cultural historian and former curator of the Highland Folk Museum, Ross Noble. This will be followed by talks on SRP projects and a series of workshops and short films covering different aspects of site interpretation, recording and presentation. There will also be a dedicated RCAHMS/SRP room where the project team will be giving presentations on their resources and providing advice on accessing and submitting data. Workshops are open to all and there is no need to register in advance for them. On Sunday 15 guided walks will take place to two local rural settlement sites. Details of these are still being finalised and will be available at the conference. As numbers are limited to 100 by the size of the venue, early booking is recommended to ensure a place. Booking will close on 30 September. Download Conference Programme and Booking Form - 12.08.09 - New Inverclyde Shipbuilding Website
A new website has been set up to illustrate the history of the shipbuilding and engineering industry in Inverclyde. It is hoped that it will become a way of recording personal stories, photographs etc., and users are encouraged to add their own information to the site, to create a record of the rich industrial heritage of the area. Vist the Site! - 29.07.09 - Whisky Galore!
Evidence for the illicit distilling of whisky has been identified during fieldwork at Mill Brae, Carnasserie. Find out more - 22.07.09 - Dams to Darnley Country Park: A peek into the past
From the mill to the mystery of the Waulkmill Glen ruin, Darnley has a speckled past. Take a glimpse into the industrial heritage of the area on this guided walk, led by a local heritage specialist. The walk will mainly cover flat level paths, but will occasionally venture off the beaten track.
Saturday 1 August, 10am–noon. Meet at the Ashoka restaurant car park, Corselet Road, off Nitshill Road, Darnley.
To book or for more information please contact the Countryside Ranger Service; Eilidh / Richard 0141 577 4054/4053 or e-mail d2d@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk - 04.06.09 - Bipartite Pit at Hagholm Road, Cleghorn
A possible bipartite pit was identified during recent archaeological works carried out in an area of rough pasture to the east of Cleghorn, South Lanarkshire. Find out more - 19.05.09 - Time Team on Mull
This week, Channel 4's Time Team will be investigating a potential early Christian chapel on the Isle of Mull. Find out more - 06.05.09 - Invitation to Dig at Scotland's Oldest Settlement
The Biggar Archaeology Group started a major excavation on Saturday 2nd May at Howburn Farm, near Elsrickle, to retrieve lithic material from plough soil. Previous fieldwork on the site identified a lithic assemblage dating to the Upper Palaeolithic, approximately 14,000 years ago, while Mesolithic and later pre historic periods are also represented in the present finds from the field. The work will be done entirely by volunteers at weekends and evenings. To find out how to get involved, and for more information on the site, download the invitation for diggers. - 20.04.09 - Discover Bute Landscape Partnership Scheme
Find out more about events taking place on the island of Bute as part of the ongoing Landscape Partnership scheme. - 16.04.09 - National Trust for Scotland fieldwork in Argyll
Archaeologists from the National Trust for Scotland have made significant discoveries during fieldwork at two sites in Argyll. A bronze age midden, containing bones, shells, pottery and tools dating to between 903BC and 810BC, was excavated on the west side of Iona (Read the story), while excavations at Crarae Gardens in Argyll has identified a ditch and stone bank dating to the 7th to 9th century, possibly representing the vallum of an early Christian settlement (Read the story). - 10.04.09 - Scotland's Oldest Settlement
Members of the Biggar Museum Trust Archaeology Group have identified what may be Scotland's oldest settlement, dating back 14,000 years. The site, which was found in a ploughed field during fieldwork conducted as part of their 'Prehistory North of Biggar Project' in 2005-2006 (WoSAS Pin 57693), produced flint artefacts similar to material from the Netherlands and northern Germany. Find out more - 03.04.09 - Early Medieval Carved Stone found in Rutherglen
A fragment of carved stone found during renovation works in Rutherglen could shed new light on the pre-Norman origins of the town. Find out more - 01.04.09 - North Lanarkshire Council
From the 1st of April 2009, the West of Scotland Archaeology Service will no longer be providing advice in relation to archaeological issues within the North Lanarkshire council area. - 30.03.09 - Scottish Milestone Conference
The Milestone Society in Scotland is holding a one day conference at the David Marshall Lodge in Aberfoyle on Saturday the 30th of May, to discuss 'Preserving Scotland's Rich Heritage of Roadside Milestones'. Find out more, and download booking form. - 11.03.09 - Additional Photos of Inchinnan Stone Fragment
A new photograph of the fragment of carved stone found at Inchinnan has been sent to WoSAS. See Picture - 06.03.09 - 15th Century Coin found in Linlithgow
Refurbishment work on the Burgh Halls in Linlithgow has produced an unusual 15th century coin. See Pictures - 10.02.09 - Dig unearths 13th century ceramic
A rare ceramic face-mask jug dating back to the 13th century has been uncovered at a building site in Rothesay in Argyll, during work undertaken as a condition of planning consent on the advice of the West of Scotland Archaeology Service. Go to BBC News website. - 06.02.09 - Carved Stone Fragment Found
A fragment of carved stone has been identified at Inchinnan in Renfrewshire, an area that is rich in important early Christian monuments. Find out more - 08.01.09 - Prehistoric features at Lochgoilhead
Evaluation trenching undertaken in advance of a proposed housing development at Lochgoilhead, Argyll, has revealed traces of occupation during prehistory. Find out more - WoSAS News Archive 2008
- WoSAS News Archive 2007