Who Are Our Fellows?

Our Fellows, whether they are professionals in the field or not, value the benefits of the Society.

To find our list of current Fellows, please visit here.

Fellow Dr Natasha Ferguson shares her thoughts on Fellowship and the Society.

“I was aware of the Society as an undergraduate. For me it has always been a constant focal point. In part that’s because of its longevity and the unbroken chain of archaeological thought since archaeology as a discipline started. The Society embodies archaeology in Scotland and now I’m a Fellow I feel more attached to a community of archaeologists, part of an intellectual community.

fellows-natasha-ferguson

The Society brings together like-minded people; it facilitates people talking to each other. It provides a common ground – a place where an environmental archaeologist and someone, like me, who looks at artefacts, can and do come together to discuss ideas.

It facilitates collaboration – gets people out of their silos. It’s good at keeping ideas flowing. It’s dynamic. And I think this is why there is a growing body of young professionals within the Society. Projects like ScARF and Dig It!, which make history and archaeology relevant to today also show the Society’s dynamism. Overall, I feel part of something bigger. I go to lectures and conferences. They are good networking opportunities. Being a Fellow gives me the confidence to go and speak to another, more senior Fellow. In fact age and reputation become altogether less of a barrier. And yes, there’s a certain kudos in having the letters FSAScot after your name.”

James Mearns is a long standing Fellow. Here he explains why the Society matters to him.

“I joined the Society in 1979 when I was a student at Glasgow University studying archaeology. My lecturers had encouraged all the students in my class to sign up and most did. The opportunity to get the Proceedings, the newsletter and to attend lectures and conferences was too good to miss! The various productions were certainly useful in my final year studying for an Honours degree in archaeology.

As it happens I didn’t continue into a career in archaeology but it never occurred to me to end my membership. When I moved to work in Edinburgh I was able to attend lectures which was always enjoyable. Even moving to London didn’t affect my membership as it was always interesting to get the newsletter and proceedings which kept me in touch with what was happening in archaeology in Scotland.

Being able to keep up my interest in archaeology is important, especially as I know from friends in the profession how difficult it is to get and keep a job in the sector. Having a national organisation advocating for archaeology is vital and supporting archaeology by being a Fellow is an important part of why I continue to pay my subscription.”

Fellow Jim Mearns at Kilmartin Glen

Fellow Jim Mearns at Kilmartin Glen

Help us to do more

Help us: champion research; stimulate discussion; enhance public understanding; and share our extraordinary heritage. Donate directly to the Society now.