Gavin MacGregor, BSc; PhD; FSA Scot; MCIfA
Chief Executive
g.macgregor@archaeologyscotland.org.uk
Gavin has worked in Scottish archaeology since graduating in 1992, with experience in Academic, Commercial and Community archaeology. He was a Project Officer and then Project Manager at the University of Glasgow till 2011, where he also taught on the Certificate of Field Archaeology, from 2002 - 2015. Subsequently, as a Director of Northlight Heritage, he developed a range of archaeology and heritage-based projects and programmes for clients and communities across Scotland. These included design and delivery of volunteer training, learning and engagement projects, which variously combined research skills, hands on learning, digital heritage, art and cultural heritage in outcome focussed ways for different participants and audiences. He has also provided consultancy services about wider community development and heritage management issues, including to a range of Landscape Partnership Schemes, and including development of Historic Environment strategic frameworks.
Gavin is also passionate about art, with interests ranging across sculpture, photography and writing, and environmental issues. Living in Lanarkshire, with three children, he can also hardly believe he has just become a grandad!
Dianne Swift
Development Manager
development@archaeologyscotland.org.uk
Dianne joined the board of Archaeology Scotland in 2011 because of her personal interest in archaeology and her experience in charity fundraising. She quickly moved to become an employee and apply her 30+ years of experience in fundraising. Dianne has a business degree, Institute of Fundraising certificated, is a trained field archaeologist with many local digs under her belt and leader of the Stobs Camp Project.
Tessa Till
Scottish Archaeology Month (SAM) Co-ordinator
t.till@archaeologyscotland.org.uk
Tessa joined Archaeology Scotland as a member of staff in November 2020 having previously been a Board Member and Trustee. Tessa’s passion has always been archaeology and she has recently moved roles within the organisation having previously run our office. Tessa is now responsible for co-ordinating and delivering our flagship festival, Scottish Archaeology Month (SAM). In her spare time, Tessa loves spending time with her partner, daughter and menagerie of animals.
Phil Richardson
Project Manager
p.richardson@archaeologyscotland.org.uk
Phil is a Project Manager who manages our archaeology projects, including Adopt-a-Monument, The Real Wild West and the New Audience Project. Phil has wide-ranging experience and a good knowledge of Scottish cultural heritage and archaeology. He has been involved in over 115 projects for Adopt-a-Monument over the past twelve. Since joining Archaeology Scotland Phil has been responsible for the development of the Adopt-a-Monument Scheme, our engagement programmes and exciting projects designed with external project partners; with recent examples include Rouken Glen Park with East Renfrewshire Council, The Lowland Broch with the Forestry Commission Scotland and Canal College with Keep Scotland Beautiful. Phil has played a small part in the development of Adopt-a-Monument in other European countries, including Ireland and Finland. In his current role Phil has also overseen the development and delivery of Archaeology Scotland's Resilient Archaeology Scotland project, including the production of Audience development, communications, and income generation plan as well as a business plan. Phil has a strong commitment to training in the heritage sector and has experience of developing complex partnership projects and fundraising. He has significant interest in the delivery of Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy and the role archaeology can play in contemporary society.
Helena Gray
Project Officer, Adopt-a-Monument
helena@archaeologyscotland.org.uk
A professional archaeologist for 10 years before joining Archaeology Scotland, Helena also works at East Lothian Council’s Archaeology Service, and she is a field director on a student training project in Ardnamurchan. She is particularly interested in heritage-based training and skill development, and strongly believes that engaging with heritage and related activities can benefit both people and our heritage at the same time!
Eleanor Harrison
Project Assistant
e.harrison@archaeologyscotland.org.uk
Eleanor joining Archaeology Scotland in September 2024 as a Project Assistant, working across both the Learning team and Adopt-a-Monument. Before starting this role, she completed a PhD in Archaeology at Newcastle University, which focused on Neolithic burial practices in Britain and Ireland. During her time at university, Eleanor also participated in fieldwork in the North East England and the Isle of Man, and volunteered with her local Young Archaeologists’ Club. Through this experience she developed an interest in the ways archaeology can play a role in social change, skills development and wellbeing.
Kieran Manchip, BA (hons), MLitt
Project Officer
k.manchip@archaeologyscotland.org.uk
Kieran studied archaeology and history at Glasgow University before undertaking a Masters in Conflict Archaeology at the same university, which he graduated from in 2018. Kieran then went on to work for HARP Archaeology until June 2019 when he started at Archaeology Scotland. Kieran works primarily on the Adopt-A-Monument and New Audiences projects. He is passionate about the difference archaeology can make to peoples lives and their communities
Andy Jepson BA (Hons)
Project Officer
a.jepson@archaeologyscotland.org.uk
Andrew (Andy) joined Archaeology Scotland in 2015 to run an educational project focusing on the Jacobites in Stirlingshire. This included managing two archaeological digs at St Ninians Kirk and Dunblane for over 300 children. In the same year he graduated with a First Class Honours degree in History, helped organise the Borders Heritage Festival and ran school workshops at Old Gala House’s Gallipoli exhibition. In 2016 he curated a Celts exhibition for Borders Museums and for Archaeology Scotland he began work on the Stobs Camp Project with the aim of exploring, sharing and commemorating the First World War site near Hawick in the Scottish Borders. He subsequently developed a keen interest in First World War internment camps. Andrew runs the Stobs Camp Twitter account. Andrew’s interest in practical archaeology began in 2011 when he started volunteering for the National Trust for Scotland. In his spare time, he regularly helps the Trust supervise community archaeology digs. In 2017 he became an NTS Thistle Camp Leader. He is passionate about promoting the history, heritage and archaeology of the Scottish Borders.
Dr. Jennifer Thoms, MSc, PhD
Project Officer (DES editor)
j.thoms@archaeologyscotland.org.uk
Dr Jennifer Thoms is the editor of our annual journal Discovery and Excavation in Scotland. Jennifer has been involved with Archaeology Scotland since 2008, first as a co-opted Trustee, elected formally in November 2009, then standing down to take up a temporary post as Finance Officer in 2012. She joined the Learning Team as Learning Officer in April 2014, moving to the post of Project Officer (DES editor) in August 2019.
Jane Miller
Learning Manager
j.miller@archaeologyscotland.org.uk
Jane studied Archaeology at the University of York before going on to work at York Archaeological Trust’s innovative hands-on Archaeological Resource Centre, sparking a passion for sharing the joy of archaeology with others. She worked in museum and gallery education for many years for organisations including Bede’s World, Tyne and Wear Museums, Henshaw’s Arts & Crafts Centre and most recently Museums Northumberland.
Calypso Finch
Learning Assistant
c.finch@archaeologyscotland.org.uk
Calypso recently joined Archaeology Scotland in June 2024, from a background as a Primary School teacher and a professional Archaeologist, where she worked on a social prescribing, community archaeology and well-being project. She is assisting with the development and delivery of our learning resources and projects, including our ‘Energy through Time’ project. She strongly believes in the power of archaeology to inspire, engage and connect communities of all backgrounds and ages, as well as create positive impacts on personal and community well-being.
Calypso is particularly interested in making Archaeology accessible and sustainable for all, and reaching underserved and underrepresented communities. She is passionate about the environment, heritage and art, and loves exploring these in her spare time!
Rebecca (Becca) Barclay
Heritage Training Officer
r.barclay@archaeologyscotland.org.uk
Becca joined Archaeology Scotland in 2016, following the completion of her PhD investigating the palaeoecology and geoarchaeology of Norse farms in Iceland. Becca is passionate about outdoor learning and making archaeology accessible to all. She is a firm believer in the role archaeology can play in skills development, wellbeing and community cohesion. Becca is responsible for our Heritage Hero Awards, Outdoor Learning and Attainment Through Archaeology.
Dominique Lyons
Programme Development Support Officer
d.lyons@archaeologyscotland.org.uk
Dominique joined Archaeology Scotland in June 2024 after running her own Interior Design business. She is now happy to be combining her degree in Medieval Archaeology form the Institute of Archaeology, UCL, her Masters in the Archaeology of Buildings from the University of York, her years as a commercial Archaeologist, her experience as a Nursery Practitioner and her design business background to help develop Archaeology Scotland’s employability and Health & Wellbeing programmes. And- she is looking forward to fieldwork!
Edward Stewart
CVARF Engagement Officer
e.stewart@archaeologyscotland.org.uk
Edward joined Archaeology Scotland in 2024 as CVARF Engagement Officer, after submitting his PhD in Archaeology at the University of Glasgow, which explored shieling landscapes and the interpretation of upland archaeology in the Scottish Highlands. Edward has previously taught field archaeology and survey on field schools in Scotland and Italy, co-directing the University of Glasgow’s field schools in 2021 and 2022 at Cochno Hill, and 2023 and 2024 in Glencoe. Edward is passionate about making archaeology relevant to contemporary society through community engagement, co-production, and creative practices, and has previous collaborated on projects with the National Trust for Scotland, Glencoe Folk Museum and local communities in Glencoe and Ballachulish. His undergraduate and masters research projects focused on the archaeology of the Clyde Valley within Glasgow, including investigating the role of archaeological sites including prehistoric and contemporary monuments in the experience of urban spaces, and the production of anti-elite and decolonising narratives of modern and contemporary urbanism.
Isabella Scott
Marketing & Communications Officer
i.scott@archaeologyscotland.org.uk
Isabella Scott joined Archaeology Scotland as the Marketing and Communications Officer in June 2025. Originally from Northumberland and having grown up surrounded by the incredible sites of Hadrian's Wall, Isabella has always felt a deep connection to history. She holds a Master’s degree in Classical Art and Archaeology, with particular interests in Byzantine iconoclasm, focusing on mosaic and mural work on the island of Naxos, Greece.
Before joining Archaeology Scotland, she was the Marketing and Events Manager at Mackintosh at the Willow, where she worked to promote one of Glasgow’s most celebrated heritage sites for almost 7 years.
Isabella is passionate about making archaeology accessible, engaging and connecting communities to their heritage.
Sophie Cathcart
CVARF Research Development Officer
s.cathcart@archaeologyscotland.org.uk
Sophie joined Archaeology Scotland as CVARF Research Development Officer in September 2025, having spent the previous four years in commercial archaeology working throughout Scotland. Sophie studied Archaeology at the University of Glasgow to complete both an undergraduate and master’s degree, graduating in 2020. She is particularly enthusiastic about landscape archaeology to explore how people have shaped, and been shaped by, the world around them.
Trustees
Moira Greig
President
Moira has been actively involved in Archaeology for a considerable number of years. After two years Research Assistant in Archaeology at Aberdeen University, with Dr Ian Ralston, she joined the Archaeology Service with the late Ian Shepherd for Grampian Region, which later became the Archaeology Service for Aberdeenshire, Moray and Angus Councils. Work involved giving advice on Planning Applications, providing information to Landowners, farmers, and foresters, through a variety of agricultural programmes and promoting archaeology. She also undertook archaeological aerial photography surveys in the area.
Since retiring she remains actively engaged on a variety of fronts in Archaeology, including running the Mason’s Mark Project, which involves working with volunteers undertaking full surveys of stonemasons’ marks on buildings of all types and using these marks to help tell the story of the building. She also likes to assist the Archaeology Scotland team at several events when possible.
She is a member of the Aerial Archaeology Research Group (AARG), which is international; a Member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland; a member of the Council of British Archaeology; a member of The Tayside & Fife Archaeology Committee (TAFAC) and a member of Archaeology Scotland.
Dr Alison Sheridan FBA FRSE FSA FSA Scot ACIfA
Vice President and Chair of the Membership/Marketing/Events Sub-Group
Alison is a specialist on the Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Bronze Age of Britain and Ireland. She worked for National Museums Scotland and its predecessor organisation from 1987 to 2019, latterly as Principal Curator of Early Prehistory in the Department of Scottish History and Archaeology. She is now a freelance archaeological consultant. Her research has focused on Scotland’s early farmers and she is an authority on stone axeheads, early prehistoric pottery, and jewellery of jet and jet-like materials, faience, amber and gold. She was President of the Prehistoric Society 2010–2014 and in 2020 delivered the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Rhind Lecture series on Neolithic Scotland.
Dr Gordon M Wyllie WS
Trustee
Gordon is a senior charity and trusts lawyer who was a partner in leading Scottish law firms. A founding member and former convener of the Scottish Grant-Making Trusts Group, he served as a member of the European Commission's Group of Experts in International Succession Law and till recently chaired the Law Society of Scotland's Trusts and Succession Committee. He sits on and gives confidential in-house counsel to a number of charitable and other organisations including the Mediaeval Glasgow Trust. He is an ambassador for Action Medical Research, a past Visitor of the Incorporation of Maltmen of Glasgow, a past Deacon Convener of the Trades of Edinburgh, and the inaugural President of the Burgess Association of Edinburgh. He is currently a member of the Cross-Party Groups in the Scottish Parliament on End of Life Choices and on Europe.
Rod McCullagh
Trustee, Summer School Director and Chair of the Adopt-a-Monument Sub-Group
Since leaving university in 1976, Rod worked mostly in field archaeology and mostly in Scotland but with periods in Wales, England, Sweden and Norway. In the 1990s, he shifted into commercial archaeology. Then in 1999, he joined Historic Scotland as an Inspector of Ancient Monuments. He retired from HES in 2016. He is a Fellow of Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, a member of CIFA and a trustee of two other charities. For amusement, he goes to the annual EAA conference, climbs hills and does some hack gardening.
Tony Pollard
Trustee
Tony Pollard is Professor of Conflict History and Archaeology at the University of Glasgow and has carried out conflict related archaeological investigations across the globe. Tony is the lead academic and an archaeological director for Waterloo Uncovered, the charity which combines archaeology with veteran recovery. Recent initiatives include the Falklands War Mapping project, which in 2022 saw the return of two veterans from the 1982 conflict take part in the archaeological survey of their own battlefield on Mount Tumbledown. He has written widely for academic and general audiences and articles on the aftermath of Waterloo and the Falklands project are available as free downloads. He is also familiar face on television, and since popularising battlefield archaeology with the BBC series Two Men in a Trench has gone on to make regular appearances in history shows like Nazi Megastructures and Defending Europe.
Elizabeth Dawson
Trustee
Elizabeth is a strategic communications and engagement specialist, and former BBC News journalist. She studied History at the University of Cambridge and has a Masters degree in Creative Writing. Elizabeth has a long-time interest in community-based heritage projects and she is pleased to support Archaeology Scotland and its mission to change lives through the power of the past.
Jonathan McDonagh
Trustee
Jonathan is an experienced finance professional who is used to interacting at board level and engaging / communicating with diverse stakeholder groups. Being a Fellow Chartered Accountant with a background in forensic accounting, Jonathan has a unique combination of skills and expertise. Jonathan has the ability to analyse financial data with precision and accuracy and his forensic accounting experience allows him to identify and investigate financial irregularities. He can help stakeholders navigate complex financial landscapes, make informed decisions and achieve their specific goals.
Matthew Magee
Trustee
Matthew is the producer and presenter of Stone Me [www.stonemepodcast.com], a podcast where he cycles to neolithic sites to find out from experts what they were all about. He was a newspaper reporter but is now head of content for a global law firm.
Ellen Gledhill
Trustee
As Executive Director for the Traverse Theatre, Ellen oversees the communications, audience experience, fundraising and business development activity of the charity. She joined the Traverse in 2015 as Development Manager to help grow support for the theatre’s work by engaging new funds and developing strategic partnerships across the cultural industries, higher education and business sectors. Her role latterly expanded to Head of Business Development and then Director of External Affairs. Prior to joining the Traverse, Ellen worked elsewhere within the third-sector, most recently in supporter relations at the Scottish headquarters of the RSPB – the UK’s largest conservation charity – and in campaigns with international development and debt justice charity, Jubilee Scotland. Ellen studied Politics at The University of Edinburgh.
Kim Robertson
Trustee
After gaining her undergraduate degree in Archaeology from the University of Edinburgh, Kim went on to work in commercial archaeology around Scotland and Northern England, during which time she also took part in volunteer outreach work with Archaeology Scotland – attending both the Edinburgh and Glasgow Mela festivals with AS. Following her time as a field archaeologist, she worked for both the National Trust for Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland.
After developing an interest in working in outreach and events, she went on to complete an MSc in International Festivals and Events Management and most recently, has gained extensive experience in project, event and programme management, and is a Full Member of the Association of Project Managers (APM).
David Cree
Trustee
David studied ancient history and classical archaeology at the University of Edinburgh and has since been working in various museums focussing on formal and informal learning. He is currently a Learning Enabler at National Museums Scotland, splitting his time between schools and family audiences and community engagement. He is particularly interested in using real and replica objects to enhance learning experiences, encouraging conversation and sparking imagination. When not wandering around in museums, he can be found reading, looking at a hill and deciding to go to the pub instead, or cycling around East Lothian in search of coffee and a cake.
Professor Stephen T Driscoll
Trustee
Stephen Driscoll was raised in Washington DC, educated at the Universities of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) and then at Glasgow where he completed a PhD on Pictish settlement Archaeology in Strathearn in 1987.
His first major job was working on the excavations at Edinburgh Castle (1988-91) which ranged from the Bronze Age to the Victorian Age.
This period of commercial archaeology work culminated in the foundation of the GUARD consultancy unit. This period provided the opportunity to work on some of Scotland's most exceptional sites: Glasgow Cathedral & Castle Tioram.
In 2005 he was promoted to a personal chair in 'Historical Archaeology'. Driscoll's research has always had an early medieval focus which explains the reason he devoted 10 years to working on the SERF project investigating the context of the royal site at Forteviot and his continuing involvement with Govan Old.
As part of his professional service he has edited the Scottish Archaeology Journal, sat on the Historic Scotland 'Advisory Committee' and the board of the York Archaeological Trust. He is a trustee of the Govan Heritage Trust, which is currently engaged in a refurbishment of Govan Old church, the home of the Govan Stones. He runs a public focused fieldwork programme, ‘Dig Where You Stand' at Govan Old as part of the redevelopment.
Claire Boardman
Trustee
Claire has been involved with marine, terrestrial and digital archaeology, in the UK and overseas, for over thirty years and has a particular interest in coastal and island archaeology.
Having to rethink her own archaeological practice following a sudden reduction in mobility, the importance of accessibility in archaeology is never far from her mind.
She is currently completing a PhD in Applied Digital Heritage at the University of York, through which she has explored the reuse potential of digital archaeological and heritage data to support social, environmental or economic benefit within local communities. A theme applied to her work as an advisor to the Good Organisation, a York based social enterprise focused on reducing inequality in the economic benefits afforded by a heritage city.
When not doing archaeology Claire has built a successful professional consulting career working with public and private organisations of all types and sizes to identify and deliver strategic advantage and with a particular focus on performance management and digital transformation.
Patrons
Lord Jamie Lindsay
Jamie is a former Scottish Office Minister whose career has included a number of senior roles in the Public, Private and NGO sectors. He is currently Chairman of UKAS and Berry UK Pension Trustees Ltd, Vice-President of the RSPB and President of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and the Chartered Quality Institute, as well as being a trustee of The Prince’s Countryside Fund. Jamie lives and farms in Fife.
Professor Lady Sue Black, Baroness Black of Strome
Professor Lady Sue Black, Baroness Black of Strome, is an anatomist and forensic anthropologist. She led for her discipline during the war crimes investigations in Kosovo and has been involved in many high profile forensic cases around the world. She was awarded an OBE in 2001 for her services in Kosovo and was made a Dame in the 2016 Queen’s honours list. She is a cross bench peer and is President of St. John’s College, Oxford. In March 2024 she was appointed to the Most Ancient and Noble Order of the Thistle, the highest honour in Scotland.
Secretary to the Board: Gordon Wyllie
Company Secretary: Gavin MacGregor
Adviser to the Board: Tim Neighbour