We are thrilled to announce that Historic Environment Scotland has granted £876,115 to the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland to continue coordinating the Scottish Archaeological Research Framework (ScARF) and Dig It! through their Partnership Fund. 

Kirkcudbright Rock Art Workshop (Image credit: ScARF)

ScARF is designed to be the go-to research resource for Scottish archaeology – one which provides an overview of the subject and a set of useful and relevant research questions for everyone to use. The framework makes it possible for anyone wishing to contribute to the research environment of Scotland to effectively plan their work in relation to the framework and ensure that future research is relevant and effectively contributes to our understanding of the past.  

The Partnership Fund means that our ScARF project can continue to develop, support and maintain the national, regional and thematic research frameworks which are now an essential part of the archaeology and wider heritage sector infrastructure in Scotland. This includes finalising the remaining regional frameworks, updating and improving existing ones through new case studies and community projects, and managing and maintaining the high profile of the ScARF web-resource.  

The project will also continue to support the efficient and targeted investigation of research questions and foster the development of student and early career researchers, which includes the distribution of the ScARF Student Bursaries.  

Furthermore, two additional Partnership Fund grants are funding the final two regional research framework projects in the North East and the Forth Valley & Fife, which began earlier this month.  

Dig It! is a hub for Scottish archaeology which enhances the presentation of archaeological information through various initiatives. The project also combats misinformation through their online articles, secures press and broadcast coverage for the project and partners which addresses sectoral or societal issues, and hosts Scotland’s only year-round public archaeology event listing with opportunities from across the sector that are free (or low-cost) with no experience required to participate. 

The Partnership Fund will enable Dig It! to continue undertaking this impactful work while reaching new audiences through international-facing projects centring inclusion and skills. 

Dr Simon Gilmour FSAScot, Director of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, said:  

“I am delighted by Historic Environment Scotland’s award of £876,115 which allows us to ensure both ScARF and Dig It! continue to enhance the public benefit of our unique heritage for the nation and beyond for the next three years. This vital funding ensures that the Society can deliver on all three priorities of Our Past, Our Future: the Strategy for Scotland’s Historic Environment and Aim Two: Enhancing Understanding and Aim Four: Encouraging Greater Engagement of Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy. It also directly advances our charitable mission to ensure that Scotland’s past is for everyone to research, share, enjoy and protect, home and abroad.’ 

Dr Susan O’Connor, Head of Grants at Historic Environment Scotland, said:  

‘Our new funding award for the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland reflects the organisation’s significant contribution to how we understand and appreciate the historic environment. ScARF and Dig It! play a vital role in opening up Scotland’s archaeology locally and globally through innovative digital access, community‑focused activity and high‑quality research. Our renewed support builds on a strong track record of delivery, deepens understanding of our historic places, and ensures that more people can engage with the stories that shape Scotland.’ 

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