Lecture by Dr Alex Gibson, Reader in Prehistory, University of Bradford In association with The Prehistoric Society For some time it has been commonly acknowledged that Bronze Age ceramics developed from Neolithic forms. Radiocarbon chronology, however, has shown that there was almost a millennium between the demise of Impressed Wares and the advent of Food Vessels and Urns. Given this chronological gap, how do we explain the undeniable similarities? A closer inspection of Bronze Age culture and customs suggests…
Find out more »Lecture by Dr Alex Gibson, Reader in Prehistory, University of Bradford In association with The Prehistoric Society For some time it has been commonly acknowledged that Bronze Age ceramics developed from Neolithic forms. Radiocarbon chronology, however, has shown that there was almost a millennium between the demise of Impressed Wares and the advent of Food Vessels and Urns. Given this chronological gap, how do we explain the undeniable similarities? A closer inspection of Bronze Age culture and customs suggests…
Find out more »Join Dr Anette Hagan on a curator led tour of “Plague!” The new exhibition at the National Library of Scotland showcases eight contagious diseases that have ravaged Scotland over the last 700 years, and relates the cultural and social history of responses to such epidemics. It highlights government and public health measures, personal accounts in diaries and letters, moral and practical reactions by church people, responses in folk medicine and literature, and through medical investigation. For Fellows only. Free but…
Find out more »A journey through Scottish architecture from the earliest buildings to today's tower blocks. Our three speakers have each been given a period of Scotland’s past and presented the challenge to choose their three examples of architectural innovation and design that changed the face of Scotland. Come and hear their choices and contribute your own! Chair: Prof. Karen Forbes (Edinburgh University) Prehistory (earliest people to 600 AD): Dr Tanja Romankiewicz (Edinburgh University) Medieval (600 AD to Union of the Crowns): Prof. Richard Oram (Stirling University) Modern…
Find out more »Dr Gordon Noble, University of Aberdeen, will present this lecture at the Regent Building Lecture Theatre, University of Aberdeen, hosted by the Aberdeen and North East Section of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. This talk will outline recent results of the University of Aberdeen’s Northern Picts project which involves undertaking surveys and excavations on Pictish sites from Aberdeenshire to Easter Ross. In this presentation Dr Noble will focus on the work at three fortified sites: Dunnicaer and Rhynie, both Aberdeenshire and Burghead,…
Find out more »Lecture by Dr Ralph McLean, National Library of Scotland This talk examines the career of Alexander Howland Smith ‘Antique Smith’ who rose to notoriety in the 1890s through his forgeries of famous Scots such as Mary Queen of Scots, Robert Burns, and Sir Walter Scott. By looking at the Society of Antiquaries extensive Smith collection this talk will investigate Smith’s techniques, provide examples of his forgeries, and relate his eventual discovery and downfall. This event is now fully booked!
Find out more »Lecture by Mr Tom Rees, Consultant Archaeologist, Rathmell Archaeology Limited Investigations during construction of the Western Link Convertor Station at Hunterston in Ayrshire (http://www.westernhvdclink.co.uk/) revealed a small area of intense prehistoric activity. Excavation revealed a sequence of enclosures bounding a hollow within which were dense pit clusters, working surfaces and post-holes. Field evidence for bronze and iron smelting, founding and smithing (respectively) combined with late Bronze Age pottery suggests a remarkable discovery – an open air workshop from the Bronze…
Find out more »Lecture by Mr Tom Rees, Consultant Archaeologist, Rathmell Archaeology Limited Investigations during construction of the Western Link Convertor Station at Hunterston in Ayrshire (http://www.westernhvdclink.co.uk/) revealed a small area of intense prehistoric activity. Excavation revealed a sequence of enclosures bounding a hollow within which were dense pit clusters, working surfaces and post-holes. Field evidence for bronze and iron smelting, founding and smithing (respectively) combined with late Bronze Age pottery suggests a remarkable discovery – an open air workshop from the Bronze…
Find out more »Alison Cameron of Cameron Archaeology will present this lecture at the Regent Building Lecture Theatre hosted by the Aberdeen and North East Section of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Three of the four Aberdeen medieval friaries have now been subjected to archaeological excavation, the Carmelite, Franciscan and Domincan. This talk will pull together what we now know about these important religious institutions. There are human remains from all sites and this includes the recent 25 individuals excavated at Robert Gordon's on…
Find out more »Lecture by Dr Anne Crone, Project Manager, AOC Archaeology Excavations on the headland at Auldhame have uncovered a millennium of burial activity, from the 7th century to the 17th century AD. The earliest phase saw the establishment of a monastic settlement probably associated with the Anglian saint, Balthere. A grave with Hiberno-Norse connections signaled the end of this settlement, possibly violently, and the site subsequently became a parish church and graveyard, finally ending up as a family burial aisle or…
Find out more »Lecture by Dr Anne Crone, Project Manager, AOC Archaeology Excavations on the headland at Auldhame have uncovered a millennium of burial activity, from the 7th century to the 17th century AD. The earliest phase saw the establishment of a monastic settlement probably associated with the Anglian saint, Balthere. A grave with Hiberno-Norse connections signaled the end of this settlement, possibly violently, and the site subsequently became a parish church and graveyard, finally ending up as a family burial aisle or…
Find out more »Lecture by Dr Fraser Hunter, National Museums Scotland The idea of Celts is a potent, popular and enormously varied one, applied to many different types of evidence in different contexts. Coinciding with a major exhibition on Celts at the National Museum of Scotland, this talk will consider the many different things which get called Celtic art. It will consider what these different “Celtic arts” say about connections and differences across Europe, and consider the role of decoration in making powerful…
Find out more »Lecture by Dr Fraser Hunter, National Museums Scotland The idea of Celts is a potent, popular and enormously varied one, applied to many different types of evidence in different contexts. Coinciding with a major exhibition on Celts at the National Museum of Scotland, this talk will consider the many different things which get called Celtic art. It will consider what these different “Celtic arts” say about connections and differences across Europe, and consider the role of decoration in making powerful…
Find out more »Friday 6th May, 6.00 pm - 7.30 pm, Saturday 7th May, 11. am - 5.00 pm, Sunday 8th May, 2. 00 pm - 5.00 pm Professor Roey Sweet, Professor of Urban History, University of Leicester The historic town today is a clichéd mainstay of tourism and place-branding; its credentials go back to the eighteenth century when antiquaries first began seriously to study the physical remains of the past and to single out towns as of particular historical interest. These…
Find out more »This year's event is being organised by Archaeology Scotland at the Volunteer Hall, Galashiels This joint Archaeology Scotland and Society of Antiquaries of Scotland day conference provides an annual opportunity to hear up-to-date accounts of Archaeological Research in Progress in Scotland. Registration for the event will be from 9.15 am on Saturday 28th May at The Volunteer Hall, St John Street, Galashiels, Borders, TD1 3JK. A buffet lunch is included and there will be an opportunity to pick up your…
Find out more »This major NMS exhibition, organised in partnership with the British Museum, unravels the complex story of the different groups who have used or been given the name "Celts" through the extraordinary art objects they made and used. Join Dr Fraser Hunter, NMS principal curator of Iron Age and Roman collections in the NMS Auditorium for an introductory talk about the artefacts before touring the exhibition yourself. Open to Fellows and non-Fellows - everyone is welcome to attend and learn about this…
Find out more »More than 1,000 years ago the sleepy Angus village of St Vigeans was the centre of a royal estate and of huge religious importance. The most important indications of the village’s powerful past can be found in two adjoining sandstone cottages. Within their walls in Historic Scotland’s newly refurbished museum are housed 38 carved stones which are among the last and very finest expressions of Pictish art, making them tremendously important – part of our national collection of the earliest…
Find out more »We are delighted to collaborate with our friends in Lyon & Turnbull to offer Fellows the opportunity to attend an evening lecture event. Hear three experts discuss their areas of interest (weapons, glass and silver) with a focus on Scottish design and material culture. Relax with a drink and socialise while previewing the upcoming Scottish Silver & Applied Arts auction items. Booking is essential, scroll down to book your ticket now. In association with Lyon & Turnbull
Find out more »Venue: Friday 7th October, Auditorium, NMS, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Venue: Saturday 8th October, Abbotsford House, Abbotsford, Melrose, Roxburghshire TD6 9BQ Join us in this unique event to uncover a different side to Sir Walter Scott, the antiquary and collector and the physical culture surrounding and inspiring him, to be held in collaboration with Abbotsford House. Expert talks and discussion will explore and assess Scott’s interests in Scotland’s past and will celebrate 200 years of The Antiquary. Published in…
Find out more »This lecture explores how Daniel Wilson’s ideas to recognise the practice of archaeology as a science were taken forward through the investigations of stone circles in north eastern Scotland.
Find out more »This lecture explores how Daniel Wilson’s ideas to recognise the practice of archaeology as a science were taken forward through the investigations of stone circles in north eastern Scotland.
Find out more »Lecture outlining the great deal of research over the last 25 years, especially since 2000. For no other prehistoric human has there been such a very detailed scientific reconstruction of the last few days of life.
Find out more »Lecture outlining the great deal of research over the last 25 years, especially since 2000. For no other prehistoric human has there been such a very detailed scientific reconstruction of the last few days of life.
Find out more »A consideration of how the density or absence of something often defines the character of an area or neighbourhood and how new ways of mapping urban characteristics can reveal so much more about a place.
Find out more »A consideration of how the density or absence of something often defines the character of an area or neighbourhood and how new ways of mapping urban characteristics can reveal so much more about a place.
Find out more »Lecture exploring the iconic Glasgow School of Art Mackintosh building and its restoration.
Find out more »This lecture will explore the use of geological techniques to identify pigments used in decorating Roman buildings and objects.
Find out more »This lecture will explore the use of geological techniques to identify pigments used in decorating Roman buildings and objects.
Find out more »Lecture exploring the excavated evidence for medieval friaries in Aberdeen.
Find out more »Lecture exploring the iconic Glasgow School of Art Mackintosh building and its restoration.
Find out more »The excavations at Portmahomack revealed activity on the site from the 6th century AD to the 15th century.
Find out more »The excavations at Portmahomack revealed activity on the site from the 6th century AD to the 15th century.
Find out more »What were lives like in ancient Egypt? Examining two tombs excavated by Alexander Henry Rhind we explore this fascinating culture.
Find out more »Professor Roberta Gilchrist, University of Reading, will present the series of six Rhind Lectures in 2017.
Find out more »The annual national day conference updating you on recent research in Scotland.
Find out more »The Lindsay Fischer Lecture will be presented by Professor Margrethe Stang, Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
Find out more »The Lindsay Fischer Lecture will be presented by Professor Margrethe Stang, Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
Find out more »The Lindsay Fischer Lecture will be presented by Professor Margrethe Stang, Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
Find out more »Mesolithic Scotland and its Neighbours, published in 2004 THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL A day conference in honour of Alan Saville, past Society of Antiquaries of Scotland President. The day will comprise of a set of brief talks but, more importantly, lots of discussion related to the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic occupation of Scotland, focused on the possible dwellings and ‘houses’ that have been excavated over the past few years. Since the 1999 conference and 2004 publication of…
Find out more »Low Parks Museum and Hamilton Mausoleum, South Lanarkshire Join us on a visit to these Grade A listed buildings the first dating back to 1696 built as Portland, the private residence of David Crawford, lawyer and secretary to the 3rd Duke and Duchess of Hamilton. Later, in 1784, purchased by the 8th Duke of Hamilton and made into a coaching inn housing famous travellers, such as Dr Johnson and James Boswell, and Dorothy and William Wordsworth. The second building is…
Find out more »After a popular Sales Preview event last year kindly hosted by Lyon & Turnbull the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is pleased to announce a similar event will take place this year. Please join us. There will be short talks given by experts from Lyon & Turnbull, the National Museum of Scotland and the Society on Scottish silver, Scottish pottery and much more, followed by a drinks reception and canapes. A good opportunity to mingle and preview sales items up…
Find out more »Lecture given by Dr Jacqueline Riding, Historian, Author and Honorary Research Fellow, Birkbeck College, University of London. In the autumn of 1745 Charles Edward Stuart established a court at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, an episode that was later described by Andrew Lang as ‘his little hour of royalty.’ Yet, at this time, no one could have predicted for certain the outcome of the prince’s campaign. This lecture will challenge Lang’s glib assessment of the Stuart court at Holyrood,…
Find out more »(Venue: Regent Building Lecture Theatre, Aberdeen) Lecture given by Dr Jacqueline Riding, Historian, Author and Honorary Research Fellow, Birkbeck College, University of London
Find out more »(Venue: NMS Auditorium, Edinburgh) Lecture given by Professor Ted Cowan Hon FSA Scot, Emeritus Professor of Scottish History and Literature, University of Glasgow. This lecture seeks to explore and assess enlightenment influence upon the inhabitants of the Scottish Borders. It also asks whether it is possible that folk with surnames such as Hume and Scott, up to their necks in all kinds of violence, feuding, skullduggery and general mayhem, through to 1603 could, two or three generations later, transform or…
Find out more »Regent lecture Theatre, Aberdeen. Fiona Musk, NHS Grampian Archivist. In Sickness and in Health: NHS Grampian Archives. The development and future of the Archives and what these historic collections can tell us about the history of the North East of Scotland.
Find out more »(Venue: Dumfries Museum, Dumfries) Lecture given by Professor Ted Cowan Hon FSA Scot, Emeritus Professor of Scottish History and Literature, University of Glasgow. Please contact Dumfries Museum on 01387 253374 to reserve a free place at the lecture or via email (dumfries.museum@dumgal.gov.uk)
Find out more »(Venue: Grassmarket Centre, Edinburgh) Including a lecture given by Peter Yeoman FSA FSA Scot MCIfA on the subject of 'Columba's Heavenly House', followed by a drinks reception sponsored by Tomatin Distillery Co. Ltd. (Please note the different venue and start time of this year's AGM).
Find out more »Lecture given by Isla MacLeod, Registers of Scotland. Created by the 1617 Registration Act of the Parliament of Scotland, the General Register of Sasines was the first of its kind in the world. Whilst it is probably one of the lesser known world firsts chalked up for Scotland, its impact has been fundamental – here and aboard. The story of the General Register of Sasines and the organisation responsible for it, Registers of Scotland, reflects the social, economic and political…
Find out more »(Venue: Regent Building Lecture Theatre, Aberdeen) Lecture given by Isla MacLeod, Registers of Scotland
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