22 September 2011

Pathways into the Past: Stepping into History

Mercat Centre, Milton

Thursdays, from 1st September-6th October

6.30-9.00pm

Taking ancient routeways as a theme, these sessions offer an introduction to landscape archaeology for all those who want to research and record their local archaeology. We will look at to how archaeologists go about research and then at some of the sources, such as historic maps and aerial photographs, available to them.

In addition to the indoor sessions, there will be an opportunity to follow part of the routeway on the ground, identifying and recording features along the way.

Cost: £2.50 / free to those on benefits.

ALL WELCOME! No experience necessary.

Help with childcare costs is available.

Please book using the link on this page or e-mail info@archhighland.org.uk or phone 01349 868230.

22 September 2011

Local Heritage Overview

Broadford Village Hall, Skye

Interested in your past but confused about what happened when? This short course will provide an introduction to the archaeology of the area from earliest settlers to recent remains.

Cost: £2.50/session / free to low income

Part of the ARCH´s Community Timelines programme

22 September 2011

AOC Archaeology Group is pleased to be working with Caithness Archaeological Trust and Archie Sinclair Fossil Trust on their new community experimental archaeology project, STONEworks Early Architecture Project.

For four weeks from Monday September 19th 2011, we will be learning about building methods in the past; work will involve the construction of a section of broch, potentially reaching 10-12m in height. The wall will feature intra-mural galleries, as these were common in Iron Age brochs. Building the broch with large slabs of Caithness flagstone will be hard work, but we trust that participants will relish the challenge and enjoy the communal endeavour!

One of the main research interests of the project is to force the collapse of the structure, and in doing so, to find out more about the way in which brochs collapse. We will learn about this poorly understood process by depositing various items at specified locations in the broch walls; when we force the collapse of the broch, we can identify where those items ended up. This will hopefully reveal much about the processes that some archaeological artefacts go through before archaeologists find them many years later.

Volunteers of all ages are invited to take part; no experience is required, tools and training will be provided, and it’s free to participate. Artists, photographers, film-makers and art students will also be welcomed should they choose to come and take inspiration from the creation of an imposing and beautiful structure.

To take part or for more information, please contact Derek of Caithness Archaeological Trust email@caithnessarchaeology.org.uk Tel: 01593 731 269.