The Council for Scottish Archaeology (CSA), Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and the University of Aberdeen's Marischal Museum, are joining forces to offer the public a unique opportunity to find out more about the latest and greatest archaeological discoveries in the North-East.
The Archaeological Research in Progress Conference will take the public on a journey through the North-East's treasure trove of fascinating finds, landmark discoveries, and exciting projects, when it is held at the University's Kings College, on Saturday, May 29.
The conference is an annual public conference organised by the CSA and Society of Antiquaries of Scotland that brings together the whole archaeological community, from armchair enthusiasts to those working in the field to explore and celebrate the fascinating archaeology of their area.
The North-East has seen many significant discoveries take place over the past year and next weekend's conference is the public's chance to find out more about them.
All the recent major discoveries made in Aberdeenshire will feature, including the first opportunity for the public to hear about the Mesolithic flints found in the Cairngorms, proving for the first time that prehistoric people travelled in the area.
Also featuring in the one-day event will be a visit to the Kings College Chapel to hear about the exciting discoveries such as a burial beneath the floor; new developments by Marischal Museum; and fascinating investigations of stone circles.
Neil Curtis, Senior Curator of Marischal Museum and Secretary of the North-East Section of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, said: "I am pleased to welcome the conference to the University which contributes to the archaeology of the North-East throughout the year, through displays and activities in Marischal Museum, hosting the monthly public lectures of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, teaching a range of continuing education courses and conducting innovative research."
Stephen Carter, President of CSA, said: "I am constantly amazed by the range of people and organisations who contribute to Scotland's archaeological knowledge and the many different areas that they explore. I am delighted that the CSA can provide the archaeology community with a platform to show the public what fascinating work has been taking place. The ARP Conference is a real showcase of Scotland's archaeological talent. "
The conference will start at 9.30am and finish at 5pm, and the welcoming message will be delivered by Dr Graeme Roberts, Vice-Principal, University of Aberdeen.
Keynote participants at the conference include Aberdeen City Council; Aberdeenshire Council; Aberdeenshire Archaeological Volunteers; The National Trust for Scotland; the History of Art department and Marischal Musuem of the University of Aberdeen; the University of Reading; AOC Archaeology Group; CFA Archaeology Ltd.
Tickets for the conference are available on the door priced £15, £13 and £10. Attendees are asked to make their own lunch arrangements. Full programme listings and tickets can be obtained via the website at http://www.britarch.ac.uk/csa/arp.html.
Further information about the conference is available by contacting Abigail Daly, at the Council for Scottish Archaeology, on (0131) 247 4119, or e-mail a.daly@nms.ac.uk.