Archaeology tour in the scottish borders:

Romans, Reivers and the Rough Wooing

Have you ever wanted to be an archaeologist?

Join us in the Scottish Borders for a unique experience and learn how to read the landscape like an archaeologist.

Only an hour from Edinburgh, our small group tours are led by professional archaeologists who have worked extensively in the area; a part of the country packed with prehistoric hillforts and Roman forts, and witness to centuries of Anglo-Scottish Border conflicts that were instrumental in the development of a 'reiving' way of life romanticised by Walter Scott.

Experience archaeology for yourself and ‘have a go’ at recording monuments and handling real archaeological objects
Gain exclusive access to hidden gems off the tourist trail
Led by two dedicated guides/leaders, including a professional archaeologist providing unique, professional insights into all the sites that you visit
Small group size containing a maximum of six participants
Immerse yourself in a 3 or 5-day tour and sample the wares of traditional country inns and hotels

By taking part you will directly support local Heritage Societies and Trusts whose sites and activities will be front and centre of your experience, taking you further than a traditional tour ever could.

As a not-for-profit organisation, your support will also feed back into HARP's community outreach and educational programmes, helping more people to learn new skills and engage with archeological sites and their local heritage.

If you have any questions before purchasing, are purchasing for the Travel Trade, or would like to arrange a private booking please contact us

Highlights

Get more than just snapshots from your holiday to Scotland!

Join us in the beautiful Scottish Borders for a unique activity break that will change how you see the historic landscape around you. You will be guided through off-the-beaten-track sites by two expert guides (including a professional archaeologist) who have worked extensively in the area. Experience the historic landscape like you never have before and see things you have never seen before. Not only will you visit iconic Abbeys in Melrose, Kelso and Jedburgh, but you will engage with archaeological skills and artefacts from the sites you visit and immerse yourself in local culture and fare. Your guides will take you through all the sites and will give you the opportunity to ‘have-a-go’ at being an archaeologist.

HIGHLIGHTS

Hume Castle, Village and Kirkyard
Learn how to record an archaeological site in a fun and engaging way
Historic Border Towns of Kelso, Jedburgh and Melrose
Trimontium Roman Museum and Fort
Handle actual archaeological objects
Melrose Abbey
Kelso Abbey
Roxburgh Castle
Smailholm Tower
Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott
Dere Street, the main North-South Roman road connecting York with the Antonine Wall and location of the Battle of Ancrum Moor

INCLUSIONS

Two group leaders/guides, including a professional archaeologist
Entry fees for all sites visited
Bespoke training in archaeological skills
Access to the Borders Family History Society in Galashiels
Behind the scenes access and artefact handling at Trimontium Museum
Guided walk down Dere Street
All meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 3 or 5*
2 or 4 nights accommodation at 3-star hotels in the centre of town**

* some limits apply, does not include alcoholic drinks; breakfast and evening meals not included if you chose to organise your own accommodation.

** separate rates are available if you prefer to organise your own evening meals and accommodation.

Ian Hill and Michelle Gamble, your archaeology guides

Meet your guides

Ian Hill has been a qualified archaeologist and working in the heritage sector since 2005. He has extensive knowledge and experience of Scottish heritage and archaeology and specialises in training in archaeological skills. He lives in the Borders and has worked with several local community groups and heritage trusts, delivering projects to help research and publicise their sites. His research and interest areas are in the Late Medieval and Post-Medieval periods.

Michelle Gamble has been a qualified archaeologist and working in the heritage sector since 2003. Living in Northumberland, Michelle has been involved in archaeological projects in the Borders for several years. With a specialisim in human osteology and skills training, Michelle also has a background in Classics with extensive knowledge of Roman Britain, previosuly working as a tour guide along Hadrian's Wall. Her research and interest areas include health, disease and medicine in the past, and mortuary archaeology.