Highland Archaeology Festival, 29 September – 14 October 2012
See programme of events.
Get ready to discover the wealth of archaeology and history in Highland, with the annual Highland Archaeology Festival, which kicks off this weekend with a packed programme of events.
The nineteenth Highland Archaeology Festival will run from 29th September for two weeks. Over ninety events, many of which are free of charge, are included in the programme which celebrates the archaeology, history, landscape and culture of Highland. There is something for everyone - with events ranging from guided walks, children’s activities, archaeological excavation, evening lectures and exhibitions.
Co-ordinated by the Highland Council’s Historic Environment Team, the festival’s events are organised by a wide range of community groups, individuals, museums, universities and national bodies. Programmes are available from libraries and service points throughout the area or by visiting http://www.highland.gov.uk
The festival will end with a two day conference in Inverness featuring talks about excavations and research across Highland, from prehistoric excavations on Skye, to Viking burials and Pictish Stones. The “Recent Archaeological Discoveries and Research" conference will be held at Eden Court, Inverness on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th October. Conference admission is £20 for a weekend pass or £15 for one day.
Councillor Thomas Prag, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Planning, Environment and Development Committee said: “The Highland Archaeology Festival has become a popular event in our calendar – and quite rightly so. We live in a fascinating part of the world and this exciting programme of events has something for everyone, whether you are new to archaeology, a local enthusiast or expert. It’s amazing to think what lies hidden beneath our feet – but thanks to the event organisers who work so hard to make it all happen we get a chance to find out some of the secrets.”
2012 programme highlights include:
In Easter Ross, take a guided tour of the recently excavated motte at Foulis; help build an iron age hillfort; take part in a free family arts and crafts day at the Highland Museum of Childhood, or celebrate the launch of the new Tain Silver Collection exhibition at Tain and District Museum.
In Wester Ross, explore Loch Ewe’s WWII military defences with Allan Kilpatrick of RCAHMS; see the results of archaeological training in Applecross; take part in an excavation at a roundhouse and find out about the WeDigs community archaeology project excavations at Gairloch Heritage Museum.
In Sutherland, take part in Historic Assynt’s Fire and Water Project, a special programme of events including excavations, guided walks, workshops, music and demonstrations; or take a guided minibus tour of the places associated with the Kildonan Riots in 1813.
In Caithness, join Caithness Field Club for a guided walk at Houstry, taking in a stone circle, broch, wags, and more; Follow the tracks, both ancient and not so old on a guided tour with Caithness Archaeology Trust and Yarrows Heritage Trust; or join the Highland Council Ranger to explore the forgotten village of Badryrie.
In Lochaber, find out about Lochaber at war with Lochaber Archaeological Society and Glencoe and North Lorn Folk Museum; or discover the darker side of Glencoe on a massacre landrover safari with the National Trust for Scotland.
In Lochalsh, explore the historic planned village of Plockton with the National Trust for Scotland ranger.
In Badenoch and Strathspey, discover traditional skills such as cooking , spinning and weaving at a special living history event for all the family at the award-winning Highland Folk Museum; and explore the life the a Badenoch “Jekyll and Hyde” in a talk at Clan Macpherson Museum.
In Inverness, get hands on with history at Culloden Battlefield in a series of special events by National Trust for Scotland; or discover the magnificent beasts that used to roam the wild Highlands at Aigas Field Centre. Take part in special craft activities for children at Inverness Museum or enjoy a special guided tour of Beauly Priory.
These are just some examples of the events taking place throughout the Highland Archaeology Festival. Pick up your programme from libraries or service points, or visit the website at http://www.highland.gov.uk to download the programme. Visit the website for news, regular updates and late additions or alterations to the programme.