Monday 9 December, 2024

Scottish history and heritage online

News

New display of the Lewis chess pieces at the National Museum of Scotland

The famous Lewis chess pieces are now on display from a new perspective at the National Museum of Scotland. As some of the most recognized objects in Scotland's most popular visitor attraction, ten of...

Bannockburn proposals deemed to be ’unacceptable’

A professional report commissioned by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) reveals that a planning submission was made to Stirling Council for a horse-trotting track on the site of the historic Bannockburn Battlefield and...

Bronze Age Peebles Hoard acquired by National Museums Scotland

One of the most significant hoards ever found in Scotland has been acquired by National Museums Scotland. The Bronze Age Peebles Hoard was discovered in the Scottish Borders by a metal detectorist in 2020....

Rare Roman armour goes on display at the National Museum of Scotland

An incredibly rare piece of Roman armour, which was recently reconstructed from dozens of fragments, is now being displayed in its entirety for the first time in Scotland. The brass arm guard, dating back...

New archaeological dig begins at Culloden

Archaeologists from the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) and the University of Glasgow are carrying out a new investigation on the battlefield of Culloden and are being supported by archaeology students and volunteers from...

Conservation work begins at Kisimul Castle

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that essential conservation work has begun at Kisimul Castle, Barra, with the aim of addressing concerns related to the concrete and its reinforcement bars, which shifted during the...

Pictish ring discovered at Burghead Fort

A "remarkable" Pictish ring with an intricate setting has been discovered at Burghead Fort by a volunteer during a dig led by the University of Aberdeen. The kite-shaped ring with a garnet or red glass...

3 SCOTS help maintain and protect Culloden Battlefield

The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has been working with the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS) as part of the army’s Global Charge initiative to promote the well-being of its...

Buildings at Risk Register to be suspended following review

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has published a review of the Buildings at Risk Register (BARR), the register of historic buildings at risk in Scotland which is currently maintained by HES. HES engaged Harlow Consultancy to...

New reports highlight the strength and contribution of Scotland’s historic environment

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has released a set of reports providing insights into Scotland’s historic environment sector and a framework to help drive its contribution to Scotland’s economy, communities, and net zero ambitions. The...

HES seeks the public’s help following heritage crime at Kilwinning Abbey

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is asking the public for help after a heritage crime occurred at Kilwinning Abbey in Ayrshire. A 13th-century pier, which supports the arched entrance to the abbey's southwest tower, was damaged....

Galloway Hoard urn originated in Iran

Experts have revealed that a lidded urn which was part of the Galloway Hoard discovered in 2014 originated in modern-day Iran The silver vessel was still wrapped in ancient textiles and was found to contain...

Wreck of HMS Hawke discovered off Aberdeenshire coast

The wreck of the Royal Navy warship HMS Hawke which was sunk in October 1914 has been discovered by a team of divers about 70 miles east of Fraserburgh. The wreckage of the Edgar-class protected...

Further visitor access at Jedburgh Abbey following conservation work

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that there will be further access to Jedburgh Abbey with more areas of the site now open following high-level masonry inspections and essential conservation work. The Abbey Church has...

Tiree Community Development Trust launches new Gaelic History Trail

Tiree Community Development Trust (Urras Thiriodh) has launched a new Gaelic History Trail which it hopes will encourage people to explore the island and learn about local history. The Trust, which is engaged in development...

HES seeks public input over future of Calanais Standing Stones

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is asking the public to share their opinions on plans to implement an entry fee and make potential changes to access at Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis....

Historic Environment Scotland releases first Grants Funding Report

Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the second-largest grant provider for heritage in Scotland, has released its first Grants Funding Report. The report showcases how the organization's grants are utilized and aims to identify trends to...

Highland law firm uncovers link to historic crofting case

Charles Innes, the founding partner of law firm Innes & Mackay, successfully secured a verdict of not guilty in the first documented legal victory for Highland crofters when he represented three men accused of...

Dallas Dhu Distillery to reopen as a working distillery

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that the Dallas Dhu distillery in Moray Speyside will reopen as a working distillery. Aceo Distillers Company Limited (Aceo) will be taking over the management of the distillery...

HES seeks views on updated guidance for Scotland’s inventory of historic battlefields

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is seeking input from the public regarding proposed changes to the guidance for designating historic battlefields in Scotland. The public consultation will remain open until Tuesday, 2 July 2024. HES has...

HES seeks community input for the future management of the Calanais Standing Stones

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is seeking community input to develop proposals for the future management of the Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis with the aim of enhancing economic, community, and conservation...

Archaeologists uncover grapeshot and a clan chief’s shoe buckle at Culloden

Recent investigations by National Trust for Scotland (NTS) archaeologists at Culloden battlefield have uncovered a wide range of artefacts, including what is believed to be Donald Cameron of Lochiel's shoe buckle. The fierceness of the...

Evidence of a drawbridge at Brodick Castle discovered

Evidence of an early 17th-century drawbridge protecting Brodick Castle has been discovered during recent conservation work by the National Trust for Scotland. During the repointing work on the exterior of Brodick Castle, blocked vertical slots...

Crannog Centre reopens after devastating fire

The Scottish Crannog Centre on Loch Tay welcomed the first visitors to its new site following a catastrophic blaze which destroyed the original site in 2021. Located in Dalerb in Perthshire, the new site is...

New Perth Museum opens with Stone of Destiny as centrepiece

The new Perth Museum will open its doors on Saturday 30 March 2024 following a £27 million redevelopment. It will highlight the fascinating objects and stories that put Perth and Kinross at the centre...

Old Military Road in Glen Croe to be improved

Transport Scotland has announced that work to improve the Old Military Road through Glen Croe, which was once part of Major William Caulfeild's Dumbarton to Inveraray military road, would go ahead. A contract has been...

Propeller from Second World War aircraft found on Arran

A propeller blade thought to be from a Second World War aircraft has been discovered on the Isle of Arran. A contractor working for the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) discovered the propellor blade wrapped...

Strong support to save traditional skills in heritage sector

A recent survey conducted by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has found that there is significant support for the preservation of traditional skills and jobs required to protect Scotland's historic buildings and properties. The survey...

Rothesay Castle re-opens following conservation work

Rothesay Castle, which is managed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), has fully reopened to visitors following temporary access restrictions due to a high-level masonry programme. The programme examined the impact of climate change on...

Gaelic language under threat as SNP Government cuts funding

The Scottish Government has reportedly decided to cut £354,000 from Bòrd na Gàidhlig, a body set up to protect and promote the Gaelic language. This cut in funding has raised concerns that the survival...

Lost village on Isle of Skye discovered during forestry work

During an environmental check before harvesting in Glen Brittle Forest on the Isle of Skye, the low stone walls and earthen banks of a post-medieval township were discovered. The township is believed to date...

The search for Scotland’s ancient pinewoods

Trees for Life and Woodland Trust Scotland have begun a project to discover the lost pinewoods of Scotland before they disappear. The Wild Pine Project is a joint initiative by Trees for Life and Woodland...

Medieval Fearn Abbey in possible community buyout

Fearn Amenities has received a £20,000 grant to explore the potential purchase of Fearn Abbey in Easter Ross as a community asset. Highland Council approved the funding for a feasibility study and business plan for...

Views sought on Antonine Wall management plan

Historic Environment Scotland, in partnership with Falkirk Council, East Dunbartonshire Council, West Dunbartonshire Council, North Lanarkshire Council and Glasgow City Council, is organizing consultation sessions for the community to seek their input on shaping...

Medieval carvings on Isle of Luing at risk of weather damage

13th-century carvings at Kilchattan Old Parish Church on the Argyll island of Luing are at risk of being weathered away and Luing History Group are concerned they might be lost forever before they have...

Missing Stone of Destiny fragment discovered at SNP HQ

A "missing" fragment of the Stone of Destiny which was gifted to First Minister Alex Salmond in 2008 has been discovered in a cupboard at the headquarters of the Scottish National Party. The Stone of...

University of Aberdeen research on the Picts to feature on two new TV shows

The University of Aberdeen Archaeology Department's efforts to unveil the history of the Picts have earned them a place on the shortlist for a highly esteemed book award and will see their work showcased...

HES granted £74.2 million as part of the Scottish Government’s Budget

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has been allocated grant in aid funding of £74.2 million as part of the Scottish Government’s 2024-2025 Budget. The grant in aid funding for the financial year 2024-25 has been increased...