Highland Archaeology Festival Ends With ‘Whats New In Highland Archaeology’ Conference

Highland Archaeology Festival will end with a flourish this weekend (18th and 19th October) with a two day conference entitled ’What’s New in Highland Archaeology’ at the Waterside Hotel, Ness Walk, Inverness.  The conference is a showcase for recent archaeological excavations and projects across Highland.  It provides a platform for archaeologists who have recently been working in the Highlands to present the results of their work.  Entry is free, so you can drop in for as long or as little as you like.

Highlights of this years conference include talks on:

• the long term excavation at the important holy site at Portmahomack by Martin Carver of York University.  This work has revealed what appears to the earliest known Pictish monastery which was a hotbed for the production of arts and crafts.

• Glasgow University’s recent excavation at the site of the historic township of Kinakyle, Aviemore.

• Rescue excavations at Uamh Eich Bhric (Cave of the Speckled Horses) a remote rock shelter site at Fiskavaig on the Isle of Skye.  This talk will discuss the Iron Age remains that are threatened by coastal erosion.

• The vernacular buildings of Caithness – a unique and diminishing resource -  by the chartered architect and heritage consultant, Andrew PK Wright.

• Recent survey work by the National Trust for Scotland to map the extensive archaeological sites of St Kilda.

• The community-led excavation at Braemore Square, Wester Ross by Anna Welti of the Lochbroom Field Club.

• The results of the latest research from the extensive Bronze Age cairnfield at Laikenbuie, Nairnshire.

• ‘The Dynamic Landscapes of Durness’ recent research on the archaeology of north-west Sutherland.

In addition this year there are anniversary talks celebrating ten years of the North of Scotland Archaeology Society and 100 years of research by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS).There will also be displays by archaeological bodies, heritage groups and museums and the opportunity to meet the archaeologists who carry out this work.

For further details or a full list of the conference schedule please contact the Festival Hotline on 01463 718505 or email archaeology@highland.gov.uk or visit our website at  http://www.highland.gov.uk/archaeology.htm . Please visit our website regularly for news on late additions or alterations to the programme.