Archaeology

Archaeology is the study of the human past through the things our ancestors left behind. 

People have lived in, moved through, farmed, worshipped in and fought over this region for 14,000 years. 

With more than 15,000 registered entries in our Historic Environment Record (HER) and growing, the Borders is one of the richest regions for archaeology and built heritage in Scotland; from the earliest flint tools left by hunters and gatherers by rivers and lochs, to Iron Age and Roman forts on hills and in valleys, to our abbeys, castles and weaving mills. 

Our Archaeology Service seeks to protect, promote and enhance this wealth of archaeological sites and buildings through:

• advising owners, developers and planners on risks to heritage sites and ways to mitigate these
• providing expert advice on protecting or recording archaeological sites to environmental agencies
• updating the council's extensive Historic Environment Record
• promoting the rich archaeological and built heritage resources of the Borders through events, such as the annual Borders Heritage Week, and interpretation projects.

Please contact us for more information.

There is also a range of resources available online:

• Historic Scotland
  Extensive advice on Scotland's heritage, including Scheduled Monuments and Listed Buildings
  
• Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland
  Search the largest repository of Scotland's Heritage
  
• Archaeology Data Service
  A tremendous range of resources from archaeological site reports from the Borders, to a digital library of archaeology journals
  
• National Library of Scotland
  Fantastic online resource, including digital historic maps going back to the 17th century
  
• Association of Local Government Archaeology Officers
  Find out more about what we do through the Association of Local Government Archaeology Officers.