Over 170 years of publication, the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland has been a key resource for those interested in all aspects of Scottish history and archaeology. As part of our ongoing mission to provide ‘expertise, support and resources to enhance and promote the understanding and enjoyment of Scotland’s past,’ the Society has now launched a series of Virtual Journal Issues.

Virtual Journals are curated collections of articles that were previously published in the Proceedings, centred on a theme and made freely available for all to read.

Our first three virtual journal issues are:

An Introduction to Scottish Environmental History collated by Gabrielle Hill-Smith 

Throughout the history of the Proceedings, Scotland’s diverse environment has long captured the attention of readers and contributors. Through three thematic chapters, this virtual journal offers an introduction to the rich seam of research which explores interactions between people and the environment in Scottish history. These articles were selected for their chronological and disciplinary breadth. Bringing together the expertise of historians, geographers, archaeologists, environmental scientists, and more, this virtual journal covers exciting areas of research which have developed over the last two centuries, including archaeobotany, palynology, dendrochronology, geoarchaeology, micromorphology, and radiocarbon-dating.   

An Introduction to Scottish Environmental History

Research by Women in the Proceedings from 1900–50 collated by Amy-Jo Kearton FSAScot

Since 1851, the Proceedings has published academic articles covering all aspects of Scotland’s past, with the aim of furthering understanding of Scotland’s heritage. Women have been involved in the Proceedings since 1862 and the Society is proud of publishing a plethora of research papers by female scholars. This collection of articles reflects research by women in the Proceedings from 1900–50. 

Research by Women in the Proceedings from 1900–50

Alexander Henry Rhind collated by Sally Pentecost FSAScot

Alexander Henry Rhind (1833–63) was a ground-breaking Scottish archaeologist and Fellow and Honorary Member of the Society. This virtual journal issue is primarily comprised of papers from the mid-19th century, covering Rhind’s research interests in life and notes of his contributions to the study of Scotland’s past after his death. 

This virtual issue contains papers offering a glimpse into Rhind’s opinions on antiquarianism and the study of archaeology, including a notice encouraging Scottish landowners to preserve the historical and archaeological artefacts found on their land,  and papers discussing the role of antiquaries in the study of the past, the display of historical artefacts to the public and comments on the Treasure Trove system. 

It also includes a notice of his death and details of the bequests he made to the Society in his will. 

Alexander Henry Rhind

Curate Your Own Virtual Journal Issue

Fellows of the Society are invited to curate their own Virtual Journal Issue on a theme of their choosing. If you are a Fellow with an idea for a topic, please contact our Editorial Manager to discuss the proposed theme.  

If you are not yet a Fellow and would like to create your own virtual journal issue while supporting our work as a charity and enjoying the many other benefits of Fellowship, find out how to join or subscribe to our public e-newsletter.