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West Lothian Archaeology Group

Formerly known as West Lothian Aerial Archaeology

(A non-commercial community group)

Introduction

Web pages part of Rosie's Community and Heritage Website

Archaeology Index

e-mail Rosie

Torphichen Hills (Looking east)

including Castlethorn prehistoric hillfort and Gormyre Hill

 

Archaeological sites within West Lothian are probably much more significant than has been previously recognised. With these web pages, we hope to raise the profile of West Lothian's archaeological and historic heritage.

Initially, our aim is to provide a visual record of features and places of interest within West Lothian, and the Armadale/Torphichen/Bathgate area in particular. We will continue to include other areas that are of special interest to us.

We will include buildings and sites that are known and recorded, as  well as previously unrecorded sites.  We welcome suggestions for inclusion on these pages, especially unidentified sites, and also features which have been incorporated into older buildings from even earlier times. Topographical features, especially hills, will be included regardless of any established archaeological significance.

Features (archaeological, architectural and topographical) and artefacts will be presented in a form that is accessible to those interested in archaeology and history and their context within the landscape. In some cases, this may lead to more detailed archaeological investigations. Where possible, we will take kite aerial photographs to help delineate structures that are difficult to see otherwise.

The use of kite aerial photography in a community and archaeological context is a primary interest.

The West of Scotland Archaeology Service has a page which is designed to allow you to submit new archaeological information to the WoSAS Sites and Monuments Record (Interactive Mapping). WOSAS is our region's primary body for recording information and for providing archaeological services. Martin O'Hare, Sites and Monuments Record Officer, has been a constant source of advice and information.

Organisations working in our area, like the Edinburgh Archaeological Field Society (EAFS), also report back to Historic Scotland. The West Lothian Archaeology Group (WLAG) and Forum (WLAF) would probably have not come into existence without the initial support and encouragement of the EAFS.  Their continuing support is gratefully acknowledged.

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) is also responsible for recording, interpreting and collecting information about the built environment for the whole of Scotland. Their Scotland's Rural Past team have carried out some excellent work supporting regional archaeology groups.  We would also like to acknowledge advice and support from Dave Cowley.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, all photos were taken by Rosie and John Wells

and are copyright © West Lothian Archaeology Group

Cairnpapple (Infra-red KAP)

Torphichen Hills (Infra-red)

We would like to acknowledge John Reid FSA Scot, of Armadale, for his relentless enthusiasm and for his valuable contribution to the archaeology of West Lothian.

Associated pages: Armadale Local History

 

 

Have you carried out archaeological work in West Lothian ?  e-mail Rosie

 

 

 

 

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