2024 marks the 900th anniversary of the accession of David I to the throne of Scotland.

The Forth Naturalist and Historian and the University of Stirling are holding a conference to celebrate and explore aspects of his reign, life, achievements – one of which was the foundation of the Royal Burgh of Stirling in 1124/1127 – and cultural milieu.

David I 900 – his reign, reputation and the burgh of Stirling takes place from 1 to 3 November 2024 at the University of Stirling. Speakers will include:

• Prof Richard Oram FSAScot – A Meaningful King? David I from the 12th to 21st centuries
• Prof Dauvit Broun – The Written Sources for David I (title tbc)
• Dr Murray Cook FSAScot – Back and Forth: River Crossings at Stirling before the First Bridge
• John Harrison – Environment and Landscapes of Medieval Stirling
• Dr Neil McGuigan (University of St Andrews) – title tbc
• Dr Peter McNiven Place – Names and dating peat clearance on the Carse of Stirling
• Prof Michael Penman (University of Stirling) – title tbc
• Dr Nicki Scott FSAScot (Historic Environment Scotland) – title tbc
• Dr Alex Woolf (University of St Andrews) – title tbc
• Dr Duncan Wright – David I and the archaeology of Anarchy in England

Call for Papers

The organisers – Murray Cook, Susan Mills and Richard Oram – will be very pleased to receive proposals for papers or panels on any aspect of David I’s reign and legacy and Stirling’s environment and history during the last 900 years. Please note that papers should be of no more than 30 minutes duration.

The organisers are keen to bring new perspectives to the past and therefore particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups including, for example, women, LGBTQIA+, non-binary, disabled, Asian, Arab, Black and Brown researchers (including mixed-race/multiple-heritage). Women and marginalised communities have often been excluded from discussions of the past and the organisers are keen to showcase different perspectives on Scottish history. Researchers in any stage of their career are welcome to apply. It is not necessary to be an established academic or to have had work published before.

For more information and to offer a paper or poster session please contact susan.mills127@btinternet.com.

The deadline for papers is 31 August 2024.