Archaeology & History

The Archaeological and Historical Section of the PSNS was founded in 1948 under the guidance of Dr Margaret Stewart, a very notable and distinguished local archaeologist. In the early years, the section carried out and published important excavations and surveys under her guidance, and she also organised courses and seminars to share her skills and knowledge with the section.

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The Neolithic Standing Stone at Murrayshall near Scone.

Members of the section are still involved in occasional excavations and surveys under the guidance of professional organisations, but our main activities are a monthly lecture series during the winter, and excursions to monuments, historic buildings and excavations, generally in the summer. We have close links with Archaeology Scotland, Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, Tayside and Fife Archaeological Committee and various professional and voluntary organisations. Over the years, as well as contributing papers to the Society’s journal, the Section has issued several important complete publications:

We welcome visitors and new members.

WINTER LECTURES 2017 – 2018

18th October 2017

“In the Footsteps of the Grand Tours: The 18th Century in Perthshire”

Ian Hill, Heritage and Archaeological Research Practice

8th November

Sixth Dr Margaret Stewart Lecture

“A Dark Age Revival: Pitcarmick Houses, Upland Farming and Climate Change in Glen Shee”

Prof Richard Tipping, University of Stirling

29th November

“James Stewart and Joan Beaufort: A King and Queen Unleashed, c. 1424 – c. 1437”

Dr Lucy Dean, University of Highlands and Islands

31st January 2018

“From hilltop to shoreline: The Tay Landscape Partnership’s Historic Environment projects”

Sophie Nicol, Tay Landscape Partnership

21st February

“The earliest portrait of St Columba”

Prof Jane Geddes, University of Aberdeen

14th March

AGM followed by

“Over the sea to Uist: an Udal adventure”

Mark Hall, Culture Perth and Kinross

All meetings are held in the Soutar Theatre, AK Bell Library, Perth

commencing at 7.30pm

A special public lecture, ‘Projet Jade‘ by Dr Alison Sheridan, on Stone Age jade axeheads found in Scotland, will be held at Birnam Arts on Thursday 12th April 7.30pm. See the Birnam Arts website for further information and booking information.

Occasional newsletters of the Section

AGM and other papers circulated to Section members