Gallow Hill Neolithic Cairn, Dunblane 2027

Location: 35 Montgomery Cres, Dunblane FK15 9FB, UK

Season: July 13, 2027 to July 23, 2027

Session Dates: 13th to 23rd July 2027

Application Deadline: July 12, 2027

Deadline Type: Exact Date

Website: https://www.rampartscotland.co.uk/product/gallow-hill-dunblane-2027/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Project Director:
Dr Murray Cook

Project Description:

While identified as a broch Gallow Hill is in fact a Neolithic burial cairn surrounded by a series of timber fences. It is the first Neolithic Cairn to be excavated in the area and we have already uncovered cremated human remains. It survives in the middle of a forestry plantation between the ancient settlements of Doune and Dunblane. The site is also associated with Late Bronze Age settlement activity on top of the site. The site lies to the west of another site (Gallow Hill Fort) which we will be digging over two weeks in August and its possible to book all four weeks.

Join us as we continue to uncover Gallow Hill Secrets.

Gallow Hill is part of a long term, relaxed and open series of project to explore the Late Prehistoric settlement patterns of the Forth Valley and will run from the 13th to 23rd July 2027. The project will be run by Dr Murray Cook and you can read more about Murray’s wider research http://www.scottishheritagehub.com/content/case-study-kintore-aberdeenshire-shining-light-black-hole.

Gallow Hill is the first modern research excavation of a Neolithic Cairn in the area and a rare opportunity to examine Late Bronze Age settlement. 

The training is relaxed and easy going and you can learn as much or as little as you want to. You will have the opportunity to excavate archaeological remains that have never been examined before.

• Project Dates: 13th to 23rd  July
• Costs: £55 a day
• Location:  Between Doune and Dunblane, Scotland.
• Project type:  Open to students and volunteers (minimum age accepted: 17 years old) – Places are limited so early booking is recommended.
• Accommodation:  No accommodation provided but there are numerous hostels, B and Bs and hotels in Stirling, Dunblane and Doune and we’ll be offering lifts to anyone without cars from Dunblane. The site will have a portaloo.
• Experience required:  None, as professional archaeologists will always be on-site to provide guidance.
• Other activities:  We hope to organise trips in the evening round Stirling.
• What to wear:   Scottish weather can change at any time, sometimes with four seasons in one day. It is recommended that you come prepared with a range of clothing including clothes for sunny weather, cold weather and hard rain;  light-weight clothing, a waterproof coat and stout boots, sun block and a hat are suggested.

Period(s) of Occupation: Neolithic and Late Bronze Age

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 1 day

Minimum Age: 17

Experience Required: none

Room and Board Arrangements:
None provided though lots of options locally in Dunblane and Stirling and lifts can be arranged with the team.

Academic Credit:
none