Society AGM and Finlaggan: Archaeology versus History

This event will begin at 11am with the Society's AGM, which is open to everyone but mainly targeted at Fellows.

The lecture (also open to all) will begin at 1:30pm and last for around an hour, including a Q&A. You do not have to attend the AGM in order to attend the lecture. Feel free to arrive up to 15 mins before the lecture starts to secure your seat.

The place of Finlaggan in Islay as an historic centre of importance has now been explored archaeologically. This presentation focuses on how this has enabled a deeper understanding of the documentary record and leads to exciting new interpretations of medieval and later history.

The Archaeology of Finlaggan, Islay is now available to order. Copies will also be available for purchase at the lecture.

This talk will be presented by Dr David Caldwell FSAScot.

David was brought up in Ardrossan in Ayrshire. He studied archaeology at Edinburgh University and gained a PhD there on the early use of guns in Scotland. From 1973 to 2012 he was employed by the National Museums of Scotland in various curatorial roles. He has served as President of the Society of Post-Medieval Archaeology and President of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

This will be a hybrid event which will take place both in Augustine United Church and live-streamed online, with the recording uploaded to our YouTube channel shortly after the lecture. Please keep an eye on the Society website, e-newsletters and your email inbox for the latest news and further information on Society events.

Booking is essential for members of the public and Fellows of the Society. If you have reserved a ticket and can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket via Eventbrite or contact [email protected] to allow someone else to take your place.

The Society has a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and bullying.

All attendees are requested to act with respect to one another during this hybrid event.

Anyone making comments which we believe to be inappropriate (e.g. offensive or abusive) will be removed from the event immediately. Equivalent procedures (e.g. with regard to spam) will apply online.

To help to tackle climate change and decrease congestion and pollution from cars, the Society encourages you to walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport to travel to and from this event if possible.

Lothian Buses run services along George IV Bridge, Forrest Road and nearby South Bridge. There are also bicycle racks directly outside the venue.

The Society is grateful for our 2,600 Fellows across the globe whose support enables us to make these event free and open to all.

If you are interested in being part of this network and supporting a charity that has actively supported the study and enjoyment of Scotland’s past for over 240 years, visit our Join Us page for more information about the benefits of becoming a Fellow.

Want to keep up to date with our public-facing events and opportunities? Sign up to the Society's free public e-newsletter and receive monthly updates direct to your inbox.

Please note, the hearing loop facility at Augustine United Church is currently unavailable. We apologise for any inconvenience.

The main entrance to the church is up four steps with a handrail.

Step free access is available via a door to the right of the building - please ring the bell for attention. Please note there is a tight turn in this passageway.

A standard accessible toilet is available on the ground floor and on the lower level (accessible via lift).

Assistance dogs are allowed inside the venue.

If attending via Zoom, captions are included.

You can find further information on Accessibility here.

Images: The historic island site of Finlaggan with the hills of Jura in the background (© David Caldwell)

Excavation of midden deposits in the loch adjacent to Eilean na Comhairle (© David Caldwell)

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, United Kingdom