Dig into History at Aberdeen Art Gallery’s Archaeology Event

Aberdeen Art Gallery is celebrating Scottish Archaeology Month with a special event on Saturday, 14th September. Whether you’re a history lover or looking for a fun day out with the family, there’s something for everyone. You can join a family-friendly mini-archaeological dig or attend engaging talks that bring the North East’s rich past to life.

Experts from Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums, Aberdeenshire Museums, the University of Aberdeen, the Treasure Trove Unit, Mesolithic Deeside, and Mid-Grampian Mesolithic will be there to share their knowledge. You’ll also get to see some of the fascinating artefacts they care for and learn how these items end up in museums.

One highlight is a leather shoe sole from medieval times, part of a collection unearthed in the 1991 Gallowgate excavation. This find, along with over 50 shoes and boots, points to a possible medieval cobbling area in the heart of Aberdeen. 

Another must-see is the Pictish symbol stone, discovered in the River Don near Dyce in 2018 and proudly displayed at the Treasure Hub Museum Centre in Northfield. Staff from the Treasure Trove Unit will explain how discoveries like this make their way into museum collections.

What’s Happening on the Day?

Scottish Archaeology Month Event
Saturday 14 September, 11am-4pm (drop-in)
Aberdeen Art Gallery
Admission: Free

• 11:30 - PALaEoScot: Discover Scotland’s ancient Ice Age archaeology with researchers from the University of Aberdeen.
• 12:30 - Ritual Violence or Violent Ritual?: Explore new evidence of fatal interactions in the Orcadian Neolithic and what they might reveal.
• 13:30 - The Book of Deer: Learn about this ancient manuscript and the recent project to find the monastery where it was written.
• 14:30 - Treasure Trove in Scotland: Get an inside look at Scotland’s Treasure Trove system and recent finds in Aberdeenshire.

Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun day out with the family, this event at Aberdeen Art Gallery should be a memorable way to connect with the past and discover archaeological treasures beneath our feet.

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