We celebrate the origins, on the 8th of March 1944, of Archaeology Scotland and Council for British Archaeology (CBA). Our origins are marked by the first meeting of the CBA taking place, with participation of the CBA Regional Groups, including representatives from the Scottish Regional Group. The CBA and its regional groups were formed in response to the post-war challenges faced by archaeologists, to advocate for archaeology and help re-establish or create local archaeological societies.
Eighty years later, Archaeology Scotland continues to advocate for Scottish Archaeology and still delivers some of the key activities established in the early years of the Scottish Regional Group, including an annual Summer School, which this year will be on the Isle of Bute, and the publication of Discovery and Excavation Scotland, the annual round up of all archaeological activity in Scotland.
In the intervening period, Archaeology Scotland has changed and evolved in many ways, and delivered a wide range of innovative approaches to raising awareness about and caring for Scotland’s Archaeology, ranging from: Adopt-a-Monument, our Learning Programme, including Heritage Heroes Awards and most recently our New Audiences Project, which opens-up archaeology for marginalised and displaced people.
Looking forward, with the increased pressures on communities and people that third sector seeks to address and a better understanding of how participation in archaeology can be so beneficial, the work that Archaeology Scotland delivers is arguably more important than ever. Over the coming months, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we will work with our membership, partners and supporters to explore the future of Archaeology Scotland and how we can deliver more together in these challenging times.
Archaeology Scotland would like to thank all our members, partners, funders and supporters over the past eighty years and celebrate what has been achieved together through our shared interests.