Highland Archaeology Festival 2009
A new packed programme of special events has been launched for the 16th Highland Archaeology Festival, which gets underway on Saturday 3 October for two weeks. More than 100 events, most of which are free, are included in the programme which celebrates the archaeology, history, landscape and culture of the Highlands. There is something for everyone - with events ranging from guided walks, family events, self-guided trails, archaeological survey, evening lectures and exhibitions.
Co-ordinated by The Highland Council’s Archaeology Unit, the festival’s events are organised by a wide range of community groups, interested individuals, museums and professional bodies such as Forestry Commission Scotland, Historic Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland.
The festival will end with a two-day seminar in Inverness featuring talks about recent archaeological excavations and projects across the Highlands. “What’s New in Highland Archaeology", will be held at the Spectrum Centre, Inverness, on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October. The seminar provides a platform for archaeologists who have been working in the Highlands to present the results of their work. Entry is free, and members of the public are welcome to drop in for as long or as short a time as they like.
Councillor Ian Ross, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee, said: “The Highland Archaeology Festival is firmly established as a key event in our cultural events calendar. Thanks go to all event organisers without whose dedication and hard work the festival would not be possible.”
2009 highlights in Caithness include events and activities at the Caithness Broch Centre, a new visitor centre where you can discover the story of these fascinating and enigmatic buildings.
In Sutherland, become an archaeovolunteer for a day, take a guided tour of Carn Liath Broch and try out “High Spy” techniques for aerial photography, and discover the site of the Kilfeddermore Smiddy rescue excavation.
In Easter Ross, discover the archaeology of Strathconon on a guided walk and visit the accompanying exhibition at Strathconon Village Hall. Find out more about the recent archaeological investigations on the Tarbat peninsula at an evening talk at Tarbat Discovery Centre and join Historic Scotland in Balintore for a mini-conference on the Hilton of Cadboll Pictish Cross Slab.
In Wester Ross, join a guided tour of Lonemore township with Gairloch Heritage Museum, take part in a project recording hut circles near Ullapool, and take a walk through time on the Sand river trail.
Events in Skye and Lochalsh include a guided walk of Rigg Township and an exploration of ancestral homes with the Ranger Service. You can also see live archaeology in action at Eilean Donan Castle.
In Lochaber, explore the history of Loch Hourn, Scotland’s most spectacular sea loch and visit Glencoe and North Lorn Folk Museum for a special exhibition and activities relating to the Ballachulish Goddess, and take a guided walk around Loch Nan Uamh and Castle Tioram.
In Inverness and Nairn, children can become a Culloden Archaeologist, exploring the battlefield in a special event by National Trust for Scotland, and discover clan life and the clearances at Aigas Field Centre. Adults can join Forestry Commission Scotland for a guided walk to a recently-discovered illicit whisky still site in Glen Affric, and explore the grave monuments at Auldearn Parish Church.
In Badenoch and Strathspey take part in the Drovers’ Return, a family event exploring life in a Highland village on the early 18th century, enjoy free admission to the Highland Folk Museum and Grantown Heritage Museum, and why not take in a talk by a local historian at Clan Macpherson Museum in Newtonmore?
These are just some examples of the events taking place throughout the Highland Archaeology Festival. Pick up your free programme from The Highland Council libraries and service points, or call the Festival Hotline on 01463 718505.
For further information please contact: Kirsty Cameron, Archaeologist, The Highland Council, Planning & Development Service, tel: 01463 702504