Our Fellows – Adam Cumming
Despite a scientific career in research, which has covered rocket propulsion as well as other aspects of energetic materials, Adam Cumming has had a lifelong interest in mediaeval church architecture. His scientific work earned him an Honorary Professorship in the University of Edinburgh School of Chemistry.
These scientific interests, including leading several international programmes, allowed him to visit many churches across Europe, find out how they influenced each other, and see how Scottish churches fit into that pattern as part of the broader picture.
He is now Chair of Scotland’s Churches Trust, who are trying to encourage the rescue of historic churches in addition to making people aware of the riches around them.
As one cannot look at churches in isolation, these explorations resulted in a greater interest in history, music, heraldry as well as international connections, which led him to become a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
“I became a Fellow in the 1980s being recruited at a management course in Berkshire! The Society seemed able to help me gain access to further information and provide support. This was largely at arm’s length until I retired to Edinburgh in 2014 when I was able to get more involved and to contribute to the organisation.”
“Being part of the Society has given me the opportunity to meet and talk to other Fellows, as well as learning more. I would add that it provides a way of sharing knowledge with others both in the Society and outside.”
“My two favourite parts of the Society are the lectures and the excursions.”
Join Us
Fellows (members) of the Society are an essential part of the charity with one common passion – Scotland’s past.
By becoming a Fellow, you are joining the thousands of Fellows who are helping us work towards our vision: ‘Scotland’s past is for everyone to research, share, enjoy and protect, home and abroad.’
Anyone who is interested in Scotland’s history and archaeology can apply to become a Fellow, whether they are professionals in the field or not. Academic credentials and publishing experience are not necessary.
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