Newsletter 26.2 September 2014 . ISSN 0960 703X . Charity Number SC010440 . www.socantscot.org
The President’s Letter Dear Fellows, My final letter as President is regrettably brief. Since succumbing to ill health at the beginning of April this year I have unfortunately been unable to take part in any Society activities or preside at meetings. Especially disappointing was missing the Rhind lectures, which, as can be seen and heard on the superb highquality recordings available on the Society’s website, were eruditely and entertainingly delivered by Emeritus Professor John Waddell and enjoyed by many Fellows. I have also been absent from the recent important series of meetings of the Society’s Council at which complex governance issues have been subject to detailed review. No President is indispensable, however, and I am pleased to be able to thank the Society’s Vice-Presidents, especially Antoinette (Twin) Watkins and Dr Ann MacSween, for taking over my duties so competently. As I think back over the past three years there are some obvious reflections. Although this has been an exceptionally eventful period for the heritage sector in Scotland against the background of continuing recession, the Society has emerged stronger than ever and is recognised by Government as a key independent voice and advocate. As with the rest of the sector, the Society is itself changing in terms of its internal organisation to meet the new realities – at last
we have our Fellowship and Development Officer post – and is also determined to keep innovating (watch out for the Dig It 2015 events) in line with its public-benefit remit as a charity. But the Society’s commitment to its underlying values in fostering and promulgating research remains – perhaps demonstrated most clearly by the achievement of realising the Scottish Archaeological Research Framework (ScARF) initiative, which is now seen as a major and innovative resource for all those involved with or interested in the archaeology of Scotland. I am also particularly pleased that the Society has increased its output of a diverse range of books, achieving a quality of content and production to rank alongside the very best international publications in our field. These books, along with the SAIR reports and the Proceedings, continue to showcase the latest and best of research into Scotland’s past. It is very reassuring on demitting office to feel confident that the Society is in such good shape, with a committed and energetic Council and an excellent staff team, and I send my very best wishes to my successor for what will I am sure be an exciting next triennium. It remains to say what an honour and pleasure it has been to serve as your President since 2012.
Alan Saville President
FSA FSA Scot MIfA
Society update
Governance review and proposed subscription changes
Dear Fellows, as the President mentions in his letter, Council members, who are the trustees of the Society, have been busy examining and assessing the governance of the Society, ensuring that it is fit-forpurpose in the modern charitable world. The completion of this work will likely result in a series of proposals to Fellows for consideration and, hopefully, agreement at an Anniversary or Extraordinary Meeting. It will also include some changes to the internal management of the Society such as changes to the Committee structure and greater clarity and transparency with regard to the respective roles of trustees and staff. The aim is to ensure that the Society operates as efficiently as possible, driving towards its current Vision and ensuring that it delivers its charitable objectives on your behalf. Our Royal Charter Seal © Society of Antiquaries of Scotland