Archaeology

Overview

Callander has a rich and varied range of heritage sites spanning thousands of years of history, from the Neolithic to the Modern. This project will build up a fuller picture of Callander’s unique heritage through a programme of archaeological audits, surveys, and excavations. To engage a wide variety of people, each element of the project will be delivered in partnership with local volunteers, visitors, and professional archaeologists.

Aims & Objectives

This project will:

• Offer volunteering opportunities for people from all walks of life, including a chance to undertake archaeological excavations and surveys;
• Provide structured training for local volunteers to develop their skills and promote a strategy for the future protection of Callander’s heritage;
• Create a legacy of online resources to bring Callander’s heritage to life for local people and visitors alike.

Project updates

• In September/October 2018, training workshops provided by Callander Heritage Society allowed local volunteers to begin learning how to take part in archaeological surveys. Find out more in this blog post by Ross, our Cultural Heritage Adviser.
• In February 2019, Skyscape Survey undertook a drone-based photogrammetric survey of Dunmore, an Iron Age hillfort just outside Callander. Find out more about the survey in this blog post by Matt Ritchie from Forestry and Land Scotland.
• From March – June 2019, our Leny Woods Community Archaeology Project trained up volunteers in a range of archaeology skills and uncovered new insights into Leny Woods’ historic past.
• In September 2019, AOC Archaeology led an excavation of a possible Neolithic enclosure or cursus monument at Bridge of Keltie, just outside Callander. The Data Structure Report for this excavation can be read here.
• In October 2019, Clyde Archaeology/Northlight Heritage led an excavation of a possible Iron Age farmstead at Cambusbeg West, just outside Callander. The Data Structure Report for this excavation can be read here.
• In 2021 we will be working with the Callander Heritage Society and AOC Archaeology Group to excavate two Iron Age hillforts in Callander: Dunmore and Auchenlaich. There are a number of events happening in June, visit our events page for more information.