Highland Archaeology Festival 2025

Archaeological Discoveries and Research Conference

The annual Highland Archaeology Festival Conference is set to be held Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September at Highland Council Chamber in Inverness. Organised by Highland Council Historic Environment Team, this returns as a full two-day conference and presents Recent Archaeological Discoveries and Research from across the Highlands and beyond. 

Featuring a programme of 19 talks and a wide variety of stalls and posters to browse, there will be a diverse range of local groups, commercial archaeologists, universities, national organisations and museums presenting and attending.  

The line-up includes talks on exceptional Bronze Age Finds from the region, excavations at Iron Age towers and Pictish stongholds, post-excavation analysis shedding light on medieval Inverness and insights into caring for the city’s historic buildings, and research into the involvement of the Norwegian Army in the Highlands during WWII.  

Chair of the Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, councillor Ken Gowans said: “The Highland Archaeology Festival Conference is the longest running such community event of its kind in Scotland and attracts people from a wide area.  

“We live in an area where the heritage is so accessible, and many societies and communities promote their local area and projects. Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy notes that archaeology is for everyone, contributing to our wellbeing and knowledge, and to our economic growth and quality of life. What better way to showcase this than by a conference covering all the recent work across the Highlands and celebrating the range and diversity of our shared heritage.  

“I particularly would like to thank all the speakers and participants for their time, imagination and effort, as the conference would not be possible without them.” 

Festival organiser Grace Woolmer said: “The Historic Environment Team are immensely proud of the Highland Archaeology Festival Conference which forms an annual opportunity to bring together the Highland archaeological community and public to share the unique and special heritage of the Highlands.  

“This year we will be following the footsteps of Scotland’s earliest settlers through to the twentieth century, travelling from Swartigill in the north, Burghead to the east, westwards to Applecross, diving into the depths of Loch Achilty and discovering tangible traces of eighteenth century individuals living in the rugged landscapes of Torridon, to mention just a few of our talks.  

“We are delighted so many organisations have offered talks and stalls and there is sure to be something for everyone with an interest in archaeology, heritage and our Highland landscapes which we look forward to sharing.” 

The full conference programme can be viewed on the HAF website (Highland Archaeology Festival (HAF) | Conference) and places for the conference can be booked on Eventbrite (Highland Archaeology Festival Research Conference 2025 Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite).  

Should you have any questions, please contact the organisers at highlandarchaeologyfestival@gmail.com.  

NTS Excavations Torridon

WCAS excavation at Windhill