What is archaeology?
Archaeology is learning about people from the past from the evidence they left behind. In practical terms, this can cover just about any part of our properties, from buried archaeology to standing buildings, from gardens and designed landscapes around castles to whole landscapes in the countryside - cultural landscapes which have formed over thousands of years of people living in and working with their natural environment.

Who we are
The Archaeology Team is led by the NTS Head of Archaeology, and consists of three Regional Archaeologists and the St Kilda Archaeologist, as well as Project Archaeologists from time to time. The Head of Archaeology is based at the Trust’s Central Office in Edinburgh, and the other members of the Team are based in the Regions and properties.

Keep up to date with some of our most recent projects and discoveries by downloading the NTS Archaeology Bulletin (click here).

What we do
Our archaeologists are involved in almost every aspect of archaeology, from fieldwalking, survey and excavation, to practical conservation measures and interpreting sites for visitors. We also contribute beyond the Trust to help others care for Scotland's historic environment. We work closely with our neighbours, with universities, with government agencies like Historic Scotland, and with politicians in the Scottish Parliament.

In this part of the website you can find news about recent discoveries, events and major projects, such as the Ben Lawers Historic Landscape Project.

Getting involved
Although some of our work is highly technical, there are many opportunities for volunteers or students to become involved: through Thistle Camps and Conservation Volunteer Groups, or on an individual basis - contact archaeology@nts.org.uk.

Archaeological Dig at Culloden