iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Helen Spencer @helspencer.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

On way home after a trip to York for @ads-update.bsky.social 30th Anniversary party! Must recommend a great display @yorkmuseumstrust.bsky.social Yorkshire Museum of the Melsonby Hoard! Staggering objects. Still so much to learn through conservation & analysis.

A corroded copper alloy object with soil still attached, with swirling decoration, pins &white coral decoration.

A large corroded copper alloy bowl, wrapped in bandages for support

A large lump of corroded metalwork covered in soil. Some objects are visible poking out of the lump

A corroded copper alloy horse bit with soil still attached, with swirling decoration, pins &white coral decoration.

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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

GRANTS ANNOUNCEMENT: Audrey Henshall Legacy Fund Reopens We are offering a grant of up to £10,000 for the successful applicant to develop and undertake a significant research project which supports research or fieldwork on pre-Roman antiquities in Scotland: www.socantscot.org/news/audrey-...

Woman sitting in a field with overlaid text that reads: Grants Announcement

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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

SOCIETY-FUNDED RESEARCH: St Moulag Monastery, Isle of Lismore Find out how grants from the Society helped to support two seasons of community excavation on the island of Lismore as part of a project which is 'establishing the national importance of the site': www.socantscot.org/society-fund...

Aerial view of a trench in a grassy area

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

The ReACH team will be at Brechin Cathedral on Saturday 10th October for our next open day. Come along to visit the cathedral, join us for short talks by experts on medieval churches, the Pictish stones and the stained glass at the cathedral, or take part in our family fun activities.

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Want to get involved in recording Scotland’s church heritage? We’re looking for volunteers to join us at Brechin Cathedral on Friday 9th October to help with heritage recording as part of our ReACH case study.

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ScARF @scarf-scot.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

There's still time to book your place for this weekend's events at the Dick Institute in Kilmarnock and Dumfries Museum with the SW Scotland Archaeological Research Framework team! Head to bit.ly/3SrJgpJ for more information and to register today.

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

What an incredible day of heritage recording at Burntisland Old Parish Church! A brilliant group of volunteers and experts helped us delve into all the nooks and crannies, uncovering some real gems and giving us a greater appreciation of the layers of heritage held within the building.

Recording the organ in the gallery of the Church

Volunteers holding alm plates for recording

Volunteers inspecting the wood of pew boxes

volunteers measuring a wooden engraving on the wall

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ScARF @scarf-scot.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

We are pleased to invite you to the hybrid SIRFA launch event, streaming live from Cnoc Soilleir, South Uist, on the 30th Oct! Join us for an afternoon of talks, discussions and the celebration of this highly anticipated framework. Sign up free: bit.ly/4xbBjmH #HESSupported

Participants of the SIRFA Symposium in the Outer Hebrides © ScARF

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Helen Spencer @helspencer.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

We’ve had a great first day of heritage recording at Burntisland Old Parish Church. Tomorrow is our open day and we look forward to hearing lots of the stories and memories that this place holds.

A group of people in the centre of a church, chatting and having coffee and biscuits. A range of recording material is on tables and a Society of Antiquaries of Scotland banner in the background

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ScARF @scarf-scot.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

It's been a busy summer for the ScARF team! We are excited to share a brand-new update to the Archaeological Science framework focussing on human remains, and to invite you to three upcoming events. Read more in our September newsletter: bit.ly/4cupAbA #HESSupported

Top: Participants of the SIRFA Symposium in South Uist © ScARF; Bottom left: Fellows enjoying the 2025 Summer excursion in Kilmartin Glen © Society of Antiquaries of Scotland; Bottom right: Remains of the Carmelite Friary Of Tullilum, Whitefriar's Street, Perth © HES

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ScARF @scarf-scot.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Are you interested in the early medieval archaeology of South West Scotland? Join us at the SWSARF workshops at the Dick Institute (2nd Oct) and Dumfries Museum (3rd Oct) to hear all about the South West framework so far and contribute to the early medieval chapter. Register now: bit.ly/3SrJgpJ

Dundonald Castle by Billy McCrorie, CC BY-SA 2.0

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Dr Space Junk (Alice Gorman) @drspacejunk.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

An example of how women's intellectual labour gets erased #WomenInSTEM 🧪

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Nina Willburger @drnwillburger.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Fascinating world of ancient #glass: an amazing #Roman glass jug with a smaller glass jug inside – a so-called joke-jar that shows the skill of the glassmaker. Presumably made in workshop in Cologne, found in a grave in Stein am Rhein, Switzerland, 4th c. AD. 🧵1/2

A translucent greenish glass jug with a long neck, a wide base, and a single handle, containing a smaller, almost identical jug sealed inside it. The outer jug shows signs of age with visible cracks and scratches.

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Dig It! @digitscotland.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Volunteers and archaeologists are set to excavate houses and fields from a 17th- and 18th-century settlement in Glencoe 🏔️ Watch them in action from 5 to 7 July or join an Open Day on 10 July to enjoy storytelling, artefact handling, landscape tours and more: www.digitscotland.com/events/glenc...

Photo of people digging in a field with mountains in the background

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James O’Driscoll @jodarchaeology.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Our 2nd week at Burnswark hillfort and we have lots more Roman sling bullets, a stone ballista ball, a trackway, house floors and some unusual rectangular pits. Finally getting some good dating for the rampart and some houses will be critical in understanding this landscape! #hillfortswednesday

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ScARF @scarf-scot.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

An exciting month for ScARF... We were delighted to receive funding from Historic Environment Scotland to continue our work along with @digitscotland.bsky.social. Our final two regional research frameworks are now underway, with 3 new team members! Read all about it: bit.ly/4xKrQEv

Top left: Culross Palace, Fife © ScARF; top right: Participants of the SIRFA Symposium in Shetland at the Broch of Mousa © ScARF; bottom: Burnswark Hill in Dumfries and Galloway © Trimontium Trust

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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

FUNDING NEWS: Society’s National Archaeology Projects Celebrate Funding Success We are thrilled that Historic Environment Scotland has granted £876,115 to the Society to continue coordinating @scarf-scot.bsky.social and @digitscotland.bsky.social: www.socantscot.org/news/society... #HESsupported

Two people kneeling down near a rock with decorations in it

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Would you like to explore Whitekirk St Mary's Church, see archival photos and hear memories of worship and community? NEW RESOURCE! We've collated our social and heritage survey work into this new webpage, featuring an interactive map to explore in your own time churchheritage.scot/whitekirk/

churchheritage.scot

Whitekirk – Research in Action on Church Heritage

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ScARF @scarf-scot.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

New draft chapters for the @SWScot_ARF project are now available! You can explore and comment on the Iron Age and Roman Campaigns drafts at bit.ly/4osL2SW If you're interested in the Iron Age and Roman periods, please join us at the upcoming SWSARF Workshops in Ayr and Dumfries: bit.ly/4evR3tF

Roman brooch found at Curragh, South Ayrshire © GUARD Archaeology

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ScARF @scarf-scot.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

There's still time to sign up for the third annual Clyde Valley symposium! Register for your free place: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cvarf-symp...

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ScARF @scarf-scot.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

We had a wonderful day in Kilmartin on Saturday launching brand-new prehistoric rock art sections of the Future Thinking on Carved Stones framework, as well as five new case studies! You'll find more information and links to the new rock art chapters in our latest newsletter: bit.ly/4dFAkDH

Participants of the Rock Art Gathering, Kilmartin © ScARF; bottom left: © Joana Valdez-Tullett

Clockwise from top left: Arrangement of ‘flower’ motifs at High Grange © Joana Valdez-Tullett; ScRAP rock art recording training at Port of Menteith, Stirling in 2018 © HES; Circular carvings at Achnabrek, Kilmartin, image by ScRAP © HES; Creating rock art with the Faifley community, part of the FaifleyRocks! project © Tertia Barnett

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Kenny Brophy @urbanprehistorian.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

My new #UrbanPrehistory blog post reporting on the horrible fate of the Bogleys Stone of Fife - Barn Storm. This contains a trigger warning for anyone who thinks our heritage - and megaliths - matter. With thanks to Sam McKeand theurbanprehistorian.wordpress.com/2026/05/19/b...

theurbanprehistorian.wordpress.com

Barn Storm

It is not often I get angry, but a recent encounter with a standing stone has really annoyed – and shocked me. I am pretty used to prehistory being badly treated, and indeed a whole chapter o…

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Helen Spencer @helspencer.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Really enjoyed our @scarf-scot.bsky.social rock art gathering last weekend at Kilmartin Museum. Watch this space for news about the new framework additions and case studies!

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Joana Valdez-Tullett @joanavaldez.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Last Saturday I was back in Kilmartin for the Rock Art Gathering event at Kilmartin Museum. For a few years now, Kilmartin is a yearly pilgrimage for me and every time I go back it feels like a warm hug. It is a place for smiles, laughter and friendships. 1/

Photograph showing a room with a screen at he end displaying the opening slide of the event, with a picture of the rock art site of Achnabreck. On the right side of the screen, the banner for ScARF - Scottish Archaeological Research Framework.

A photo of the cover of the printed programme of the event. It has a photo of people looking at a rock art panel. On the left to this programme, there is a notebook and a pen from ScARF.

A room with people attending the Rock Art Gathering at Kilmartin Museum.

A photograph of the programme of the event, with the line up of speakers and evens.

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Rich Welsh @rdwglass.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

RDW Glass is offering an exciting Stained Glass Residency, taking place over 3 weeks in September 2026. This unique opportunity,led by glass artists Keira McLean and Rich Welsh, invites artists of all backgrounds to explore stained glass as a storytelling medium. #stainedglass #glasgowart #glasgow

sca-net.org

Stained Glass Residency - Scottish Contemporary Art Network

RDW Glass is offering an exciting Stained Glass Residency, taking place over 3 weeks in September 2026 (Monday 7th of...

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Our next Church Heritage Action Group meeting is nearly here and in-person places are now sold out 🎉 There’s still space to join online. This session will explore heritage value and prioritisation: how we decide what matters, and how that shapes the future of church buildings.

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ScARF @scarf-scot.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

We have very limited spaces left to join us in Kilmartin, but there's still plenty of online places available. Head to our Eventbrite page for more information or to book your place now: bit.ly/4s85XMi

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Rich Welsh @rdwglass.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Tartan glass by Alison in our fused glass classes. Held throughout the year at stainedglass.scot/nightclasses-a… #stainedglassclasses

Tartan fused glass tile in a light stand

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Scotland's Archaeology Strategy @scotarchstrat.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

It was great to see the Scottish Archaeology Strategy represented so strongly at #cifa2026 in Edinburgh! At the opening plenary, Andy and Gavin reflected on 10 years of the strategy and the road to SAS2, alongside Cara and Alice on skills and traineeships

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Helen Spencer @helspencer.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Exciting times working on developing the next phase of Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy. Look forward to sharing more at #CIfA2026 next week!

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

The ReACH team is growing! We’re looking for a Research Officer to join our team - helping to document and support Scotland’s churches at risk of closure & develop a national heritage resource. 📍Edinburgh (hybrid) 🗓️ Full time, fixed term More info & apply here: www.socantscot.org/news/work-wi...

socantscot.org

Work With Us: ReACH Research Officer - Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is looking to hire a new member of staff to help deliver the Research in Action on Church Heritage (ReACH) project. Working closely with Scotland’s Churches Trus...

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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

UPCOMING CONFERENCE: Archaeological Research in Progress Tickets are now available for this year's conference hosted by @archscot.bsky.social in collaboration with the Society on 23 May in Dumfries & Galloway and online, with discounts for Fellows: www.archaeologyscotland.org.uk/get-involved...

People digging small trenches in a mountain landscape with overlaid text that reads: Upcoming conference

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ScARF @scarf-scot.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

Are you interested in the Iron Age and Roman archaeology of South West Scotland? Join us at our SWSARF workshops this June! We'll be at Ayr Town Hall (20th June) and Dumfries Museum (27th June) discussing the latest draft chapters of the South West framework. Register for free: bit.ly/3Qr32QG

Excavating the site of an Iron Age enclosure on Little Wood Hill, Threave Estate, D&G © Rathmell Archaeology Limited

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

New Blog Post 📣📣 The New Futures team at @communityownership.bsky.social explore their Churches Route Map - a new resource designed to support communities considering taking on church buildings and the steps involved

Image of the route map in a circle and the blog title to the right

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Helen Spencer @helspencer.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Come and enjoy our ever expanding Research Team! #HeritageJob

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Gavin MacGregor @gavinmacgregor.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Achnacreebeag has recently been reinvestigated by @archscot.bsky.social with support from @socantscot.bsky.social Audrey Henshall Legacy To learn more about what discoveries were made at the end of the rainbow, give them a follow. #TombTuesday #HESsupported #archaeology

Chambered cairn comprising five upright orthostats and capstone which has dropped between them. Dark cloudy sky with double rainbow behind.

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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

NEW BOOK: 'Rhynie, A Powerful Place of Pictland' We are thrilled to announce the release of our book by Professor Gordon Noble FSAScot, a nationally important monograph that brings together 10 years of research which has transformed our understanding of the Picts: www.socantscot.org/uncategorize...

Illustration of a hillfort with overlaid text that says 'New Book'

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ScARF @scarf-scot.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

We have plenty of exciting events coming up this spring and summer! 🌻 Whether you're interested in rock art, the Iron Age and Roman period or the archaeology of the Clyde Valley region, there's something for everyone. You can read all our latest updates in our April newsletter: bit.ly/4stEELT

Top: Excavating and recording the terminals of an Iron Age enclosure on Little Wood Hill, Dumfries and Galloway © Rathmell Archaeology Limited; bottom left: Participants of the 2025 Kirkcudbright Rock Art workshop at High Banks © ScARF; bottom right: Newark Castle, Inverclyde © ScARF

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Helen Spencer @helspencer.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Great to see @socantscot.bsky.social new publication Rhynie - A Powerful Place in Pictland @northernpicts.bsky.social landing on people’s doorsteps! Thanks to all the funders and backers we have this gorgeous print copy for sale as well as free #OpenAccess books.socantscot.org/digital-book... 🏺

books.socantscot.org

Rhynie, A Powerful Place of Pictland: The development of a landscape of Pictish royal power from the Roman to the early medieval period | Open Access E-Books

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Helen Spencer @helspencer.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Looking forward to visiting Kilmartin again next month for our final #RockArt workshop funded by @royalsoced.bsky.social Still a few places left in person but partially hybrid as well! Book now!

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EarthworkBec @earthworkbec.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

This is blooming brilliant news! Super excited to see what the research brings 🤩 I was fortunate to work on the final years 3-4yrs of the parchmenerie excavations and museum displays - such a privilege. Truly stonkingly good archaeology, and a dreamy location. I am very overdue a re-visit…

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Helen Spencer @helspencer.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

My favourite waterfall at West Burton #YorkshireDales One I’ve visited and painted many times over the years! #WaterfallWednesday

A multi platform waterfall getting wider towards the base with lush green foliage and trees, mossy covered striated rocks and large pebbles in the foreground and

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Helen Spencer @helspencer.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

books.socantscot.org

Rhynie, A Powerful Place of Pictland: The development of a landscape of Pictish royal power from the Roman to the early medieval period | Open Access E-Books

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

What happens to church objects when buildings change? Our latest Heritage Spotlight from Stephen Jackson follows the Dun Pulpit, a salvage case study tracing its journey. Read the post here: churchheritage.scot/2026/03/30/h...

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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

FUNDING NEWS: Society Funds Experimental Archaeology Connected to the Book of Kells and More with Latest Grants The project could bring us closer to knowing whether the Book of Kells was created at a Highland monastery over 1,200 years ago: www.socantscot.org/news/society...

Photo of a person in a grey hoodie using a pumice stone to smooth an animal hide stretched out on a wooden rack

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Helen Spencer @helspencer.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Our latest @socantscot.bsky.social grants have been announced today! Including support for experimental archaeology to build ‘vellum tanks’ and recreate the methods that were used to make pages of early medieval manuscripts in Portmahomack. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Book of Kells possibly made by Highland monks, say researchers

Mystery surrounds the origins of the 1,200-year-old, intricately decorated Book of Kells.

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Helen Spencer @helspencer.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

For #TerrierTuesday - my double trouble! Photos by the dog walker which are always so much better than my action shots 😂

A white hairy jack Russell terrier with a brown head running across a grass field - a smile terrier face

Another hairy white and brown Jack Russell type terrier running in a grassy field.

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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

NEW RESOURCE: Virtual Journal Issues As part of our ongoing mission to share Scotland’s past, curated collections of articles from our journal—on topics such as environmental history, and the work of Alexander Henry Rhind—are now freely available to read online: www.socantscot.org/news/society...

Oil painting portraying a young man with brown hair and a beard in the 19th century

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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

ReACH will be at Crail Kirk Open Day this Saturday! Dr Lizzie Swarbrick will be leading a talk & tour at 10:45, sharing insights from her research on Scottish Medieval churches, including Crail Kirk. Hosted by Crail Kirk’s Future Project - more details via the organisers.

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ScARF @scarf-scot.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

The 2026 CVARF Symposium is taking place on Saturday the 6th of June at the Gamble Halls in Gourock! Come along to learn more about the archaeology of the Clyde Valley region, and contribute to the @clydevalleyarf.bsky.social project. Book your free place: bit.ly/40R0LQR

David Sneddon (Clyde Archaeology) leading a tour at the Govan Old Churchyard during the 2024 CVARF Symposium © Ingrid Shearer

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