White Castle 2012

The multivallate Iron-age hillfort of White Castle in East Lothian, guards the northern entrance to the dramatically picturesque Whiteadder valley in the Lammermuir hills. Until recently, White Castle was one of many hillforts in Scotland that had never been excavated, and indeed the last time it was surveyed was back in 1914.

Artefactual evidence suggests earlier phases of human activity on and around the site. However, it is the Iron-age tripartite defences and associated internal spaces that have been the main focus of attention.

Students and volunteers are welcome on the third season of this project (read the 2010 site report below).

• Project Dates: 9 – 20 July 2012 – (Full duration attendance only).

• Location: East Lothian, Scotland (approx. 30 miles east of Edinburgh).

• Cost: 575 UKP including bunkhouse accommodation, food and transport to and from site. (You are responsible for travel to the centre of Edinburgh where you will be picked up at the beginning and dropped off at the end of the project). We also offer archaeology taster days during the project at a cost of £50 per day (N.B. this does not include meals or accommodation).
  

• Project type: Open to students and volunteers (minimum age accepted: 18 years old) – Places are limited so early booking is recommended.

• Accommodation: Accommodation in bunkhouse with kitchen facilities and showers. All meals are provided in the cost. Extras are the responsibility of the participant and trips to local stores will be available.

• Experience required: None, as training will be provided by professional archaeologists. Additional (optional) lectures on various aspects of archaeological field-craft will be offered.
  

• Other activities: There will be visits to the site of a Neolithic house, ruins of 14^th century Hailes Castle, the Romano-British fort at Traprain Law and Glenkinchie Distillery. There will also be a chance to visit Edinburgh and the newly refurbished National Museum of Scotland.

• What to wear: Scottish weather can change at any time. Sometimes there are four seasons in one day. It is therefore recommended that you come prepared with warm, light-weight clothing, a waterproof coat and stout boots, sun block and a hat.

• Download a poster for display in your university department
  

Sign up:

For more information, or to book your place contact the Project co-director, Murray Cook at: info@rampartscotland.co.uk

Season three is subject to SMC consent being granted from Historic Scotland

Title image by Flyingscotscam

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