Researching and exploring evidence of transhumance at a shieling site near Struy in the Highlands

AOC supported Lochaber Archaeological Society in investigating an avenue thought to have been a ceremonial approach to Tor Castle

Our survey team undertook a measured survey and historic building record of the ruined icehouse at Newhailes Estate, East Lothian

Further work at this exceptional hillfort a stone's throw from Ben Nevis yields more information about the rampart and the features within

Survey of Ardmolich Wood in advance of felling operations and road upgrade led to recording of some twenty sites and targeted excavation

In early 2016, AOC undertook a programme of dendrochronology, aiming to date a selection of the surviving original timbers

Structural survey and management assessment of the site highlighted multiple phases of redesign and remodelling

Excavations at East Barns, near Dunbar, have revealed evidence of a multi-phase Iron Age site

Detailed landscape survey revealed numerous abandoned post-medieval settlements and previously unknown shieling settlements

AOC undertook a programme of archaeological work ahead of and during construction works for the new West Link Road in Inverness

AOC Archaeologists have been working closely with the Whithorn Trust to reconstruct a 2500 year old Iron Age roundhouse

AOC Archaeology Group's survey has significantly furthered the understanding of Kirkton Old Church through detailed measured survey and on-site record and analysis, as well as some preliminary historical research. Surviving 12th/13th century churches are few in number and, as it is one that was abandoned early, shows very few major alterations to its layout after the 17th century apart from those blockings associated with the burial aisles.

In April and May AOC Archaeology Group worked with Aberlady Conservation and Historical Society and the local community to excavate a series of features in the village Glebe Field. These features were argued to relate to the Anglo-Saxon era (7th-10thC).

The second season of the fantastic Dun Deardail project is fast approaching! Our dates for the 2016 season are 15th-26th August. AOC Archaeology are committed to providing comprehensive training to all volunteers on site- therefore we are keen to accept volunteers of all abilities.

Last year, AOC Archaeology Group worked as part of a Whithorn Trust project at Blach Loch of Myrton, near Monreith, Dumfries and Galloway. 'Whithorn: Hearth, Home & Farm' ran in parallel with our HES supported excavations at Black Loch of Myrton, and saw a variety of crannog- and agriculture-inspired events running in Whithorn. Whithorn Trust’s outreach activites were generously supported by Heritage Lottery Fund. This project has made the shortlist for the ‘Best Community Engagement Archaeology Programme’ in the 2016 British Archaeological Award.

AOC Archaeology Group was commissioned by New Waverley Advisers to carry out archaeological investigations at East Market St, Edinburgh in advance of a hotel development. The work, completed in early 2015, revealed a length of what is thought to be the medieval ditch surrounding the borough of Canongate. The ditch had been backfilled with old midden material, including food remains, pottery and metalwork. Analysis of the pottery has provided the dating framework for the construction and use of the ditch; the ditch was probably dug in the 13th century or earlier and was backfilled, probably in the late 15th century. The lowermost deposits in the ditch had become waterlogged and consequently objects made of organic materials such as leather, textile and wood had also survived. Analysis of some of these objects suggests that the contents of a wardrobe may have been thrown into the ditch along with other household debris. These include a wool garment and leather shoes.

Our Allt Moraig excavations are held from 25th - 30th April 2016. If you would like to see our excavations, and find out more about this beautiful area, please consider coming along to our Open day on April 30th.

We're delighted to announce the publication of a major programme of excavation, post-excavation analysis and historical research of the Anglian monastic settlement of Auldhame…

Popular publication by AOC's Andy Heald & John Barber up for Current Archaeology Award

AOC's archaeologists discovered the grave of a man buried without coffin or gravemarker, close to the seashore