Archaeology seminar probes into the underworld.
Seminar Programme
Bookings are now being taken for a one day seminar looking at the archaeology of underground places. The seminar will focus on recent work undertaken at two Highland sites; High Pasture Cave and Fiscavaig Rock Shelter, both on the Isle of Skye.
High Pasture Cave is one of the most important Iron Age ritual sites excavated in Britain. Amongst a host of discoveries, archaeologists found the remains of what is believed to be the earliest stringed instrument ever found in Western Europe. In March 2012, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Fiona Hyslop revealed that a small wooden fragment found during the excavation had come from a lyre.
The results of the most recent research into the two sites will be presented by eminent academics at the seminar. It will be held at The Highland Council’s Headquarters on Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Saturday 27 April 2013.
Councillor Thomas Prag, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee said: “We sometimes think our predecessors were probably rather simple folk, but new techniques and discoveries are showing us just how sophisticated they were. Highland Council is delighted to support the research at these two significant sites and we are very honoured to be able to host these distinguished scientists and academics - particularly as 2013 is the 20th anniversary of our own Highland Archaeology Festival.”
The event which is free to the public is titled: “Underworld: the use of caves, rock shelters and underground places during the Scottish Iron Age.” Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. To book yours please contact the Highland Council’s Historic Environment Team on 01463 702504 or email archaeology@highland.gov.uk . Further information is available on the Highland Council Archaeology webpages.
The seminar is being hosted by The Highland Council’s Planning and Development Service in partnership with Historic Scotland as a Year of Natural Scotland event.
Topics of discussion and speakers at the seminar will include:
The seminar will be chaired by Rod McCullagh (Historic Scotland) and Professor Ian Armit (University of Bradford).