15 May 2015

The Archaeology Scotland summer school for 2015 will visit Kilmartin and North Knapdale, providing a combination of site visits and lectures. Cost is £109 for Archaeology Scotland members and £139 for non-members, with accommodation extra. Further details from Archaeology Scotland info@archaeologyscotland.org.uk or Tel: 0845 872 3333.

Further details and booking form are on their website:

Book deadline: 31st March 2015

15 May 2015

 Event organised by Highland Council Countryside Rangers:

Explore some of the lesser-walked parts of the west coast of Skye - an area of cliffs and caves, sea stacks and spectacular views. Avoiding the more populous areas we will take in archaeology, abandoned settlements, wildlife and scenery as we travel north to south along the wild west coast.
Booking essential. Meet at Neist Point to arrange car share back to start of walk. Grid ref: NG 132477. Grade C. Adults £15.00, conc. £7.50. Contact John on 01471 820526 or john.phillips@highland.gov.uk.

15 May 2015

 Let’s get digital

Every Friday, 1 pm– 2:30pm, 1 - 29 May

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Ever wanted to explore and research your heritage using the internet? Need to feel more computer confident and develop some new digital skills. Join us for these fun, free beginners classes in partnership with Citizens Online.

Booking essential f in person at museum, call 01463 237114 or email cait.mccullagh@highlifehighland.com
 

15 May 2015

 Building Traditional Skills Seminar

Smithton Church, Murray Road, Smithton, Inverness IV2 7YU

Cost: £95/£75

A one-day seminar for people examining the technical challenges in the conservation and preservation of historic buildings. Run by Historic Scotland in partnership with their stakeholders.

Books to 01463 273307

15 May 2015

 There will be two opportunities in May to discuss your vision for Scottish archaeology, when Dr Rebecca Jones and Dr Lisa Brown from Historic Scotland lead workshops relating to the just released draft of the Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy.

The consultation workshops will be in Inverness the evening of Thursday 14th May at Eden Court (MacLean Room in the Bishop’s Palace), 7:30-9, and at Brora Community Centre on Friday 15th May, 10:30 – 12.

The Scottish Strategic Archaeology Committee has been meeting over the last year or so, tasked by the Scottish Government and Historic Scotland to create a 10 year archaeology strategy. The committee has a broad membership representing many of the varied parties who have an interest in archaeology and heritage, including Historic Scotland, RCAHMS, Forestry Commission, local authorities, museums, archaeological contractors, education, and community participation (represented by Susan Kruse of ARCH). There has been a genuine attempt to try and have a new vision - to see what's not working, and to try and suggest ways which might improve things.
The Scottish Government Agency are keen to hear opinions on how well the current draft of the strategy represents people’s interests and aspirations for archaeology in Scotland. Amongst other issues, the consultation seeks to know if the plan makes archaeology inclusive, if it maximise opportunities for education on the subject, and if it gives archaeology the best chance to inspire people and make a major contribution to the nation’s wellbeing.

The draft strategy is now out for consultation - see http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/about/consultations/archaeology-strategy-consultation.htm. . For those without internet, paper copies can be obtained from Dr. Lisa Brown at Historic Scotland, Room G55b, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh, EH9 1SH or phone 0131 668 8752. This is very much a draft, and there is an opportunity to respond and inform the final version. We need to get grassroots input into the strategy. You may have a very jaded view of strategies - but if we don't try and feed in our concerns and our thoughts now, we can't complain as loudly over the next 10 years.

Please come and contribute. What’s important to you and what opportunities would you like to see in the next 10 years? What is needed to get there? If possible, please have a look at the strategy first. If you can’t make the meetings, you can send a response to the consultation (closing date 9th June).