21 June 2023
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Aerial view of the Cairns broch in Rousay (© Bobby Friel)
This summer, archaeologists will be investigating a prehistoric settlement, multi-period castle site, and Iron Age fort in Scotland - and you can join in with digs and site visits.
The Scotland Digs 2023: Free Days Out campaign is celebrating the country’s world-class archaeology and highlighting budget-friendly activities for the public.
Now in its fifth iteration, the national campaign coordinated by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland’s Dig It! project will assemble updates and fieldwork events for the public through social media and an online hub from 21 June to 22 September.
Survey, recording, excavation and more will take place in urban and rural areas across the country, with many sites welcoming members of the public with free tours, open days and volunteering opportunities - no experience required.
The 2023 programme
ORKNEY
In Orkney, members of the public are invited to watch volunteers and archaeologists from the UHI Archaeology Institute at work as they return to The Cairns on South Ronaldsay. Excavation began at the site in 2006, revealing a large Iron Age broch (c. 100 BC – AD 200) and over 20 other structures dating from the Iron Age through to the Norse period.
Cairns site director Martin Carruthers with Holly Young (© Tim Winterburn)
Thousands of artefacts and animal bones have been recovered from the complex since then, including prehistoric human hair and a beautifully preserved 2,000-year-old wooden bowl. The public can visit the site for free on weekdays from now until 7 July and read about the excavation on Orkney Archaeology.
FIFE
In Fife, visitors are invited to tour a multi-period site and get a hands-on archaeology experience for free as part of a project to uncover the history of the East Neuk. Organised by four archaeologists from the University of St Andrews, a team of students and volunteers have been exploring the Pittarthie Farm landscape near West Lingo as part of the Petardy Historic Landscape Project since 2020.
Field walking, metal detecting and excavation by various groups and individuals over the years has already revealed evidence from the Neolithic through to the Modern period, with key finds including a fragmented sword pommel dated to around AD 1200 - 1340.
Open days will take place on 28 June, 5 July and 12 July, and will include a tour of the ruins of Pittarthie Castle, near Dunino, and an opportunity to take part in excavating the castle gardens and help conduct a geophysical survey. The work has been supported by the University of St Andrews Community Fund which awarded over £1000 for the project.
Recording at Pittarthie Farm (© Petardy Historic Landscape Project)
EDINBURGH
In Edinburgh, the public can visit the site of a 2,500-year-old hillfort on Dunsapie Crag in Holyrood Park and find out more about current investigations from University of Edinburgh students with the Holyrood Archaeology Project.
In partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and AOC Archaeology, the students have been using excavation and geophysical survey to investigate Dunsapie Iron Age fort since 2021, which has resulted in the discovery of ramparts, pottery and a 2,000-year-old copper bangle. In addition to watching the team at work from 28 August to 15 September, the public can also attend a free open day with guided tours featuring some of the finds.
PERTH AND KINROSS
Open days will take place on 28 June, 5 July and 12 July, and will include a tour of the ruins of Pittarthie Castle, near Dunino, and an opportunity to take part in excavating the castle gardens and help conduct a geophysical survey. The work has been supported by the University of St Andrews Community Fund which awarded over £1000 for the project.
EAST LOTHIAN
Archaeological fieldwork which welcomes visitors or volunteers is also taking place in East Lothian with the 1722 Waggonway Project, in the Highlands with UHI Archaeology Institute and Yarrows Heritage Trust, and in the Cairngorms with University College Dublin. Additional events will also occur in Orkney with UHI Archaeology Institute and the Swandro-Orkney Coastal Archaeology Trust, in Fife with the Falkland Stewardship Trust and University of Aberdeen, and in Edinburgh with the Edinburgh Archaeological Field Society. More events will be announced throughout the campaign.
For anyone who is unable to attend sites in person, fieldwork organisers will be posting updates on social media throughout the summer using #ScotlandDigs2023. For more information, follow #ScotlandDigs2023 or visit DigItScotland.com
