Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

Members of the Society are elected Fellows at the Anniversary Meeting, our AGM, on St Andrews Day each year.

Founded in 1780, we are a membership charity that supports the study and enjoyment of Scotland’s past by publishing books and peer-reviewed papers, supporting research, running lectures, managing ScARF and Dig It!, and more. As a charitable learned Society we are governed by a voluntary Council and the day-to-day organisation and running of the Society is carried out by dedicated full and part tim

e staff. We have thousands of Fellows around the world and Fellows can use the post-nominals "FSAScot".

19/08/2026

OPEN ACCESS: 'Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland'

Explore the most recent fully open access volume of our annual journal, which includes articles on wheeled transport on Pictish carved stones, the role and history of Strome Castle in the Highlands, and the origins and development of a Scottish surgical instrument maker: https://journals.socantscot.org/index.php/psas/issue/view/320

14/08/2026

THE NEED: Scotland's Heritage Hub

More people than ever are seeking connection: to place, to identity, and to the deeper stories that shape who we are.

At the same time, the heritage sector is shifting rapidly, shaped by changing public expectations, financial pressures, and the call for greater inclusivity and innovation.

By establishing Scotland's first national heritage hub, the Society can play a role in addressing that public need, while building resilience across the heritage sector for generations to come.

As a gateway to the past, the hub will become a base for national endeavours, a connector and catalyst for the sector, a centre of innovation, a hub for learning and debate, a portal for public discovery and more: https://www.socantscot.org/support/scotlands-heritage-hub/

13/08/2026

What memories do you have of Burntisland Old Parish Church?

On Saturday 5 September, the ReACH team will be at Burntisland Old Parish Church for our next case study open day - and we're inviting local people to come along and share their memories and stories.

Perhaps you remember weddings, baptisms, Christmas services or Sunday school. Maybe your family has been connected to the church for generations, or you have a particular memory of the building that has stayed with you.

These stories are an important part of understanding the value of Scotland's churches, and we'd love to hear yours.

Come along to explore the church, meet the ReACH team and share your memories, photographs or experiences of Burntisland Old Parish Church.

📅 Saturday 5 September, 11am - 3pm
📍 Burntisland Old Parish Church

Full programme and event details: https://churchheritage.scot/2026/08/06/burntislandopenday/

Scotland's Churches Trust Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
The National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland Friends of Burntisland Old Parish Church

11/08/2026

The 77th Sachensymposion Conference is taking place at the University of Aberdeen on the 29th Aug - 2nd Sept 2026. The event is proudly sponsored by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and will explore a range of interconnected themes in Roman Iron Age and early medieval Europe.

We have a limited number of bursaries available for students and early career researchers to help with the costs of attending the conference. You can find more information about our bursaries and apply now at https://scarf.scot/student-network/student-bursaries/

Please submit your ScARF bursary application by Friday the 21st August.

The full programme and registration details can be found at https://www.abdn.ac.uk/events/conferences/sachsensymposion-2026/

📷 Tap o'Noth Summit by Ralph Greig, CC BY-SA 2.0

10/08/2026

JOIN US: Under 26 / Student / Unemployed Fellows

For £27 per year, Fellows in these subscription categories can support our work and enjoy a range of benefits, including FSAScot postnominals, access to all articles in our annual journal of Scottish history and archaeology, and exclusive invitations to free online and in-person events: https://www.socantscot.org/join/

05/08/2026

PROJECT NEWS: Regional Research Frameworks

We are pleased to share that the Scottish Archaeological Research Framework has launched new social media accounts and webpages for the North East Scotland Archaeological Research Framework and the Forth Valley & Fife Archaeological Research Framework.

Research frameworks make it possible for anyone wishing to contribute to the research environment to effectively plan their work and ensure that future research is relevant and effectively contributes to our understanding of the past.

Like the national, thematic and other regional research frameworks, they will soon become an essential part of the archaeology and wider heritage sector infrastructure in Scotland: https://scarf.scot/2026/08/05/new-nesarf-and-forth-valley-fife-webpages

04/08/2026

⚖️ What does it take to become an anti-racist organisation? Dr Jeff Sanders FSAScot from the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland shares the changes they’ve made, the challenges they’ve faced, and their plans for the future.

Jeff and his colleagues developed their anti-racist practice and policies as part of the ‘White Thinking’ project, which explored how heritage organisations can translate small anti-racist interventions into systemic change.

The new ‘White Thinking’ report features practical advice and anti-racism case studies from heritage organisations across Scotland. To find out more, visit: museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk/project/white-thinking

🎥: Tao-Anas Le Thanh

31/07/2026

RESEARCH GRANTS

Submit your funding application for the next round of Society Research Grants, which are available to anyone wishing to undertake high-quality research relating to Scotland’s past, including visits to museums, collections or archives: https://www.socantscot.org/grants-prizes/grants/

23/07/2026

FREE ONLINE RESOURCES: Scottish History and Archaeology

For over two centuries, the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland has provided resources to enhance and promote the understanding and enjoyment of Scotland’s past.

Today, you can read our peer-reviewed journals of Scottish history and archaeology, watch recorded lectures by eminent specialists and enthusiasts, access the go-to research resource for Scottish archaeology and more: https://www.socantscot.org/publications/free-online-scottish-history-and-archaeology-resources/

20/07/2026

Have you explored our brand new rock art case studies yet?

Our latest case study of the month showcases the unique discovery of Bronze Age animal carvings on a capstone at Dunchraigaig Cairn, Kilmartin.

We were excited to see the site in person when we visited Kilmartin for our Rock Art Gathering at the fabulous Kilmartin Museum.

Read all about this significant site on the ScARF website: bit.ly/4pwUsgQ

Address

Chambers Street
Edinburgh
EH11JF

Telephone

0131 247 4133

Website

http://www.socantscot.org/

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