Helen Spencer
@helspencer.bsky.social
Head of Research at Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. PhD in archaeological glass science. Consultant in museum and heritage collections care. Trustee at Tarbat Discovery Centre.
Interested in all things #archaeology #museums #glass #Scotland #heritage
Interested in all things #archaeology #museums #glass #Scotland #heritage
Reposted by Helen Spencer
New chapters of the South East Scotland Archaeological Research Framework (SESARF) are now live on the ScARF website and ready for your input!
Read all about the framework, how you can contribute, and more exciting updates in our November newsletter: bit.ly/4ohXxPO
Read all about the framework, how you can contribute, and more exciting updates in our November newsletter: bit.ly/4ohXxPO
November 20, 2025 at 2:17 PM
New chapters of the South East Scotland Archaeological Research Framework (SESARF) are now live on the ScARF website and ready for your input!
Read all about the framework, how you can contribute, and more exciting updates in our November newsletter: bit.ly/4ohXxPO
Read all about the framework, how you can contribute, and more exciting updates in our November newsletter: bit.ly/4ohXxPO
Reposted by Helen Spencer
Have you joined our ReACH Heritage Action Group mailing list yet? We’re getting ready to announce our first event, bringing together people who research, record or care for Scotland’s church heritage. If that sounds like you then sign up here! socantscot.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Email Forms
socantscot.us3.list-manage.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Have you joined our ReACH Heritage Action Group mailing list yet? We’re getting ready to announce our first event, bringing together people who research, record or care for Scotland’s church heritage. If that sounds like you then sign up here! socantscot.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
Returning from a flying visit to the Isle of Bute - to give a talk to the Bute Museum and Natural History Society.
Gorgeous crisp, sunny day and island views. #BlueSky
Gorgeous crisp, sunny day and island views. #BlueSky
November 19, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Returning from a flying visit to the Isle of Bute - to give a talk to the Bute Museum and Natural History Society.
Gorgeous crisp, sunny day and island views. #BlueSky
Gorgeous crisp, sunny day and island views. #BlueSky
Reposted by Helen Spencer
FREE ONLINE MAGAZINE: Celebrating Archaeology in Scotland
Explore the links between archaeology and wellbeing in the 2025 edition from Scotland's Archaeology Strategy, featuring our @digitscotland.bsky.social and @scarf-scot.bsky.social projects: archaeologystrategy.scot/magazine/
#ScotArchStrat
Explore the links between archaeology and wellbeing in the 2025 edition from Scotland's Archaeology Strategy, featuring our @digitscotland.bsky.social and @scarf-scot.bsky.social projects: archaeologystrategy.scot/magazine/
#ScotArchStrat
November 19, 2025 at 10:11 AM
FREE ONLINE MAGAZINE: Celebrating Archaeology in Scotland
Explore the links between archaeology and wellbeing in the 2025 edition from Scotland's Archaeology Strategy, featuring our @digitscotland.bsky.social and @scarf-scot.bsky.social projects: archaeologystrategy.scot/magazine/
#ScotArchStrat
Explore the links between archaeology and wellbeing in the 2025 edition from Scotland's Archaeology Strategy, featuring our @digitscotland.bsky.social and @scarf-scot.bsky.social projects: archaeologystrategy.scot/magazine/
#ScotArchStrat
Reposted by Helen Spencer
Celebrating Archaeology in Scotland 2025 is here! This year’s issue is packed full of delightful articles featuring discoveries, important progress on sector issues, and how archaeological practices help support people and change lives. #ScotArchStrat archaeologystrategy.scot/magazine/
November 15, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Celebrating Archaeology in Scotland 2025 is here! This year’s issue is packed full of delightful articles featuring discoveries, important progress on sector issues, and how archaeological practices help support people and change lives. #ScotArchStrat archaeologystrategy.scot/magazine/
Reposted by Helen Spencer
"The Picts emerge from the shadows and step forward in technicolour" 🤩
'Carved in Stone', an illustrated guide to 7th-century Scotland packed with information on languages, settlements, cuisine, fashion, medicine, skills and more, is now available for purchase: www.digitscotland.com/archaeologis...
'Carved in Stone', an illustrated guide to 7th-century Scotland packed with information on languages, settlements, cuisine, fashion, medicine, skills and more, is now available for purchase: www.digitscotland.com/archaeologis...
November 12, 2025 at 10:02 AM
"The Picts emerge from the shadows and step forward in technicolour" 🤩
'Carved in Stone', an illustrated guide to 7th-century Scotland packed with information on languages, settlements, cuisine, fashion, medicine, skills and more, is now available for purchase: www.digitscotland.com/archaeologis...
'Carved in Stone', an illustrated guide to 7th-century Scotland packed with information on languages, settlements, cuisine, fashion, medicine, skills and more, is now available for purchase: www.digitscotland.com/archaeologis...
Reposted by Helen Spencer
Carved in Stone is officially out!
In this comprehensive setting guide you'll be able to see, touch, taste, hear and smell your way through everything that modern-day scholars currently know of the enigmatic culture of the Picts, from the perspective of someone living in the late 7th Century.
In this comprehensive setting guide you'll be able to see, touch, taste, hear and smell your way through everything that modern-day scholars currently know of the enigmatic culture of the Picts, from the perspective of someone living in the late 7th Century.
November 12, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Carved in Stone is officially out!
In this comprehensive setting guide you'll be able to see, touch, taste, hear and smell your way through everything that modern-day scholars currently know of the enigmatic culture of the Picts, from the perspective of someone living in the late 7th Century.
In this comprehensive setting guide you'll be able to see, touch, taste, hear and smell your way through everything that modern-day scholars currently know of the enigmatic culture of the Picts, from the perspective of someone living in the late 7th Century.
Reposted by Helen Spencer
Roman Frontiers ECR network aims to connect young people working and studying Roman Archaeology with senior professionals. As part of their mission, they also run online CPD webinars.
The next is on the 27th November, at 5pm UK time, and free to attend.
www.bajr.org/roman-fronti...
The next is on the 27th November, at 5pm UK time, and free to attend.
www.bajr.org/roman-fronti...
Roman Frontiers ECR network - BAJR - British Archaeology Jobs and Resources
Roman Frontiers ECR network aims to connect young people working and studying Roman Archaeology with senior professionals. As part of their mission, they also run online CPD webinars. The next one is ...
www.bajr.org
November 6, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Roman Frontiers ECR network aims to connect young people working and studying Roman Archaeology with senior professionals. As part of their mission, they also run online CPD webinars.
The next is on the 27th November, at 5pm UK time, and free to attend.
www.bajr.org/roman-fronti...
The next is on the 27th November, at 5pm UK time, and free to attend.
www.bajr.org/roman-fronti...
Our next research grant deadline is approaching. Carrying out research into any aspect of Scotlands past? Then we may be able to help.
GRANTS DEADLINE: 30 November
There is only one month left to submit your funding application for the next round of Society Research Grants, which are available to anyone wishing to undertake high-quality research relating to Scotland’s past: www.socantscot.org/grants-prize...
There is only one month left to submit your funding application for the next round of Society Research Grants, which are available to anyone wishing to undertake high-quality research relating to Scotland’s past: www.socantscot.org/grants-prize...
November 6, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Our next research grant deadline is approaching. Carrying out research into any aspect of Scotlands past? Then we may be able to help.
Reposted by Helen Spencer
If you have a community archaeology project in the UK, the Community Archaeology Radiocarbon Dating (CARD) Fund is still accepting applicants for this year's round of funding, but the deadline is 30th November, so get your applications in asap.
To learn about the Fund and to apply: www.cardfund.org
To learn about the Fund and to apply: www.cardfund.org
Community Archaeology Radiocarbon Dating (CARD) Fund
www.cardfund.org
November 6, 2025 at 12:42 PM
If you have a community archaeology project in the UK, the Community Archaeology Radiocarbon Dating (CARD) Fund is still accepting applicants for this year's round of funding, but the deadline is 30th November, so get your applications in asap.
To learn about the Fund and to apply: www.cardfund.org
To learn about the Fund and to apply: www.cardfund.org
Reposted by Helen Spencer
CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN LAUNCH: ‘Rhynie, A Powerful Place of Pictland’
Please pre-order or donate before 6 December to enable us to print this book by Professor Gordon Noble FSAScot, which will have a major impact on the study of Pictish kingship and society: www.kickstarter.com/projects/soc...
Please pre-order or donate before 6 December to enable us to print this book by Professor Gordon Noble FSAScot, which will have a major impact on the study of Pictish kingship and society: www.kickstarter.com/projects/soc...
November 6, 2025 at 9:20 AM
CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN LAUNCH: ‘Rhynie, A Powerful Place of Pictland’
Please pre-order or donate before 6 December to enable us to print this book by Professor Gordon Noble FSAScot, which will have a major impact on the study of Pictish kingship and society: www.kickstarter.com/projects/soc...
Please pre-order or donate before 6 December to enable us to print this book by Professor Gordon Noble FSAScot, which will have a major impact on the study of Pictish kingship and society: www.kickstarter.com/projects/soc...
Reposted by Helen Spencer
The deadline for applications for Chair of Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy Committee is approaching soon! Are you interested in leading the committee as it launches Scotland’s next Archaeology Strategy in the Spring of 2026?
archaeologystrategy.scot/scotlands-ar...
archaeologystrategy.scot/scotlands-ar...
Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy Committee Needs a New Chair! – Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy
archaeologystrategy.scot
October 29, 2025 at 11:32 AM
The deadline for applications for Chair of Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy Committee is approaching soon! Are you interested in leading the committee as it launches Scotland’s next Archaeology Strategy in the Spring of 2026?
archaeologystrategy.scot/scotlands-ar...
archaeologystrategy.scot/scotlands-ar...
Reposted by Helen Spencer
A few years ago I was invited to take part in the History Hit documentary "Mysteries of Prehistoric Scotland". I thought you'd need a subscription to watch the whole episode, but it just randomly appeared as a suggestion for me to watch on YouTube. But you can watch the whole thing here...
The Lost World Of Prehistoric Scotland: Inside Kilmartin Glen's Tombs
YouTube video by Odyssey - Ancient History Documentaries
www.youtube.com
October 10, 2025 at 3:19 PM
A few years ago I was invited to take part in the History Hit documentary "Mysteries of Prehistoric Scotland". I thought you'd need a subscription to watch the whole episode, but it just randomly appeared as a suggestion for me to watch on YouTube. But you can watch the whole thing here...
Reposted by Helen Spencer
Our visit to East Church, Inverness, offered a glimpse into transformation in progress ⛪️ thanks to Murto for opening the doors and showing us around the interior whilst work continues - scaffolding and plans all mixed together! #ReACH #churchheritage
October 15, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Our visit to East Church, Inverness, offered a glimpse into transformation in progress ⛪️ thanks to Murto for opening the doors and showing us around the interior whilst work continues - scaffolding and plans all mixed together! #ReACH #churchheritage
Reposted by Helen Spencer
We are pleased to be supporting this event, which includes a talk on Ursula Clark’s photographs for ‘Architecture of Scotland’ by George Hay. A Fellow of the Society from 1953 to 1986, George was one of the most accomplished practitioners and interpreters of the distinctive architecture of Scotland.
Shifting Perspectives: Scotland's Urban Architecture Through the Lens will explore how photography has shaped and recorded the urban architectural heritage of Scotland.
Find out more and book your space here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shifting-p...
Find out more and book your space here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shifting-p...
Shifting Perspectives: Scotland's Urban Architecture Through the Lens
The conference will explore how photography has shaped and recorded the urban architectural heritage of Scotland.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 14, 2025 at 2:16 PM
We are pleased to be supporting this event, which includes a talk on Ursula Clark’s photographs for ‘Architecture of Scotland’ by George Hay. A Fellow of the Society from 1953 to 1986, George was one of the most accomplished practitioners and interpreters of the distinctive architecture of Scotland.
The reimagined manuscript pages created by Thomas for our #NLHF funded #StoriesOnSkins project are amazing pieces or art, using techniques as close as possible to how manuscript pages would have been made at Portmahomack.
Thomas Keyes demonstrating how manuscripts like the Book of Kells and Lindisfarne Gospels were made. Videos from a Lottery funded project based at the Tarbat Discovery Centre. Thanks to @victoriawhitworth.bsky.social for the link www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSJd...
Stories on Skins: Calligraphy
YouTube video by Tarbat Discovery Centre
www.youtube.com
October 15, 2025 at 6:26 PM
The reimagined manuscript pages created by Thomas for our #NLHF funded #StoriesOnSkins project are amazing pieces or art, using techniques as close as possible to how manuscript pages would have been made at Portmahomack.
Reposted by Helen Spencer
Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy Committee needs a new Chair! Are you interested in leading the committee as it launches Scotland’s next Archaeology Strategy in the Spring of 2026? Follow the link below to learn more about the role and how to apply.
archaeologystrategy.scot/scotlands-ar...
archaeologystrategy.scot/scotlands-ar...
September 30, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy Committee needs a new Chair! Are you interested in leading the committee as it launches Scotland’s next Archaeology Strategy in the Spring of 2026? Follow the link below to learn more about the role and how to apply.
archaeologystrategy.scot/scotlands-ar...
archaeologystrategy.scot/scotlands-ar...
Noticed the #31DaysOfGraves tag was #Glass today and couldn’t not share this gravestone in Tranent churchyard, East Lothian.
A gravestone for Thomas Waugh, glazier, dated to 1705 which shows the tools of his trade and a lozenge of glass. He was a glass worker, likely at nearby Morison’s Haven.
A gravestone for Thomas Waugh, glazier, dated to 1705 which shows the tools of his trade and a lozenge of glass. He was a glass worker, likely at nearby Morison’s Haven.
October 8, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Noticed the #31DaysOfGraves tag was #Glass today and couldn’t not share this gravestone in Tranent churchyard, East Lothian.
A gravestone for Thomas Waugh, glazier, dated to 1705 which shows the tools of his trade and a lozenge of glass. He was a glass worker, likely at nearby Morison’s Haven.
A gravestone for Thomas Waugh, glazier, dated to 1705 which shows the tools of his trade and a lozenge of glass. He was a glass worker, likely at nearby Morison’s Haven.
Reposted by Helen Spencer
NEW ScARF CHAPTERS: Our @scarf-scot.bsky.social project are busy creating a free online resource bringing together everything archaeologists currently know about South West Scotland's complex past.
Want a preview? Read (and comment on) the first three draft chapters here: scarf.scot/regional/sws...
Want a preview? Read (and comment on) the first three draft chapters here: scarf.scot/regional/sws...
October 8, 2025 at 2:43 PM
NEW ScARF CHAPTERS: Our @scarf-scot.bsky.social project are busy creating a free online resource bringing together everything archaeologists currently know about South West Scotland's complex past.
Want a preview? Read (and comment on) the first three draft chapters here: scarf.scot/regional/sws...
Want a preview? Read (and comment on) the first three draft chapters here: scarf.scot/regional/sws...
Reposted by Helen Spencer
Fieldwork at Old High Church, Inverness - one of Scotland's most historic urban churches and is deeply significant to both the local community and visitors #ReACH #churchheritage
October 7, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Fieldwork at Old High Church, Inverness - one of Scotland's most historic urban churches and is deeply significant to both the local community and visitors #ReACH #churchheritage
Reposted by Helen Spencer
Day 8 of #31DaysOfGraves - Glass
When visiting a graveyard, have you ever wondered what these flat marble plates, reminiscent of chopping boards, are?
They're the bases of Victorian/Edwardian "Immortelles" that once held fragile memorial ornaments under a glass dome. Not many now survive intact...
When visiting a graveyard, have you ever wondered what these flat marble plates, reminiscent of chopping boards, are?
They're the bases of Victorian/Edwardian "Immortelles" that once held fragile memorial ornaments under a glass dome. Not many now survive intact...
October 8, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Day 8 of #31DaysOfGraves - Glass
When visiting a graveyard, have you ever wondered what these flat marble plates, reminiscent of chopping boards, are?
They're the bases of Victorian/Edwardian "Immortelles" that once held fragile memorial ornaments under a glass dome. Not many now survive intact...
When visiting a graveyard, have you ever wondered what these flat marble plates, reminiscent of chopping boards, are?
They're the bases of Victorian/Edwardian "Immortelles" that once held fragile memorial ornaments under a glass dome. Not many now survive intact...
I have a very small piece on the copper alloy assemblage in the new @socantscot.bsky.social Finalggan Monograph.
I did the conservation and analysis back in 2000 - as a conservation intern - so it’s been 25 years since I first wrote the report!
I did the conservation and analysis back in 2000 - as a conservation intern - so it’s been 25 years since I first wrote the report!
NEW BOOK: 'The Archaeology of Finlaggan, Islay'
We are thrilled to announce the release of our book by Dr David Caldwell FSAScot, which reveals the results of a major archaeological project at Finlaggan on Islay, the site of a medieval kingdom’s centre of power: www.socantscot.org/uncategorize...
We are thrilled to announce the release of our book by Dr David Caldwell FSAScot, which reveals the results of a major archaeological project at Finlaggan on Islay, the site of a medieval kingdom’s centre of power: www.socantscot.org/uncategorize...
September 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM
I have a very small piece on the copper alloy assemblage in the new @socantscot.bsky.social Finalggan Monograph.
I did the conservation and analysis back in 2000 - as a conservation intern - so it’s been 25 years since I first wrote the report!
I did the conservation and analysis back in 2000 - as a conservation intern - so it’s been 25 years since I first wrote the report!
Reposted by Helen Spencer
We had a brilliant afternoon with @scotchurchestrust.bsky.social and @socantscot.bsky.social! More celebrations of our launch event coming soon on our socials and our BRAND NEW website churchheritage.scot
September 17, 2025 at 8:54 AM
We had a brilliant afternoon with @scotchurchestrust.bsky.social and @socantscot.bsky.social! More celebrations of our launch event coming soon on our socials and our BRAND NEW website churchheritage.scot
Reposted by Helen Spencer
What a fantastic launch event yesterday for @churchheritage.bsky.social, our collaborative project with @socantscot.bsky.social supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund and Pilgrim Trust.
Chaired by @lizzieswarbrick.bsky.social, we heard from 20 wonderful speakers followed by a panel discussion.
Chaired by @lizzieswarbrick.bsky.social, we heard from 20 wonderful speakers followed by a panel discussion.
September 12, 2025 at 9:49 AM
What a fantastic launch event yesterday for @churchheritage.bsky.social, our collaborative project with @socantscot.bsky.social supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund and Pilgrim Trust.
Chaired by @lizzieswarbrick.bsky.social, we heard from 20 wonderful speakers followed by a panel discussion.
Chaired by @lizzieswarbrick.bsky.social, we heard from 20 wonderful speakers followed by a panel discussion.
Reposted by Helen Spencer
What an inspiring, interesting and broad ranging event this was! Some organisational magic must have gone on to get so many institutions in one room! Really brilliant work!
If you LOVE Scottish church heritage and you're at loose end in Edinburgh tomorrow you can still book a free ticket for the launch of @churchheritage.bsky.social
This is the Heritage Lottery Fund & Pilgrim Trust funded project we're working on with our lovely colleagues at @socantscot.bsky.social
This is the Heritage Lottery Fund & Pilgrim Trust funded project we're working on with our lovely colleagues at @socantscot.bsky.social
September 11, 2025 at 5:45 PM
What an inspiring, interesting and broad ranging event this was! Some organisational magic must have gone on to get so many institutions in one room! Really brilliant work!