Location: Moness Resort, Crieff Rd, Aberfeldy PH15 2DY, UK
Season: June 7, 2026 to June 20, 2026
Application Deadline: March 20, 2026
Deadline Type: Contact for Details
Program Type:
Field School
RPA Certified:
No
Affiliation:
Heritage and Archaeological Research Practice
Project Director:
Ian Hill
Project Description:
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.
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.
Formal credit is not offered, however, participants will have the opportunity to complete a training manual (£40 GBP) and build a portfolio, along with full training and copies of software used during the course that they can take away with them at the end. For participants who are completing an Archaeological Skills Passport all relevant sections will be signed off. A course syllabus can be provided on request, and can be used to help arrange credit with your own institution (arrangements for credit are to be made by participants and will not be arranged by HARP).
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.
Costs
| Student Price:
£ 1,095.00 |
• Includes full training • Includes Accommodation • Includes all meals • Includes return transport from accommodation to site each day |
|---|---|
| Student Price*:
£ 645.00 |
• Includes full training • Includes return transport from Aberfeldy to site each day • No Accommodation • No meals |
| Non-Student Price:
£ 1,195.00 |
• Includes full training • Includes Accommodation • Includes all meals • Includes return transport from accommodation to site each day |
| Non-Student Price*:
£ 745.00 |
• Includes full training • Includes return transport from Aberfeldy to site each day • No Accommodation • No meals |
*For those selecting to book their own accommodation you must ensure that you are either staying in Moness Resort (where the project accommodation is located) or be able to be in Aberfeldy by 8:30am each day to ensure no hold ups to the days activities; we bear no responsibility for collecting you from your accommodation at the start of the day, or returning you to your accommodation at the end of the day.
*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.
Application
There is no application deadline. Places are limited and are given on a first come first served basis. For more information or to apply for a place please contact Ian at ian@harparchaeology.co.uk
Period(s) of Occupation: Eighteenth Century, Jacobite Uprising, Highland Clearances
Notes:
Jacobites, Highland Clearances, Field Survey, GIS, Excavation
Project Size: 1-24 participants
Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 13 Days
Minimum Age: 18
Experience Required: No Experience necessary, all abilities catered for
Room and Board Arrangements:
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.
Academic Credit:
Formal credit is not offered, however, participants will have the opportunity to complete a training manual (£40 GBP) and build a portfolio, along with full training and copies of software used during the course that they can take away with them at the end. For participants who are completing an Archaeological Skills Passport all relevant sections will be signed off. A course syllabus can be provided on request, and can be used to help arrange credit with your own institution (arrangements for credit are to be made by participants and will not be arranged by HARP).
