Archaeology in Argyll and Beyond
In partnership with Lorn Archaeological and Historical Society
Oban Workshop – 27 th March 2026
Join Archaeology Scotland and Lorn Archaeological and Historical Society in a workshop for organisations and communities to explore the opportunities for archaeological sites, monuments and collections in Argyll.
The session will be revolve around Scotland’s Earliest Megalithic Monuments Project which is currently underway. The Project honours, through research on and public engagement with Early Neolithic megalithic monuments, the huge legacy of Audrey Henshall. The project is supported by The Henshall Legacy Grant, administered by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and will celebrate the achievements of Audrey Henshall whose body of work documenting and researching the Neolithic of Scotland included the seminal volumes The Chambered Tombs of Scotland (1963, 1972).
The chambered cairn at Achnacreebeag is a key part of three stories the project aims to explore. The first story is of the first monument builders of Scotland, the Neolithic people who first farmed the land around Argyll and Bute and created new crafts, technologies and art styles. Monuments like Achnacreebeag were some of the first large constructions of stone, and the earliest surviving monuments designed
to house the dead. While we know they are some of the first, we don’t know exactly how old these monuments are. We are, therefore, conducting a small excavation of the chamber to find out more about how old the monument might be, as well as any evidence of different phases of its construction and use. This could be in the form of artefacts (e.g. flint tools, pottery) or material such as charcoal or seeds.
The second story we are investigating is that of the archaeologists who came before us. In the 1950s and 60s, Audrey Henshall surveyed almost 600 examples of Neolithic monuments resulting in the two-volume publication The Chambered Tombs of Scotland (1963, 1972), which still forms an essential foundation for our understanding of these sites today. We aim to explore the work of Audrey Henshall,
and celebrate her contribution and legacy, as well as that of other pioneering women within the field of Scottish prehistoric archaeology.
Finally, we want to think about the story of this monument within the local community.
Working with Lorn Archaeological and Historical society, we will provide training to local people as well as engaging those further afield with the importance of the site and its landscape. We will also explore the possibilities for the future, such as the long-term conservation of the monument.
This workshop will explore these stories in more detail and provide the opportunity to have your say on the archaeology and heritage of Argyll (and beyond). This will be the start of a conversation that helps establish what opportunities archaeology presents going forward. Insights from this conversation will help develop clearer focal points for future collaboration and the potential character of wider community
engagement.
The Workshop
Corran Halls: 27th March 10.30am- 4pm
10.30 – Welcome and coffee
10.45-11.00 – Welcome note and workshop outline – Gavin MacGregor and Jill
Bowis
11.00-12.30- Practices and Capacity in Argyll (The sites and places). The Early
Megalithic Monument Project: Research, access, conservation management and
interpretation – Alison Sheridan
2.30-1.30 – Lunch
1.30-2.30 – Practices and Capacity for community volunteers (The people and
stories). Have your say: what are your priorities and what support would be helpful?
– Phil Richardson
2.30-3.30 – Strategic Priorities (opportunities, support and skills). What have we
learned, how to we put this into wider context and what shall we do together? The
Early Megalithic Monument Project and beyond – Gavin MacGregor
3.30-4.00 – Wrap up and close – Phil Richardson
Archaeology Scotland, Newbattle Abbey College, Newbattle Road, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 3LL
Registered Scottish Charity No. SC001723, Company Registered in Scotland No. 262056