People digging small trenches in a mountain landscape with overlaid text that reads: Upcoming conference
UPCOMING CONFERENCE: Archaeological Research in Progress
Tickets are now available for this year's conference hosted by @archscot.bsky.social in collaboration with the Society on 23 May in Dumfries & Galloway and online, with discounts for Fellows: www.archaeologyscotland.org.uk/get-involved...
Old writing on paper with the words 'Grants Deadline' over it
GRANTS DEADLINE: 30 April
Submit your funding application for the next round of Society Research Grants, which are available to anyone wishing to undertake high-quality research relating to Scotland’s past, including visits to museums, collections or archives: www.socantscot.org/grants-prize...
A gateway to Scotland’s past The heritage hub will be a gateway to Scotland’s past. An open front door welcoming everyone and addressing the accessibility challenges that are holding us back. With exhibition space, podcast recording facilities and flexible meeting rooms, the hub will become a visible and inviting centre for engagement, learning, and collaboration. Key Pillars of the Vision A Base for National Endeavours Our projects (Dig It!, ScARF, ReACH, Make Your Mark) have the anchor building they need to deliver additional benefits, and we can provide Treasure Trove the public accessibility they require for public reporting of finds. A Home for Fellows Inspiring spaces for Fellows to meet, research, collaborate, and share knowledge through talks and seminars, strengthening the community at the heart of the Society. A Connector for the Sector Building partnerships and collaborations with heritage organisations, academic institutions, and cultural bodies to strengthen sector impact and reach. A Centre of Innovation Enhancing our digital presence and capabilities to reach a wider audience. A Portal for Public Discovery Signposting visitors to Scotland’s wider heritage sites and introducing their stories. Supporting visitors in tracing their roots and understanding Scotland’s heraldic traditions in partnership with the relevant organisations. A Hub for Learning and Debate Encouraging open discussion, diverse perspectives, and critical thinking about Scotland’s past and its relevance today, including strengthened advocacy to safeguard Scotland’s heritage through the Society’s independent voice. A Catalyst for the Sector An affordable space in a prime position where heritage professionals, community heritage groups, volunteers, and researchers can host exhibitions and share experiences. A Place to Support the Future Fostering the education and professional growth of emerging heritage specialists.
SCOTLAND'S HERITAGE HUB: A Gateway to Scotland’s Past
We have a vision, but the clock is ticking. The building that could become Scotland's national heritage hub is only available at a fixed price until January 2027.
Find out how to support our campaign: www.socantscot.org/heritagehub
Excavating the site of an Iron Age enclosure on Little Wood Hill, Threave Estate, D&G © Rathmell Archaeology Limited
Are you interested in the Iron Age and Roman archaeology of South West Scotland? Join us at our SWSARF workshops this June!
We'll be at Ayr Town Hall (20th June) and Dumfries Museum (27th June) discussing the latest draft chapters of the South West framework.
Register for free: bit.ly/3Qr32QG
Group of people in front of a historic house with overlaid text that reads: work with us
WORK WITH US: Fellowship and Administration Officer
We are looking for a new member of staff to help grow and sustain our flourishing global network and support our busy programme of events.
Find out more and apply before 11:59 PM (UK time) on 10 May 2026: www.socantscot.org/news/fellows...
Interior of a church with the words 'Work With Us' overlaid
WORK WITH US: ReACH Research Officer
We are looking to hire a new member of staff to help deliver Research in Action on Church Heritage (ReACH), our partnership project with @scotchurchestrust.bsky.social.
Find out more and apply before 11:59 PM on 3 May 2026: www.socantscot.org/news/work-wi...
Thank you for the lovely feedback and for supporting the crowdfunding campaign. We hope you enjoy the book.
Photograph of the book cover of “Rhynie: A Powerful Place of Pictland” edited by Gordon Noble
Very exciting delivery this morning! @northernpicts.bsky.social @socantscot.bsky.social! #Rhynie #Scotland #earlymedieval #IronAge #Picts
Photograph of book cover—Rhynie: A Powerful Place of Pictland—The development of a landscape of Pictish royal power from the Roman to the early medieval period.
This just arrived on my doorstep with a big ‘thud’! Looking forward to reading it when I get a chance. Especially love the lino print image of Tap o’Noth #hillfort on the jacket cover by Bryan Angus. 🙌
Illustration of a hillfort with overlaid text that says 'New Book'
NEW BOOK: 'Rhynie, A Powerful Place of Pictland'
We are thrilled to announce the release of our book by Professor Gordon Noble FSAScot, a nationally important monograph that brings together 10 years of research which has transformed our understanding of the Picts: www.socantscot.org/uncategorize...
Old writing on paper with the words 'Grants Deadline' over it
GRANTS DEADLINE: 30 April
Submit your funding application for the next round of Society Research Grants, which are available to anyone wishing to undertake high-quality research relating to Scotland’s past, including visits to museums, collections or archives: www.socantscot.org/grants-prize...
Top: Excavating and recording the terminals of an Iron Age enclosure on Little Wood Hill, Dumfries and Galloway © Rathmell Archaeology Limited; bottom left: Participants of the 2025 Kirkcudbright Rock Art workshop at High Banks © ScARF; bottom right: Newark Castle, Inverclyde © ScARF
We have plenty of exciting events coming up this spring and summer! 🌻
Whether you're interested in rock art, the Iron Age and Roman period or the archaeology of the Clyde Valley region, there's something for everyone.
You can read all our latest updates in our April newsletter: bit.ly/4stEELT
Old map of Edinburgh with overlaid text that reads: Scotland's Heritage Hub
SCOTLAND'S HERITAGE HUB
Located in central Edinburgh, the Bristo Place Building we are working to acquire stands on ground that has witnessed more than five centuries of Scottish history.
For Scotland's oldest heritage charity, there could not be a more fitting home: www.socantscot.org/heritagehub
Thank you again for your support, Dr Leggett.
Pulpit in situ in the church
Scaffolding around the pulpit
Pulpit in transit
What happens to church objects when buildings change?
Our latest Heritage Spotlight from Stephen Jackson follows the Dun Pulpit, a salvage case study tracing its journey.
Read the post here: churchheritage.scot/2026/03/30/h...
Photo of a person in a grey hoodie using a pumice stone to smooth an animal hide stretched out on a wooden rack
FUNDING NEWS: Society Funds Experimental Archaeology Connected to the Book of Kells and More with Latest Grants
The project could bring us closer to knowing whether the Book of Kells was created at a Highland monastery over 1,200 years ago: www.socantscot.org/news/society...
View of the Assynt Bone Caves (the Creag nan Uamh) from the north-west with overlaid text that reads 'April Lecture'
FREE PUBLIC LECTURE: PALaEoScot: New Approaches to Scotland’s Oldest Archaeology
Explore the evidence for Scotland’s Ice Age people with Prof Kate Britton FSAScot at our free hybrid event on 16 April as part of the Edinburgh Science Festival: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/palaeoscot...
#EdSciFest
Thank you for your support, Dr Fitzpatrick.
Thanks for letting us know, Fiona. We apologise. That link should be working now. If not, you can also visit www.socantscot.org/support/scot....
Historic building with Society of Antiquaries of Scotland branding and the words 'Scotland's Heritage Hub' overlaid
SCOTLAND'S HERITAGE HUB
As Scotland's oldest heritage charity, we are raising £1.5 million to secure a permanent Edinburgh home—before a January 2027 deadline.
A historic building. A fixed price. A once-in-a-generation opportunity to become part of Scotland's story: www.socantscot.org/heritagehub
Tertia and Joana lead a fieldtrip to see local rock art in Faifley, West Dunbartonshire during the RSE funded rock art workshops in 2025 © ScARF
Are you interested in Neolithic and Bronze Age rock art?
Join us at Kilmartin Museum on the 16th of May for a free, hybrid event led by the wonderful Tertia Barnett and @joanavaldez.bsky.social.
In-person places are limited, so book soon if you're interested!
More information: bit.ly/4s85XMi
Oil painting portraying a young man with brown hair and a beard in the 19th century
NEW RESOURCE: Virtual Journal Issues
As part of our ongoing mission to share Scotland’s past, curated collections of articles from our journal—on topics such as environmental history, and the work of Alexander Henry Rhind—are now freely available to read online: www.socantscot.org/news/society...
Aerial view of circular stone alignment on the foreshore with two people in the image
FREE PUBLIC LECTURE: At the Far End of Everything: A Likely Ahrensburgian Presence on Skye
Travel back to the Late Upper Palaeolithic period to learn about Scotland's pioneer human populations with Prof Karen Hardy FSAScot at our free hybrid event on 12 March: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/at-the-far...
Ruined castle with the words 'Work With Us' overlaid
WORK WITH US: ScARF Research Officers and ScARF Research Manager
We are looking to hire three new members of staff to help deliver the final two regional research frameworks as part of @scarf-scot.bsky.social. Find out more and apply by 11:59pm on 8 March 2026: www.socantscot.org/news/#appoin...
Thank you for the glowing endorsement, Dr Fitzpatrick.
This year marks a full decade of being a Fellow of @socantscot.bsky.social - from a MSc student attending her first real conference with a bursary from the Society to being a Council member today, I can’t reccomend it enough for folks who work in Scottish heritage.
Photo of a group of people in all-weather clothing listening to a tour guide outside
Fellows of the Society help support the study and enjoyment of Scotland's past while enjoying a range of exclusive benefits.
Submit your completed application by 28 February to become part of this global network of people passionate about history and archaeology: www.socantscot.org/join/how-to-...
Photo of a circle of round stones with three people in reflective work gear standing in the centre
NEW SAIR: ‘A Middle Bronze Age Roundhouse at Beauly Substation, Beauly, Inverness-shire'
Discover what experts from AOC Archaeology uncovered when they found the remains of a 3,500-year-old roundhouse within a complex prehistoric landscape in the Highlands: journals.socantscot.org/index.php/sa...
Two flat perforated cobbles and cobble tool with overlaid text that says New SAIR
NEW SAIR: ‘A Later Prehistoric Settlement and Early Medieval Reuse at Loak Farm, Bankfoot, Perth and Kinross’
Read the latest issue in the Scottish Archaeological Internet Reports (SAIR), our open access series of excavation reports and large-scale surveys: journals.socantscot.org/index.php/sa...
Digital illustration of a person kneeling down in a trench and picking up a tiny green bead with a trowel and their fingers
When uncovering traces of people from the past, evidence comes in all sizes, can be found everywhere and might not look like what we expect 🤔
Confused? Don't be! Learn more about how archaeologists uncover these stories and how you can get involved: www.digitscotland.com/what-is-arch...