Summer dig season goes digital across Scotland

The tyres will remain on the Ness trenches in 2020, but there will be plenty happening online.

The Ness excavation is one of a number of archaeological projects across Scotland whose focus on the internet this summer is more important than ever.

With much of this year’s fieldwork being postponed due to COVID-19, many commercial archaeologists, heritage bodies and community groups are turning to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other platforms to reach members of the public with online events and sharing the “before and after” side of excavations

So, to shine a spotlight on Scotland’s world-class archaeology, the Scotland Digs Digital campaign has been set up to  bring together online events and live updates from across the country.

Last year, Scotland’s summer excavations were collated for the first time through a social media campaign coordinated by Dig It!, a hub for Scottish archaeology.

Here at the Ness, we’ve got big plans for the online ‘dig season’ with articles, background information and video talks. Watch this space.

This year, with the summer dig season upon us, social media users can follow along under the dedicated hashtag: #ScotlandDigsDigital.

Dr Jeff Sanders, project manager at the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland’s Dig It! project, said: “Scottish archaeology is all about discovering Scotland’s stories and the challenges facing the sector this summer have not stopped us from adding new chapters.

“Everyone is working to adapt to the current situation in order to ensure that Scottish archaeology remains open to everyone – an ethos which is at the heart of this campaign”

According to Dig It!, Scotland’s diverse and varied archaeological projects are vital to the telling of the country’s story. In addition to empowering communities, their work helps create a connection to the past peoples of Scotland “which shapes our sense of identity and belonging” – as stated in Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy, launched in 2015.

With support from their audiences, it’s hoped that their fieldwork will resume in 2021 and these projects will once again welcome members of the public with free tours, open days and volunteering opportunities.

Details can be found on the Dig It! website, along with information on upcoming events.