Scottish Archaeological Research Framework

Scottish Archaeological Research Framework
Name	Scottish Archaeological Research Framework
Abbreviation	SARF
Established	2000s
Jurisdiction	Scotland
Headquarters	Edinburgh

Scottish Archaeological Research Framework

The Scottish Archaeological Research Framework is a coordinated initiative that articulates national priorities for archaeological investigation across Scotland. It interfaces with institutions such as Historic Environment Scotland, National Museums Scotland, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, and stakeholders like Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and local authorities to guide research, conservation, and public engagement. The Framework aligns with regulatory and funding bodies including Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts and Humanities Research Council, Historic England, National Trust for Scotland, and European programs such as Creative Europe and the European Research Council.

Overview and objectives

The Framework aims to set strategic objectives across chronological and thematic domains spanning from Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods to Medieval and Industrial Revolution contexts, addressing priorities identified by bodies like Royal Society of Edinburgh and the British Academy. Objectives include synthesizing evidence from major sites such as Skara Brae, Callanish Stones, Jarlshof, Knap of Howar, and integrating datasets produced by the Archaeology Data Service, Canmore, and regional trusts like the Orkney Archaeology Society. It promotes collaboration among universities including University of Aberdeen, University of Stirling, University of St Andrews, and agencies like CIfA and Society for American Archaeology partners to secure funding from sources such as the National Lottery and transnational consortia including Horizon 2020.

History and development

Origins trace to concerted initiatives in the early 21st century influenced by landmark studies at sites like Dunadd, Urquhart Castle, Inchmarnock, and survey campaigns by Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland predecessors. Key milestones include collaborations with the Scottish Parliament, alignment with statutory frameworks such as Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 and cooperation with conservation organizations including the International Council on Monuments and Sites and ICOMOS. Development phases were informed by research from scholars affiliated with Institute of Archaeology, University College London exchanges, projects funded by the Leverhulme Trust, and methodology pilots at places like Rosemarkie, Glenelg, and Cairnpapple Hill.

Structure and governance

Governance is multi-tiered, involving advisory panels drawn from institutions such as Historic Environment Scotland, National Records of Scotland, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh specialists, and academic leads from School of Archaeology, University of Oxford collaborations. Operational delivery engages regional hubs including Highland Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Perth and Kinross Council archaeological services, and independent organisations like Headland Archaeology and GUARD Archaeology. Funding oversight has involved trustees from Heritage Lottery Fund, program officers from the Arts and Humanities Research Council, and liaison with elected representatives from Scottish Government ministries and committees in the Scottish Parliament.

Research themes and priorities

The Framework prioritizes themes such as settlement dynamics evidenced at brochs and hillforts like Clickimin Broch and Brodgar, maritime archaeology exemplified by work on St Kilda and HMS Unicorn, landscape archaeology at sites including Bennachie and Cairngorms National Park, and urban archaeology in centres like Edinburgh Old Town, Glasgow Cathedral, and Aberdeen. Other priorities include industrial heritage studies of New Lanark and Leadhills, and post-Medieval research tied to Jacobite rising of 1745 sites such as Culloden. Thematic strands intersect with specialists from Society for Historical Archaeology and thematic networks like European Association of Archaeologists.

Methodologies and standards

Methodological emphasis includes integrated survey techniques—LIDAR surveys used in Flow Country peatland studies, geophysical prospection at Traprain Law, and targeted excavation at Forteviot—combined with scientific analyses such as radiocarbon dating at Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, ancient DNA work in collaboration with Wellcome Trust funded teams, isotopic studies linked to Natural Environment Research Council labs, and archaeobotanical sampling coordinated with Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Standards reference professional bodies like Chartered Institute for Archaeologists and employ digital data protocols compatible with Europeana and repositories like Trove and the Archaeology Data Service.

Major projects and case studies

Notable projects framed under its priorities include long-term research at Orkney complexes such as Skara Brae and the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, interdisciplinary excavations at Kilmartin Glen, urban archaeology programmes in Leith and Dundee, and landscape-scale investigations in Shetland and the Outer Hebrides including surveys of Jarlshof and Giant's Ring. Collaborative initiatives have connected with international teams from University of Cambridge, Harvard University, University of York, and museums such as British Museum, producing outputs that informed management at sites like Stirling Castle and Melrose Abbey. Case studies include industrial archaeology of Cumbernauld, maritime fieldwork on SS Politician wreck surveys, and community archaeology schemes modeled on Time Team methodologies.

Impact, outreach, and policy influence

The Framework has influenced policy instruments including planning guidance applied by local authorities such as Edinburgh City Council and conservation decisions at National Trust for Scotland properties. Outreach activities partner with cultural institutions like National Galleries of Scotland and media outlets such as BBC Scotland to foster public archaeology through exhibitions, school programmes, and volunteer excavations in collaboration with groups like Young Archaeologists' Club and Community Heritage Scotland. Its outputs have shaped heritage tourism strategies affecting destinations like Isle of Skye, informed international heritage nominations to UNESCO, and supported legal protections under instruments related to Scheduled Monument designations.

Category:Archaeology of Scotland