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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

updated 21 June 2010

Torphichen Hills (Looking east)   Kite aerial photo (KAP)

including Castlethorn prehistoric hillfort and Gormyre Hill  (Cairnpapple by mast, top right)

 
Iron age archaeology in West Lothian has been described as a 'Black hole' (An area where site types are still ill-defined or unknown, and which have seen little or no modern research beyond the site-specific) by a Working Party of members of the Iron Age Research Seminar. The Convenor was Colin Haselgrove (University of Durham); and the members were: Ian Armit (Queens University Belfast), Tim Champion (University of Southampton), John Creighton (University of Reading), Adam Gwilt (National Museum of Wales), JD Hill (British Museum), Fraser Hunter (National Museum of Scotland), Ann Woodward (Birmingham University Archaeological Field Unit).

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Archaeological investigations in West Lothian have been minimal for all time periods.

Cairnpapple

© Jim Knowles  2 February 2010  KAP

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.  Our photographic equipment includes five near infra-red cameras.

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.

Torphichen Hills (Infra-red)

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. Sites identified as being worthy of further investigation will be surveyed using non-invasive techniques.

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

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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