Jacobites, Clearance and Scots

The Archaeology of Eighteenth Century Scotland

Jacobites, Clearance and Scots! 7th to 20th June 2026

*The 2026 field school is now open for applications*

Full terms and conditions for our field schools are available here.

HARP will be continuing our investigation of 18th Century Highland Scotland in 2026. The project will focus on the changing social and cultural landscapes of Scotland at this time, and aims to record the historical and archaeological sites dating to this period. The location of the project is inspired by a series of historical ‘Grand Tours’ that were being undertaken in Scotland at that time by a number of individuals, including Thomas Pennant’s tours of the Highlands, Joseph Banks tour to Staffa and Johnson and Boswell’s tour to the Hebrides.

The Tours were often facilitated by the construction of new military roads in Scotland, which were built in an attempt to ‘open up’ the Highlands following the Jacobite uprisings. These new roads were constructed under supervision of General Wade, and new mapping projects and surveys were undertaken by William Roy. The project aims to follow the routes of these tours and military surveys to identify the changing landscape of the 18th Century, from the Jacobite uprisings, through to the coming of sheep and the start of the Highland Clearances. Our survey will identify and compare what was seen by the tourists and surveyors of the time to what can still be seen today.

To date, the field school has focused on sections of the routes undertaken by Pococke in 1760 (Blair Castle to Crieff via General Wade’s Military Road), and De Saint-Fond in 1784 (Kenmore to Dunkeld via Aberfeldy). Pococke visited Blair Castle, and both of these tours visited Taymouth Castle and its grounds, where the Earls of Breadalbane were significant figures in this period of Scotland’s history. The 2026 field school will continue this work, focussing on sections of military roads near Aberfeldy where the Crieff to Dalnacardoch and Coupar Angus to AMulree military roads met. Alongside the survey work, the 2026 field school will continue test-pit excavation into the post-medieval township of Ballinreagh, which would have borne witness to military road construction and troop movements, particularly during the 1745 uprising.

Recording the remains of a 19th century farmhouse in Perthsire

The field school is based in the Perthshire and Tayside region of the Central Highlands, providing a great opportunity to experience the Scottish Highlands.

Participants of the field school will receive full training in historical research, historic map analysis, archaeological field survey, monument recording, GIS training, Test Pit excavation, photographic survey and Historic Building survey.

Costs

Drawing the remains of a bridge on the Dunkeld to Inverness military road

Flights or travel to Scotland are not included.

Transport to and from the field school is not included but a limited number of transfers to/from Edinburgh/Edinburgh Airport will be available for an extra fee, and information on this will be provided on request. A free pick-up/drop off will be arranged between Dunkeld & Birnam (the nearest train station) and the field school accommodation at the start and end of the project at set times; if using this option you must ensure that you are at Dunkeld & Birnam at the designated pick up time.

A non-refundable 25% deposit will be required on your acceptance to secure your place. Places are limited and will be given on a first come first served basis upon receipt of your deposit. Prospective participants will need to complete an application form.

Accommodation

For those choosing to stay in the project accommodation this will be provided at Moness Resort in Aberfeldy. Shared/Twin rooms will be provided across three apartments (please note that each apartment has one sofa bed in the living area that will need to be used). The resort has an onsite swimming pool, spa, bar, and restaurant.

For those staying in project accommodation all meals on work days will be provided for you during the project, with catering duties shared by the group. We will have a welcome dinner on our first night, and packed lunches for when we are out in the field (dietary requirements will be taken into account). The field school will include a day off, allowing participants to explore the surrounding area at their leisure. This will be followed by day of field trips to nearby historic sites, and to provide you with an opportunity to embark on some luxury retail therapy. The resort is located in Aberfeldy, which has a selection of shops, bars and restaurants. Local highlights include Castle Menzies, Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery and activities at nearby Loch Tay.

For those choosing to organise their own accommodation you will need to ensure that you are in Aberfeldy by 08:30 each workday to ensure no hold ups to the days activities. A packed lunch will be provided on work days.

For more information on the field school or to apply for a place please contact us or download the application form below and return it to Ian.

Feedback

"I came to gain more experience in survey and to learn GIS, and I did. The staff are so friendly, knowledgeable, and understanding, it never felt uncomfortable asking questions."

"I learned so much and it was a fantastic mix of fieldwork and data processing. You guys do such a great job of catering to the skill levels and needs of everyone!"

Application Form_AECS_2026.docx

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