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
Some of the proposals being considered will require changes to the Society Laws and thus the agreement of Fellows; for example a possible change is the reduction in the numbers of trustees of the Society, from a current representation of 22 people to a more practicable number of members and a limited number of co-opted members. In addition, Council is considering changes to the tenure of trustees to provide greater stability and ensure the ability to engage effectively with the long term goals of the Society. Council has also had to consider current subscription rates and to recognise the effect of inflation since the last increase in 2008. This means that a rise in subscription rates is required to sustain this vital income stream which provides the core of the Society’s independence; the exact amounts will be circulated with the Anniversary Meeting papers. In tandem with the proposal for a rise in subscription rates, the Society has explored ways of restructuring Fellowship types. There will be proposals to introduce an Under 26 or Student Fellowship with a reduced subscription rate to help develop our younger Fellowship, and a proposal to change the Retired Fellow type to an Over 65 Fellowship. The latter will remove the requirement for a Fellow to have been a member for 10 years and simplify qualification guidelines for the reduced rate. The Society hopes the changes will widen access and encourage membership from these two key communities. The proposals will be phrased as motions agreed unanimously by Council to be voted on by Fellows and set out in the papers circulated in advance of the meeting on 1 December 2014 in Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh. Council urges all Fellows to engage with this process and we hope to see as many of you as possible at the meeting itself where there will be an opportunity to discuss the proposed changes with trustees and staff.
Society activities The second half of the lecture programme saw the Society welcome Professor Boris Rankov, from Royal Holloway, University of London, who gave a fascinating presentation on the reconstruction of a Greek Trireme. Dr Donald William Stewart gave a flavour of the travels across Scotland of author Martin Martin and, in a successful collaboration with Stornoway Historical Society, his lecture was also delivered on Lewis. The biannual lecture joint with the Prehistoric Society rounded off the series in April, when Dr Rachel Pope presented recent research into prehistoric roundhouses in northern Britain. All of these lectures are available to view on line so do take time to visit our website http:// www.socantscot.org/articles.asp?pubid=92. This was swiftly followed by an excellent weekend of Rhind lectures skilfully delivered by Emeritus Professor John Waddell, National University Ireland Galway. The Society is especially grateful to Rubicon Heritage Ltd, who sponsored these Rhind Lectures and the Irish Consulate who supported the travel and accommodation for Professor Waddell. The sponsorship was matched by a Scottish Government New Arts Sponsorship Grant. Funds from the scheme, administered by Arts and Business Scotland, allowed the Society to record the weekend professionally. We have recently placed these free to view online from our website through a new You Tube channel we’ve created. https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=N4gU5kD9db0&feature=youtu.be.
A capacity audience for the 2014 Rhind Lectures © Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
Sponsorship and other financial support for our charitable activities will become increasingly important to ensure the Society continues to provide excellent services. We are grateful to Fellow Sir Angus Grossart for supporting the forthcoming Lecture Programme. The Society events calendar also included a successful Fellows’ Private View of the Scottish Gold exhibition kindly hosted by The Hunterian, and more of these events are being organised for the next session. 2015 is almost upon us and the Dig It! team are working to provide a fantastic year to celebrate Scottish archaeology, collaborating with hundreds of individuals and organisations to offer a huge variety of events and projects. As part of this special year the Rhind lectures will follow a different format. Taking Alexander Rhind’s seminal 1858 publication: British Archaeology: its progress and demands as an overarching theme and title, the weekend will include a keynote lecture, talks and panel events. Topics will include archaeological resilience, genetics in archaeology, storytelling in archaeology and history, Alexander Rhind and his influence, and the future of archaeology. We expect this to be a refreshing change to the Rhind format with plenty of opportunity for audience participation. We will return to the usual format in 2016 with Roey Sweet, Professor of Urban History at Leicester University, presenting during the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, followed in 2017 by Professor Roberta Gilchrist, University of Reading, presenting during the Year of Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. In our advocacy role, detailed points made by the Society to the Scottish Government on the new Historic Environment Scotland Bill to merge the RCAHMS and Historic Scotland (see previous Newsletters) resulted in various amendments in the Bill. The Bill has now passed Stage 2. Stage 3 includes a full parliamentary debate and signals the end of its passage through the Scottish Parliament. Once enacted the new organisation will be in place by Autumn next year, with a new Chair and Board members currently being recruited. The Society will keep a close watch and continue to advocate on this issue to ensure that the outcome is beneficial for Scotland’s heritage. Society responses are available to view on our website under the News tab (02). Finally, our website is also in the process of being redeveloped to provide an improved online payment system, easier navigation and access to our rich body of resources. Dr Simon Gilmour Director
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Forthcoming events 2014–2015 Lecture Programme
Ethnology Crossroads
We hope you find topics to intrigue and delight you in the 2014–15 Programme enclosed with the Newsletter. This session we are particularly pleased to be delivering lectures in Dundee and Inverness as well as in Edinburgh and Aberdeen. We will continue to record all our lectures and make them freely available to view online for those Fellows unable to attend in person. The Society is grateful to Fellow Sir Angus Grossart QC CBE DL LLD DLitt FRSE FSA Scot for generously supporting the 2014–15 lecture programme. Sir Angus said “The Society is a key element of the intellectual infrastructure which binds us together in Scotland. New technology is transforming our ability to uncover and understand our past, and guide our future. The marvellous work of the Society, and the members, deserves support.” Plans for the 2016–17 programme are now underway. Please forward suggestions for topics and speakers to director@socantscot.org.
Friday 5 and Saturday 6 December 2014 Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22–28 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PQ
Fellows’ private view Tuesday 28 October 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm The Hunterian, University Avenue, Glasgow The Lost Tomb of Robert the Bruce exhibition Fellows and Guests only
The Society and the European Ethnological Research Centre are co-hosting a conference to explore new directions, interconnections and the place of Scottish Ethnology within a European context. The event will also celebrate the 25th anniversary of the European Ethnological Research Centre (EERC) and the completion of its fourteenvolume Scottish Life And Society: A Compendium of Scottish Ethnology. Professor Alexander (Sandy) Fenton HonFSA Scot (1929–2014) founded the EERC which promotes research into Scottish life and society. Originally located at the National Museums Scotland the EERC is now based at the University of Edinburgh http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/ literatures-languages-cultures/celtic-scottish-studies/researchpublications/research/eerc. Please see the enclosed leaflet for full details and booking information or visit www.socantscot.org.
Fischer-Lindsay Lectures in Norway Dr Iain Fraser FSA Scot provides a fascinating insight into the research behind this exhibition. In association with The Hunterian, University of Glasgow. Fellows £10, Guests £15. Booking essential: email info@socantscot.org, tel (0131) 247 4133.
Fellows’ Evening Tuesday 18 November, 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum Albert Square, Meadowside, Dundee DD1 1PG Free and for Fellows only but booking essential: email info@socantscot.org, tel (0131) 247 4133. Fellows’ Evenings provide a relaxed atmosphere for the discussion of Society plans and activities with staff and Council representatives. This year we will be in Dundee at the McManus Gallery and Museum. The agenda will focus on the proposed changes to the governance of the Society and revised subscription types and rates. Papers for the Anniversary Meeting will be issued in advance of the evening providing Fellows with the opportunity to discuss issues and concerns prior to voting on the 1 December. Following the business part of the evening, Dr Christina Donald, Curator of Early History, has kindly agreed to host a private tour of the recently refurbished ‘Landscapes and Lives’ gallery. Highlights include the Errol log boat, finds from Mesolithic Morton and the Roman Legionary fortress at Carpow, the Pyotdykes hoard of Bronze Age weapons and a facial reconstruction of one of the burials from the early medieval cemetery at Lundin Links.
Fellow Dr Anne Crone will visit Stavanger and Oslo in September to deliver the Fischer-Lindsay lectures and a workshop on the theme of Norwegian timber in Scottish buildings; dendrochronological evidence for the timber trade across the North Sea in the 16th and 17th centuries? Anne is a Project Manager at AOC Archaeology Group, managing post-excavation programmes through to publication. She specialises in dendrochronology and the study of wooden structures and artefacts, and pursues research into Scottish crannogs through survey and excavation. The Fischer-Lindsay lectures are jointly organised by the Society and Fortidsminneforeningen, the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Norwegian Monuments. The lectures were the inspiration of Ronald Cant, a past President of the Society with a passion for ecclesiastical architecture. The lectures aim to encourage links between researchers in Scotland and Norway and have been delivered approximately biennially in alternate countries since 1980.
Dr Anne Crone FSA Scot at work in Edinburgh Castle © AOC Archaeology
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Up and coming deadlines
Saturday 1 November, 9.40 am – 4.40 pm TAFAC Annual Conference University of Abertay, Dundee
Murray Medal for History Call for submissions
Professor Richard Bradley will deliver the 2014 Buchan Lecture* as the keynote address at the annual TAFAC (Tayside and Fife Archaeological Committee) conference. The lecture will trace the history of stone circles from their first creation to their significance in the present day, and examines new evidence from recent excavations which sheds new light on the architectural history of these remarkable structures. For a full list of speakers and conference details, visit www.tafac.org.uk or email tafacinfo@gmail.com. *The Society offers grants to local societies to help fund a lecture, symposium or conference. A lecture supported by this fund is known as a Buchan Lecture after the founder of the Society. The fund aims to support events in areas of Scotland not regularly served by the Society’s meetings.
Croftmoraig © Richard Bradley
Scotland’s Community Heritage Conference 2014 Saturday 8 November and Sunday 9 November 2014 Crieff Hydro, Crieff This event provides a forum for volunteers and community groups to exchange news and ideas, network and learn more about heritage projects across Scotland. Delegates can attend presentations, take part in training workshops, see poster talk and displays and join in the ‘one minute madness’ sessions. A guided walk is planned for Sunday, 9th November. For full details on how to register visit www.archaeologyscotland.org.uk/news/booking-nowopen-scotland-community-heritage-conference or email them at chcscot@gmail.com. Scotland’s Community Heritage Conference is organised by Archaeology Scotland, RCAHMS, Northlight Heritage, the Scottish Civic Trust, Historic Scotland, Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, the SCAPE Trust, the National Trust for Scotland and Dig It! 2015.
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Funded through a generous donation from our Fellow Dr Peter Murray, £200 and a medal is awarded biennially to recognise original research published by the Society into the history of Scotland in the medieval and/or early modern periods (c AD 500 to AD 1700), set within a British and/or European context. History is defined as encompassing all branches, including art history, but excludes archaeology for which there is already Society provision. Submissions for the prize, initially to be considered for publication in volume 144 of the Proceedings (to be published in November 2015), should reach the Managing Editor by 1 November 2014. Submissions from non-Fellows are welcome. Further information on submitting papers for publication can be found here (http://www. socantscot.org/content.asp?Page=305&Menu=239), and additional information can be requested from the Managing Editor (email publications@socantscot.org).
Archaeological Research in Progress 2015 Call for Proposals Scotland’s annual Archaeological Research in Progress (ARP) national conference will take place on Saturday 30 May 2015 at the Royal Society of Edinburgh, George Street, Edinburgh. The Society hosted event aims to cover recent archaeological projects from around Scotland covering all periods. Do you have a project that you would like to present at the ARP next year? We are inviting proposals for 20–25 minute papers that demonstrate best practice and new research findings. Please submit the following information to director@socantscot.org by 31 January 2015: Title of paper Short description Maximum 35 words to be used in ARP programme and publicity Longer description A concise description of your project to include the purpose, methods and implications of the work and brief biographical information on organisations and individuals involved. Maximum 400 words. Our aim is to programme a breadth of chronological and geographical projects from across Scotland. The event will be recorded and available online free to view afterwards. Travel expenses will be reimbursed and accommodation paid for, where necessary, for a single presenter per project included in the programme. For further information contact Simon Gilmour at director@socantscot.org or call (0131) 247 4115.
The Murray Medal © Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
Buchan Lecture in Tayside
Fellows’ pages
Canister shot from Culloden Actual size © Treasure Trove
Research into the archaeology of battlefields such as Culloden and Prestonpans, provided invaluable experience for Fellow Dr Natasha Ferguson in her role with the Treasure Trove Unit. My first year of work at the Treasure Trove Unit was a steep learning curve and despite having experience working with archaeological objects there were still aspects that were initially daunting. While at a basic level the legal principle of Treasure Trove is relatively simple, in that archaeological material recovered in Scotland can in effect be considered national property, there are numerous facets to ensure this system is successful. Here I aim to briefly explore elements of the Unit Fellows may previously have been unaware of, namely the process behind claiming objects and our outreach programme. My main activity within the Unit consists of sorting and recording the objects and assemblages reported to us as ‘chance finds’ by members of the public from across Scotland. On average approximately 1700 objects are reported each year ranging from earliest prehistory to modern times, resulting in around 160 claimed cases. As Treasure Trove can include any object regardless of its age or composition a decision regarding claiming is based on whether we consider it to be of archaeological significance. Although it is important to be constantly mindful of the vulnerability of the system to potential bias, the freedom to use our professional judgement is liberating and I feel encourages a much broader appreciation of all aspects of Scotland’s past. This requires a certain investment of time in research, as well as the confidence to recognise potentially significant material, no matter how fragmentary or grotty looking. Even although both I and Stuart Campbell, Head of Treasure Trove, both have a comprehensive knowledge of Scottish material culture, the ability to draw on a network of expertise within the National Museums of Scotland, where we are based, is invaluable. To use an example which draws from my own research interest of conflict archaeology, we often record assemblages of lead projectiles (musket balls) and other military material, in particular 18th–19th-century objects related to the raising of Militia and Volunteer Units, an important part of Scotland’s social history. Lead projectiles as single finds normally hold little archaeological value unless as part of an assemblage, however, exceptions include examples with unusual characteristics or contexts. A recent example includes a piece of canister shot found by metal detecting on the battlefield of Culloden (1746), although not on National Trust for Scotland property. In my previous capacity as a research assistant within the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology I worked on several assemblages of battle-related material, including one recovered from Culloden. This allowed me to not only recognise this object as significant, but also recognise the spatial significance of the findspot and how it related to the wider battlefield context. The object was claimed and subsequently allocated to the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery and contributes to the assemblage already recovered by the Centre in 2006. However, regardless of the time invested in research the success of the system is also dependent on another important factor: effective outreach. Raising awareness of Treasure Trove and keeping it within the public
Dr Natasha Ferguson with medieval artefacts filming the BBC ‘Quest for Bannockburn’ programme © Folko Boermans
consciousness is of primary concern. Increased visibility, such as regular Finds Days and a social media presence in the form of Twitter and Facebook, together with the creation of easily digestible information including a leaflet and a revamped website are essential. The success of this approach is reflected in a remarkable 100% increase in reporting over a two year period. Our outreach aims to be as encompassing as possible and we have spent many evenings and weekends visiting societies, clubs and schools, as well as speaking at conferences to promote our work. Our outreach has also targeted heritage professionals with bespoke workshops for museum staff and archaeologists on Treasure Trove and artefact identification. Furthermore, as community archaeology becomes more prevalent we have also introduced a workshop designed to ensure project leaders are aware of the nuances of Treasure Trove law, and its potential pitfalls, when working with volunteers and the public. Although wide ranging much of our outreach has been focused on the hobbyist metal detecting community in Scotland who represent the majority of reporters of ‘chance finds’. I have spent a number of years working with metal detectorists on archaeology projects, and based my doctoral research on their contribution and impact on sites of conflict in the UK. We work closely with metal detectorists and make sure we have a regular presence at clubs and rallies where we help people to identify and report their finds. Concerns raised by archaeologists regarding under-reporting are not unfounded, but we have found that in reality much of this issue is based on finders not recognising some material as significant and so assuming reporting is unnecessary. This realisation sparked the creation of a series of ‘Guide to Reporting’ posters which focused on material we had identified as high risk, specifically medieval, post medieval and conflict related objects. This was also an opportunity to stress the importance of recognising assemblages of material as potentially significant. The posters have not just been popular with metal detectorists, but also with professionals too with requests for copies across the national and international heritage sector. Overall we feel our outreach has had a positive impact and we have been keen to challenge any perpetuating myths about the system, or notions we are an unapproachable legal body. The legal responsibility to report archaeological objects will always underpin our outreach, but we stress that we are here to help the public and heritage professionals navigate through Treasure Trove law. If you are interested to find out more about Treasure Trove in Scotland please do not hesitate to contact us, or visit our website www.treasuretrovescotland.co.uk/ or follow our vibrant Twitter and Facebook www.facebook.com/ TreasureTroveScotland feed.
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Looking back ... Inspirational Rhind Lectures 2014 Brendan O’Connor, Convener of the Programme Committee, reports. “John Waddell, Emeritus Professor of Archaeology at National University Ireland Galway, delivered six fascinating lectures on the subject of Archaeology and Celtic myth: an exploration. The lectures, which are available online, were more than a literal application of medieval Irish literature to Iron Age sites but ranged widely over Europe and back to the Neolithic. The audience came from far and wide, none further than our Honorary Fellow Vincent Megaw from Australia. He joined the audience for the last lectures fresh from a celebration of his 80th birthday and was able to give us an insight into the more recent past when he was an Edinburgh archaeology student in the 1950s. We must thank Vice-President, Dr Ann MacSween, who had to preside over the weekend, and Dr Katherine Forsyth of Glasgow University for summing up the lectures and giving an insightful vote of thanks.” Sponsorship from Rubicon Heritage was matched by a New Arts Sponsorship Grant, funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Arts & Business Scotland. The additional funds enabled us to film the lectures professionally. Find out what our audience thought by watching our short introductory film https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=N4gU5kD9db0 then sit down and enjoy Professor Waddell’s engaging lecturing style https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCaBwXCoN1MKFSpgXuZcTfag.
Limited Offer First come, first served We have a limited supply of Archaeology and Celtic Myth: an exploration by John Waddell available. Fellows can place orders by post, phone (+44 (0) 131 247 4214) or email at adela@socantscot.org. The book costs £35 (£5 reduction of the publisher/Amazon price) and we charge £2.50 for UK postage or £7.90 for international postage. We accept payment either by cheque or by card.
Warm glow of Scottish gold Dr David Gaimster FSA Scot, Director of The Hunterian, University of Glasgow, kindly welcomed Fellows to a private view of the Scottish Gold exhibition in May. Fellow Dr Jennifer Novotny reports on the evening. James V ducat bonnet piece © The Hunterian
“ There is much to be said for passing an hour in the company of the warm glow of gold. The Scottish Gold exhibition at the Hunterian highlighted gold and gold objects mined, produced, or used in Scotland, from the Bronze Age through to the modern era. It showcased the Hunterian’s own collections while gathering together
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an impressive array of objects on loan from institutions throughout the UK. Fellows were treated to a special guided tour by the Hunterian’s expert numismatist Dr Donal Bateson FSA Scot. Highlights included the 19thcentury Law Farm hoard of Bronze Age ribbon torcs, with all but 2 of the extant objects from the assemblage brought together. Another Bronze Age treasure was the Forteviot dagger uncovered by archaeologists from the University of Glasgow. Perhaps I am biased in drawing attention to this remarkable object, as I had the good fortune to be at Forteviot the day the capstone was lifted and witnessed the thrill of its discovery inside a cist burial. Seeing the Forteviot dagger fully conserved and on display for the first time was a true treat. Other highlights included gold coins from the Hunterian’s own important numismatic collections, including the earliest Scottish gold coinage, along with a Merovingian coin of a unique type not previously identified. This important object was a chance find made by a metal detectorist and reported to the Treasure Trove Unit and only recently allocated to the museum. Alongside the archaeological material, the exhibition illustrated the geology of gold. Maps orientated you to the locations of Scotland’s gold reserves, while the procurement of the precious metal was illustrated with samples of ores, nuggets, flakes, and fakes. Many of the samples were drawn from the Hunterian’s own extensive mineralogical collections. I was particularly fascinated by images of Sutherland’s Baile an Or, an ephemeral boom town from Scotland’s short-lived 1869 gold rush. In a modern culture saturated with cheaply available faux gold bling, it is important to stop and reflect upon the cultural importance of gold; the exhibition deftly evoked the rarity, the prestige, and the beauty of this precious metal. Scottish Gold’s objects of power, commerce, and personal expression illuminate the timeline of Scottish prehistory and history and continue to beguile us today. What better way to explore this rich cultural timeline than in the company of Fellows; I am already looking forward to the Robert the Bruce Tomb Reconstruction event in November!” More information and selected images available at http://www.gla. ac.uk/hunterian/visit/exhibitions/ major%20exhibitions/scottishgold/.
Vice President Twin Watkins and friends with Peter Thierfeldt in Raeburn Garden © Society of Antiquaries
Blooming marvellous Our thanks to Peter Thierfeldt for opening his beautiful garden to raise funds for the Society and Dig It! 2015. The event was in memory of Judith Craig Lyall – a great supporter of Scottish archaeology. We spent a glorious day surrounded by blooms, enjoying home baking and spreading the word about the work of the Society. Monies raised will fund an archaeology project for young people in the Lanarkshire area. It is not too late to donate online at bit.ly/1smRtVq.
Summer Excursion to Dumfries House Dumfries House and the newly opened walled garden proved to be a popular destination for our Summer Excursion. Fellow Jennifer Scarce reports. “ The Antiquaries tempts its members with varied attractions – lectures, conferences, medals and prizes, publications. A popular activity is
the annual summer excursion to archaeological and historical sites often difficult to reach without the Society’s transport and organisational skills which also include a charming accompanying specialist. This year’s excursion was a day visit to Dumfries House, in East Ayrshire, accompanied by Simon Green FSA Scot (also of RCAHMS) author of a recent book on the House who gave us an expert introduction during the journey and extra information during our tour. Dumfries House, begun in 1754 by William Crichton Dalrymple, 5th Earl of Dumfries, is remarkable for the harmony and grace of its architecture which is equally matched by the quality of decoration and furnishing. Robert Adam designed the house and Thomas Chippendale with three Edinburgh cabinet makers – Francis Brodie, Alexander Peter and William Mathie were responsible for the furniture. Descendants of the 5th Earl were careful to respect the original design with discreet additions. Today Dumfries House and Estate is owned by a consortium of heritage bodies and trusts headed by HRH
Charles, The Duke of Rothesay who both maintain and conserve the house and promote income generating enterprises – holiday rentals, organisation of events, restaurants and craft workshops and also educational and training programmes. We concentrated on the House which we toured with guides Pat and Alex both knowledgeable and witty raconteurs progressing steadily through beautifully furnished and maintained rooms. Each of us has our favourites; mine currently are the Tapestry Room where wood carved in the Bute family’s Cardiff workshops frames a set of 17th-century Gobelin tapestries, and the handsome Entrance Hall. We were nourished with short-bread and lunch freshly prepared and served by students of the catering school. Dumfries House and Estate is very much an evolving project which merits yet another summer excursion? To find out more visit http://dumfrieshouse.org.uk/ ” If you have a suggestion for a Society excursion please do let us know. Email vina@socantscot.org. Dumfries House © David Perry FSA Scot
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News Changes to Research Library access from 1 September 2014 The National Museum of Scotland Masterplan Phase 3 project will create ten new galleries to display Science & Technology and Art & Design collections. While this transformation takes place, access to the Research Library from the public galleries is unavailable until the new galleries open in summer 2016. The library will remain open as usual during the project, but Fellows wishing to use the Research Library should make an appointment beforehand. The library will continue to have full access to all of its collections, so please call (0131) 247 4137 or email library@nms.ac.uk beforehand to request material and they will have it ready for you to consult on your arrival.
Website update
Research Library, National Museum of Scotland © National Museums Scotland
Work on the new website is well underway thanks to support from Investec and the Heritage Lottery Fund. The new site will provide Fellows with an improved online payment facility for subscription renewals, publications, merchandise and ticket sales, clearer navigation panels to allow immediate access to news, updates and online resources and a more functional Fellows’ Only area. One important new feature in the Fellows’ Only area will be an online Fellows’ Directory. Fellow’s names and geographic location are published in the PSAS on election to the Society but there is no full list of current members available. A Fellows’ Directory will include your full name, post nominals, geographic location plus an email address if currently on the Society database. If you do not want to be listed in the directory please contact info@socantscot. org as soon as possible. We hope that a Directory will encourage Fellow to Fellow communication and strengthen the Fellowship around the globe.
International news The Second Annual Australian Fellows’ Dinner 2015 James Donaldson FSA Scot is planning a second gathering of Australian Fellows. “ Following the highly successful inaugural Fellows’ Dinner held in Melbourne in February 2014, the time has now arrived to begin making preparations for the 2015 Dinner. To facilitate the best choice of date, city location and venue, it would be most helpful if Australian Fellows, who are interested in attending, make contact with the Convenor, Dr James Donaldson, by email illa123@bigpond.com to register their interest. He would be pleased to answer any questions concerning the Dinner. If you have already been contact, but have recently altered your e-mail address, please forward your new address to the Convenor (and the Society) so you continue to receive up to date information. Apart from Melbourne, it is possible that the Dinner may be held elsewhere, depending upon the geographical locations of potential attendees. It was felt by those who attended the 2014 Dinner, that a date in March or April might be more appropriate.
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The Convenor would welcome any input re the Dinner so that the best possible arrangements can be made to accommodate requirements. We would encourage the attendance of as many Fellows and their Guests as possible.” Plans for a North American Meeting 2015/16 Ian Greig BSc FSA Scot, has offered to organise a meeting for Fellows in Tampa, Florida during the winter of 2015–2016 if there is sufficient interest in the idea. This would be an opportunity for Fellows in North America to meet and share their passion for the history and archaeology of Scotland or indeed those from further afield as part of a holiday trip. The proposed format is an evening reception, followed by a day of lectures from experts with a post meeting dinner in the evening. The following day could be an optional social day with a tour of the city and visits to other attractions in the Central Florida area. The programme would look to cover a wide range of Scottish history, from prehistoric onwards with a focus on Scottish – North American connections.
Expert speakers will be drawn from the body of the Fellowship (especially those resident in Canada and the United States) with a video link to Scottish based contributors. We hope that Fellows unable to travel to Scotland will welcome the opportunity to gather together for the first time. To progress plans, Ian is keen to establish the level of interest within the North American Fellowship for such a meeting. If the Society has your email address on record, you will have received an email earlier this summer. Thank you to those who responded. If, however, you have yet to register interest please do so by 31 October 2014 by emailing greig.history@gmail.com and vina@socantscot. org or by writing to the Society. Once Ian has established there is strong enough support for the idea he will be in touch directly. In the meantime, please send any enquiries to the email addresses above.
DIG IT! 2015 news With only a few months to go until the launch, the Dig It! 2015 team have been working hard in order to organise the upcoming year-long celebration of Scottish archaeology. Part of this preparation involved hiring two new members of staff. For our Youth Engagement Officer D’S STO RIES TLAN SCO R OVE DISC position, we have been lucky enough to borrow Rebecca Boyde from Archaeology Scotland for a few days a week. Her arrival improves our ability to engage with young people and help others to do the same. Julianne McGraw has also joined the team as the Communications and Administration Officer for Dig It! 2015, which means that we can dedicate even more time to publicising the project and wider Scottish archaeological activities. Completely by chance, the team has now become overrun with Canadians! Rebecca is originally from Alberta and Julianne moved here from Ontario three years ago. We have been collaborating with our many partners, Archaeology Scotland and of course, the Society, teaming up for events and promoting various activities, such as the Weaving Truth with Trust textile screen unveiling in Govan and The Living Lomonds Big Dig 2014. We are looking forward to the upcoming National Museum of Scotland Game Masters exhibition, the Highland Archaeology Festival, Scottish Archaeology Month and the Festival
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of Museums. The Society’s 2015 Rhind Lectures and the 2015 EAA Conference will both tie in well with Dig It! 2015. One of our biggest tasks is the project launch in December. Aside from kicking off the celebrations, this event will give us the opportunity to reveal the first digital and hardcopy Dig It! 2015 programmes. The hardcopies will contain useful information and event highlights, while the digital copies will be more comprehensive and regularly updated throughout the year. In order to gather information and spread the word, the team has been out and about across Scotland. On our recent trip to Orkney, for example, we held a meet-up at a small pub for Fellows and local archaeologists, and it was great to spend a few hours speaking with everyone. Historic Scotland has provided funding for Dig It! 2015 to support interest in engaging with young people and adult lifelong learners. In fact, this is a focus for the entire sector so we are starting to connect with young people through fun events and festivals, and collaborating with organisations such the Scottish Youth Hostelling Association, Education Scotland and The National Trust for Scotland. Adult lifelong learners are important to us too. We are working with various universities and aim to develop online resources so that if someone is interested in a specific topic, they can study at home or go out and explore on their own ‘learning journey’. In the end, a lot of what Dig It! 2015 achieves will be thanks to the efforts of connected individuals, such as the Society Fellows. The team can’t be everywhere at once, so we need help from Fellows to gather information about potential opportunities. In addition to being part of events, including excavations and local heritage activities, we will pop up in unexpected places, such as festivals and theatre performances. This will allow us to share our key message – archaeology is for everyone and contributes significantly to our identity. If Fellows are part of any organisations or come across any opportunities, we’d be grateful if they could tip us off. Fellows can stay informed by signing up to our electronic newsletter. The monthly newsletter contains up-to-date information about the project, our partners and a peek into the world of the Scottish archaeological community. This is also a great way to spot potential volunteering opportunities or activities for Fellows and families. Just go to the website www.digit2015.com/get-involved to sign up. If you have any questions or want to get involved, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@digit2015.com or call (0131) 247 4066. We look forward to hearing from you!
Dr Jeff Sanders and Julianne McGraw of the Dig It! team in Orkney with Fellow Dr Tom Rendall
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Publications ‘Remember Now Thy Creator’ Scottish Girls’ Samplers, 1700–1872 Naomi E A Tarrant FSA Scot Hardback, 232pp, full colour illustrations ISBN978 1 90833 207 3 Publication date 15 October 2014 Fellows price £25, rrp £30
We told you about our forthcoming book on Scottish samplers in the last Newsletter, and we’re very excited to announce that the book will be published this October! Packed with hundreds of exquisitely detailed images, this volume explores girls’ education and a wealth of genealogical information through these beautiful works of art. You can pre-order this book from 1 October via Booksource: 50 Cambuslang Road, Cambuslang, Glasgow G32 8NB Tel (0845) 370 0067, email orders@booksource.net
Festschrift for Vincent Megaw Hon FSA Scot The ancient Celtic world evokes debate, discussion, romanticism and mythicism. On the one hand it represents a specialist area of archaeological interest, on the other, it has a wide general appeal. Celtic Art in Europe: Making Connections is a volume of 37 papers bringing together a truly international group of pre-eminent specialists in the field of Celtic art and Celtic studies. The essays are in honour of Vincent Megaw Hon FSA Scot on his 80th birthday. Oxbow are offering Fellows a special discount rate of £48 (normal price £60). To order your copy, visit www.oxbowbooks.com or phone (01865) 241249) or email oxbow@oxbowbooks.com.
© Oxbow Books
Vincent visiting the Society office © Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
Forthcoming books
Open access
The following books will be published in 2015. More details on these and many more forthcoming books will be included in the next Newsletter.
Free and open access to research has always been important to the Society. As most of you will know, we have been working with the Archaeology Data Service since 2001 to provide free online access to older volumes of the Proceedings (newer volumes are accessible for Fellows by using a username and password), Scottish Archaeological Internet Reports and our out-of-print books.
Scotland in Later Prehistoric Europe Fraser Hunter FSA Scot and Ian Ralston FSA Scot (editors) Chapters by Ian Armit, Barry Cunliffe, Andrew Dunwell, Martin Goldberg, Stratford P Halliday Scot, Colin Haselgrove, Fraser Hunter, Flemming Kaul, J V S Megaw & M Ruth Megaw, Pierre-Yves Milcent, Rachel Pope, Ian Ralston, Richard Tipping and Eugène Warmenbol Portmahomack on Tarbat Ness: An Iron Age estate, Pictish monastery, Scots trading farm and medieval township in north-east Scotland Martin Carver FSA Scot, Justin Garner-Lahire and Cecily Spall FSA Scot
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In 2012 the Finch Report stated that publicly funded research should be available freely to the public. Since then, funding bodies like the Research Council UK and the Wellcome Trust have required authors they have funded to work with publishers to offer an open access version of their publications. In response, the Society has created an Open Acess Policy for our journals and books. Authors who would like a copy of the Society’s Open Access Policy should contact the Managing Editor, Erin Osborne-Martin (publications@socantscot.org). The Open Access Policy will be continuously updated to reflect changes in policy from the government and funders, and the newest version will always be available online once our new website is launched later this year.
Research in action The tomb of Robert the Bruce As part of the commemorations of the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is supporting a project to research and reconstruct the lost tomb of Robert the Bruce. The project involves partners from across the heritage sector, including the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland, Historic Scotland, National Museums Scotland, the Hunterian, the National Registers of Scotland, Fife Cultural Trust and the Abbotsford Trust. After King Robert I died in 1329, he was buried in the choir of Dunfermline Abbey. Contemporary sources record that his grave was then marked by a monument commissioned prior to his death and imported from Paris. This monument was later lost, probably having been destroyed during the demolition and quarrying of the monastery in the aftermath of the Reformation. As is well known, during the building of the present parish church in 1818, workmen discovered a skeleton, believed to be that of the king. Whether or not the skeleton is actually that of Bruce, or one of the other kings known to have been buried in the choir, is still a subject of debate. However, other excavations between c 1790 and 1820 also discovered fragments of carved and gilded stone, variously described as marble or alabaster, which were identified as pieces of Bruce’s vanished monument. These pieces are now preserved in the collections of The Hunterian, National Museums Scotland, and Dunfermline Museum. In contrast to the skeleton, the fragments have attracted relatively little attention or academic study. Until this project they had never been brought together in one location for comparison. The fragments remained largely mute, and obvious questions remained unanswered: what are they pieces of, and are they all from the same structure? What is the stone? Can the pieces be dated? Can the identification with the tomb of Bruce be confirmed? The project was set up to answer these questions, utilising the particular skills and resources of the partners. In partnership with the three museums, RCAHMS and HS have now examined and recorded the pieces in detail with the aim of reconstructing the form of the original structure. Although the pieces were all clearly derived from a gothic monument, their fragmentary nature meant that the exact form of this was far from clear. Iain Fraser (RCAHMS) has identified the original form of the monument as following the model of French royal tombs of the early 14th century: an arcaded tombchest surmounted by an effigy of the king and a canopy, in black and white marble. A generous grant from the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland has allowed research visits to Paris to examine comparable material at the French royal mausoleum of St Denis, and in the collections of the Louvre, and also other pieces now in the Metropolitan Museum, New York. Using the reconstruction drawings, combined with detailed photography by Steve Wallace (RCAHMS) and 3-D digital scanning by Colin Muir (HS), Alasdair Rawlinson and Craig Logan of the Digital Design Studio, Glasgow School of Art, have created a three-dimensional digital model of the monument as it would once have looked. Analysis by National Museums Scotland and Historic Scotland has confirmed the stone to be a true marble, and to retain traces of gilding. It is hoped that further analysis will be able to identify the source of the marble more precisely.
The 3D digital visualisation of Bruce’s tomb Left Detail of the canopy © Digital Design Studio
Experts at the Louvre have suggested that the stone, like that of the French royal tombs, is highly likely to have been quarried at Carrara, northern Italy. With the known pieces of the tomb dispersed through three different collections, it was hoped that the project might uncover yet more, unrecorded, fragments, possibly still in private hands. One of the most exciting outcomes of the project was the discovery of an additional piece, hitherto unrecognised and undocumented, among Sir Walter Scott’s collections of antiquities at Abbotsford House. This piece was also of crucial importance in fitting and confirming the accuracy of the reconstruction. The project is currently attempting to locate a further piece, believed to have been donated to a museum in the United States. This research, imagery and model will allow all four collections to reinterpret their own fragments of the monument, and to display them more visually, showing how they would have fitted into the intact tomb. The digital model, together with a selection of the fragments, are the focus of a display, The Lost Tomb of Robert the Bruce, in The Hunterian, Glasgow, which will run from 24 June 2014 to 4 January 2015. Dr Iain Fraser FSA Scot
Interested in finding out more about the project? You can join Dr Iain Fraser at our Fellows’ Private View or attend a day long colloquium:
Research colloquium Monday 10 November 9.15 am – 4.30 pm
Hosted by The Hunterian, University of Glasgow. The opportunity to explore the historical background, reconstruction, scientific analysis, and the wider artistic context of the tomb. For full details and to book tickets please visit http://conservation.historic-scotland.gov.uk/home/ future-events/event-detail.htm?eventid=10818.
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Important information for Fellows Fellowship Fellows are encouraged to use the post nominal ‘FSA Scot’. Please remember Fellows should not use their designation inappropriately – for instance, if airing matters of personal opinion in the press. Recruiting New Fellows Please encourage colleagues and friends with an interest in Scotland’s past to join the Society. Application forms may be downloaded from our website, or obtained from the Office. The deadline for 2014 election has now passed. Applications for 2015 election are now welcome. Completed application forms should reach the office by 1 September 2015. Gift Aid From time to time HMRC requires us to update our records. Fellows paying UK tax are asked to complete the enclosed Gift Aid form. Full details on Gift Aid can be found here http://www.socantscot.org/donations.asp?Menu. If you currently pay Income Tax in the UK (including on any dividend income) the Society can recover an extra 20p per £1 on subscriptions or donations. Please contact Jan Paterson finance@socantscot.org if you are unsure if you are eligible, or if your circumstances change.
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Support the Society The Society’s vision is to develop as a centre of excellence providing an independent heritage hub of expertise and resources to facilitate, exchange and promote research into Scotland’s past. Support from you can help us continue: To champion the role and value of research To debate and influence policy making To enhance public understanding of the past To promote discussion and sharing of knowledge How you can help
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General enquiries Jacqueline Clabby (0131) 247 4133, info@socantscot.org (Mon-Wed only)
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Legacies Encouraging and funding original research is an important part of the Society’s mission. By remembering the Society in your Will, you can help fund future research to deepen understanding of Scotland’s past. For more information contact Simon Gilmour or Vina Oberlander.
Contact us Director Dr Simon Gilmour (0131) 247 4115, director@socantscot.org
Project Manager Dig It! 2015 Dr Jeff Sanders (0131) 247 4138, 2015@socantscot.org Publications and sales Erin Osborne-Martin (0131) 247 4145, publications@socantscot.org Subscriptions and finance Jan Paterson (0131) 247 4135, finance@socantscot.org (Mon-Wed only) Fellowship and development Vina Oberlander (0131) 247 4350, vina@socantscot.org Visit us www.socantscot.org Follow us Twitter @socantscot Like us Facebook /Society-of-Antiquaries-of- Scotland/
Compilation and editing Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Design and layout Christina Unwin Publisher Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, National Museums Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF Printer Alphagraphics . www.alphagraphics.co.uk