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Jeff Sanders

@jeffsanders.bsky.social
249 followers 190 following 14 posts

Archaeologist • Head of Outreach at Society of Antiquaries of Scotland • Antiquary • Archaeogamer • All opinions my own • he/his

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Reposted by Jeff Sanders
Dig It! @digitscotland.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Since 2023, volunteers and experts in Glasgow have been unearthing evidence from the Viking-Age Kingdom of Strathclyde ⚔️ This weekend, travel back over 1,000 years into Scotland's past as you observe the excavation, handle artefacts and enjoy free activities: www.digitscotland.com/events/mini-...
Photo of a hand holding out two rock-like objects, one with a hole in the middle
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Dig It! @digitscotland.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Balgay Park in Dundee may have been established in the 19th century, but remnants of the past are scattered around it which stretch back 4,000 years ago 🌳 On 21 June, join a guided walk led by New Scots who've been researching the history and archaeology: www.digitscotland.com/events/guide...
A group of people standing in front of a park sign
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Dig It! @digitscotland.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Since 2023, an investigation in Glencoe has uncovered how Highland communities managed land and resources over 300 years ago 🌳 On 13 May, explore how archaeology can offer alternative narratives towards our upland landscapes at this free event in Edinburgh: www.digitscotland.com/events/glenc...
Photo of a group of people excavating a Highland landscape with mountains in the background
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Dig It! @digitscotland.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
A medieval moated enclosure which is at least 500 years old has recently been identified by geophysical survey in the Scottish Borders and experts need your help to excavate the interior 🔍 Register for the free dig starting on 11 May—no experience required: www.digitscotland.com/events/excav...
Digital image showing the results of a geophysical survey on a field, which revealed a medieval moated enclosure
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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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Dig It! @digitscotland.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Seaweed grows wild and is abundant across Scotland, so it’s no surprise that it's been used here for millennia 🌊 Today, research into historic seaweed harvesting reminds us how these types of food sources can help us build a more sustainable future: www.digitscotland.com/the-archaeol...
Photo of a loch with mountains in the background and seaweed on the rocky shore in the foreground
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Dig It! @digitscotland.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
In 2019, this gold medieval ring was found on the top of a molehill within the grounds of Dundonald Castle in South Ayrshire 💍 Thought to have been an "elite object" around 500 years ago, it may have been brought to the surface by the mole’s digging activities: www.digitscotland.com/top-six-arch...
Gold ring which contains a purple amethyst-like stone inset and features an engraved floral decoration on the shoulders of the hoop
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Jeff Sanders @jeffsanders.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Scavengers Assemble
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Reposted by Jeff Sanders
Dig It! @digitscotland.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
In 2018, @coastarch.bsky.social raced against the tide to investigate a submerged prehistoric forest on a beach in Na h-Eileanan Siar (the Outer Hebrides) 🌳 It's one of the many sites in Scotland that are under threat from erosion and rising sea levels: www.digitscotland.com/how-to-help-...
Aerial photo of a beach with ‘shadow trees’ (pupils from the local school standing on tree stumps to represent the forest)
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Rascal News @rascal.news · 12/11/2025
The Picts were always more than their blue-painted, bloodthirsty depictions. Carved in Stone, a new setting guide from @stoutstoat.co.uk and archaeologist Heather Christie, invites players to explore their incomplete but beautiful history.
rascal.news
Carved in Stone is both a history book and an eye-catching RPG
Publisher Brian Tyrrell and archeologist Heather Christie paint a pretty Pict-ure.
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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN LAUNCH: ‘Rhynie, A Powerful Place of Pictland’ Please pre-order or donate before 6 December to enable us to print this book by Professor Gordon Noble FSAScot, which will have a major impact on the study of Pictish kingship and society: www.kickstarter.com/projects/soc...
Carved standing stone in front of mountain landscape with the words Crowdfunding Campaign Launch over it
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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
HELP US PRINT: ‘Rhynie, A Powerful Place of Pictland’ This nationally important monograph by Professor Gordon Noble FSAScot will only be printed if we hit our crowdfunding target by 6 December. Please support the campaign by registering your interest: www.kickstarter.com/projects/soc...
Aerial view of a hillfort with the words Help Us Print Our New Book overlaid
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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
We are pleased to be supporting this event, which includes a talk on Ursula Clark’s photographs for ‘Architecture of Scotland’ by George Hay. A Fellow of the Society from 1953 to 1986, George was one of the most accomplished practitioners and interpreters of the distinctive architecture of Scotland.
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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
NEW SAIR: From 2019-2020, archaeologists uncovered a significant site along the River Spey, comprising multiple phases of settlement, funerary activity, and craftworking. Get the whole story in our latest Scottish Archaeological Internet Report (SAIR): journals.socantscot.org/index.../sai...
Photo of an excavated shallow trench in a field next to a river
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Kenny Brophy @urbanprehistorian.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
We backfilled the #KelvinWheelies trenches today. It’s been an amazing few days of skateboarding archaeology & I want to thank our awesome team, Kieran of Archaeology Scotland, Glasgow City Council, our funders @socantscot.bsky.social and the legend that is Jamie Blair of Clan Skates. 🛹
Kelvin Wheelies backfilling teamSection drawing at Kelvin Wheelies Skateboards
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Scotland's Churches Trust @scotchurchestrust.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
Hot off the press! We are very excited to be launching this exciting church research project with our colleagues @socantscot.bsky.social, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Pilgrim Trust. It's Free, in-person & online, but booking is essential 👇 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/launch-eve...
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Reposted by Jeff Sanders
Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
Are you a student or early career researcher who wants to attend a conference or event in Scotland which is relevant to Scottish archaeology? Our @scarf-scot.bsky.social project is offering bursaries which can contribute to registration, travel and accommodation costs: scarf.scot/students/stu...
Stone bridge going over a river with overlaid text that reads: ScARF bursaries
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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
NOMINATION DEADLINE: Dorothy Marshall Medal Do you know someone who, in a voluntary capacity, has made an outstanding contribution to Scottish archaeological or related work? Submit your nomination for the Dorothy Marshall Medal before midnight on 10 August 2025: www.socantscot.org/grants-prize...
Silver metal with words on it
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Jeff Sanders @jeffsanders.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
An important part of a bigger story that has so far mainly focused on the University of Edinburgh
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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
NEW GUEST BLOG - The Gunning Victoria Jubilee Gift: Brazilian Slavery and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Dr Simon Buck writes about Dr Robert Halliday Gunning (1818-1900), new information on his links to slavery, and his connections to the Society: www.socantscot.org/news/guest-b...
Etching of Gunning’s estate near Rio de Janeiro with the words: New Guest Blog overlaid
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Dig It! @digitscotland.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
Want to delve into Bronze and Iron Age settlements, Roman activity and how Reivers, Covenanters and farmers shaped the landscape at Corehead in Dumfries & Galloway? 🥾 Don't miss this free walk with Uncovering the Tweed and the Borders Forest Trust on 9 August: www.digitscotland.com/events/walk-...
Group of people in outdoor clothes in a rural and hilly area - one person is pointing at something
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Aidan O'Sullivan @aidanosullivan.bsky.social · 26/07/2025
Imagine it’s the west of Ireland in 1847, during the Great Famine? Starving men, women, children desperately try to get to the Workhouse or charity Soup Kitchens. British Red Coat soldiers line up on the road, fire, then bayonet wounded by the road, while laughing. 1/
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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
SPONSORSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT: We are delighted to support @scotarchforum.bsky.social's 2025 conference on the theme of Building Bridges. Have something to say about collaboration, inclusivity and global engagement in Scottish archaeology? The abstract deadline is 31 July: www.scotarchforum.com/saf2025
Photo of a stone castle on a loch at the end of a bridge
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Dig It! @digitscotland.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
In 2023, volunteers uncovered a rare visible example of an early mine shaft at a 17th-century mansion in Stirlingshire 👷 Want to help investigate this unusual feature, no experience required? Register to join the team from 19 July before spaces fill up: www.digitscotland.com/events/banno...
Photo of the front of a grand mansion with gravel driveway
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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
NEW RESEARCH REPORT: The Wartime Orkney Trail leaflets project Read the report by Ian Collins FSAScot, who was awarded a Society grant to develop self-guided wartime trails exploring the rich archaeology left by 19th and 20th century military activity in Orkney: www.socantscot.org/.../the-wart...
Photo of a concrete radar ramp leading to a concrete WW2 bunker in a field
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Dr Lizzie Swarbrick 🇵🇸 @lizzieswarbrick.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
It’s me! I can finally reveal that I’ve been appointed as the Research Officer for this vital project. Hundreds of churches are currently closing or at risk here in Scotland. This work will rapidly assess our endangered heritage and work with communities to find solutions.
scotland.work
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Research in Action on Church Heritage @churchheritage.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Would you like to get more involved? We’re recruiting a Community Officer for the project! Deadline 13th July.
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Jeff Sanders @jeffsanders.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
England wildlife regulator chair (pictured) ‘enthusiastic’ about lynx rewilding www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
England wildlife regulator chair ‘enthusiastic’ about lynx rewilding
Views on apex predator still polarised, says Natural England head, as activists apply for trial release in Northumberland
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Kenny Brophy @urbanprehistorian.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
Exciting to see this coming together! It’s Faifley’s new school campus with Cochno Stone rock art inspired design and colour scheme. #UrbanPrehistory #FaifleyRocks
Faifley’s new school campus with Cochno Stone inspired designFaifley’s new school campus with Cochno Stone inspired design
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Dig It! @digitscotland.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Could the Norse hall found at Skaill Farm in 2019 have been home to Sigurd, a powerful chieftain mentioned in the Orkneyinga saga? 🍻 Visit the site from 7 July when @uhiarchaeology.bsky.social will return to uncover more of its 1,000-year history: www.digitscotland.com/events/skail...
Aerial photo of the stone upstanding remains of a farm building, with several archaeological trenches revealed more underground stone foundations around it
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Dig It! @digitscotland.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
In Glencoe, @uofglasgow.bsky.social and @n-t-s.bsky.social are investigating an early modern township from 24 June to 8 July 🌄 Visit or volunteer, or head to their festival on 5 July to enjoy tours, storytelling, artefact handling and more: www.digitscotland.com/events/glenc... #ScotlandDigs2025
Several people in trenches in a mountainous setting with buckets and piles of dirt near each trench
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Joana Valdez-Tullett @joanavaldez.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
With fellows of the @socantscot.bsky.social, we started the "Hidden Voices" project of which I am very proud! We work to enhance the biographies and contributions of women archaeologists to the field. Check out our new website and drop us a line if you'd be interested in joinning us!
socantscot.org
Hidden Voices - Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
Hidden Voices The “Hidden Voices” project, initiated by current Fellows of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, seeks to “unearth” the achievements of female archaeologists whose contributions to S...
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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
NEW RESEARCH REPORT: Dundurn dendrochronological and radiocarbon analysis Read the report by Fellows Prof Gordon Noble and Dr Anne Crone who were awarded a Society grant to dendro-date timbers from an early medieval Pictish site in Perth & Kinross: socantscot.org/uncategorize...
Aerial photo of a rocky hill summit surrounded by trees
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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
Place-names have much to teach us about languages, living and dead, and about their societal and political context. Join us for six lectures from 20 to 22 June exploring Scottish place-names, sponsored by Ordnance Survey. Register for a free online ticket: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rhind-lect...
Rolling hills with mist. The text "Online Tickets Available" is visible
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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
Place-names make a unique contribution to our understanding of how we humans have interacted with our environment over the centuries. Join us for six lectures exploring Scottish place-names, sponsored by Ordnance Survey. Free online tickets are still available: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rhind-lect...
Old map with the words "Online Tickets Available" on it
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Dig It! @digitscotland.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
The silk buried as part of the Galloway Hoard over 1,100 years ago came from a long way away – potentially as far as Central Asia 🗺️ It’s a valuable fabric called samite and the complex loom used to make the textile is actually the distant ancestor of computers: www.digitscotland.com/poisonous-wo...
Old decorated jar covered in fabric
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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Both Lambay Island off County Dublin and North Roe in Shetland were used as axe quarry sites in the Neolithic era - but are there other similarities? Don't miss our joint lecture with RSAI and Prof Gabriel Cooney in Dublin and online on 17 April (more info below).
Photo of a wild grassy landscape with a low rocky rise in the distance and the words "joint lecture open to all" printed over the image
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Shreya Gupta @shreyagupta.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
Looking forward to talking about my research at the Society of Antiquaries in Edinburgh this April! Booking info below👇🏽
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Dig It! @digitscotland.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
"Anyone can make these discoveries with a keen eye and curiosity" 👀 Want to uncover the hidden history of your local coastline? Volunteers are needed to help record archaeology along the coast of the Dornoch Firth in the Highlands—no experience required: digitscotland.com/events/coast...
Photo of a beach with yellow sand, blue skies and some woodland on the left
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Society of Antiquaries of Scotland @socantscot.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Interested in visiting the Historic Environment Scotland Archives & Library to view some of their collections on Scottish heritage, history and archaeology? Due to high demand for previous tours, we're coordinating another private Fellows-only visit: fellows.socantscot.org/events/detai...
People looking at old drawings on a table
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Dig It! @digitscotland.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Over 2,000 years ago, people carved and decorated thousands of natural outcrops and boulders across Scotland - but why? 🎨 On 21 February, join @joanavaldez.bsky.social online to hear more about rock art and its important role in prehistoric lives: digitscotland.com/events/rock-...
Photo of the excavated stone foundations of a farm building in a field on a sunny day
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ScARF @scarf-scot.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
Would you like to learn more about rock art in Scotland? Join us for one of our @royalsoced.bsky.social funded workshops taking place in Faifley, Kirkcudbright and Culloden🪨 Spaces are limited and filling up fast - head to bit.ly/4jOt8Ya for more info and to register now! #HESSupported
Assessing the Glenvoidean 15 rock art panel as part of Scotland's Rock Art Project, Argyll and Bute © HES
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Helen Spencer @helspencer.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and friends are organising a session at #EAA2025 @archaeologyeaa.bsky.social #74 Antiquarian Societies, Quo Vadis? We are looking for contributions that explore the role for antiquarian societies in the 21st century. www.e-a-a.org/EAA2025/EAA2...
e-a-a.org
Sessions
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Rachel Pope @prehistorian.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
My piece is out! A history of archaeological scholarship on the potential for matrilineal societies in Iron Age Europe.
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Dig It! @digitscotland.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
Want to keep digging into the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival? Don’t miss @urbanprehistorian.bsky.social's free public lecture hosted by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (who coordinate Dig It!) which will take place on 9 January in Edinburgh and online. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-archae...
eventbrite.co.uk
The Archaeology of the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival
This talk will be presented by Dr Kenny Brophy BSc FSAScot, University of Glasgow.
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Medievalist.net @medievalists.bsky.social · 02/01/2025
New Genetic Study Maps Early Medieval Migrations Across Europe - groundbreaking research by @boothicus.bsky.social‬ @pontus-skoglund.bsky.social @crick.ac.uk www.medievalists.net/2025/01/new-ge… #historysky #medievalsky #AncientDNA
medievalists.net
New Genetic Study Maps Early Medieval Migrations Across Europe - Medievalists.net
Waves of human migration across Europe during the first millennium AD have been revealed in a groundbreaking study. By analysing Ancient DNA with a novel method, researchers have reconstructed…
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Stout Stoat @stoutstoat.co.uk · 02/01/2025
I need Art Portfolios for Carved in Stone! I've been working on a Pictish history book for the last 5 years & I'll be looking to brief artists for print-ready work in March 2025, for delivery in June 2025. Details in this thread 🧵
Artwork of two wind-swept figures standing next to a standing stone carved with Pictish symbols, looking back over hills, a loch, and a distant town. Artist: VER.
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Dig It! @digitscotland.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
"A glimpse into a prehistoric world hidden in plain sight" 👀 After being noticed by volunteers, charcoal and tools made from quartz and flint were found below the turf on the eroding coast in na h-Eileanan Siar (the Outer Hebrides) earlier this year: www.digitscotland.com/five-of-scot...
Black, charcoal-rich, peaty deposit below the turf on the eroding coast
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(Dr) Rena Maguire @justrena.bsky.social · 31/12/2024
yes thata is indeed use of Miller's quote in the Expanse, thank you for noticing. Most of my titles are from pop culture. It was lovely to have fun writing for this: www.socantscot.org/news/guest-b...
socantscot.org
Guest Blog - Harnessing the Past - Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
A horse, in any era, is not just a horse. It represents facets of life with humans, for good and ill – it is knowledge of animal welfare, diet, selective breeding, landscape and agriculture. It requir...
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