1. What do you want to do?

Historic Assynt is developing a pilot Community Archaeology Field School in Assynt during 2027, working with professional archaeologists and local and regional partners.

Funding will be required to support:

• professional archaeological staff, supervision and training;

• development and delivery of a 3–4 week pilot field school, potentially using two participant cohorts;

• archaeological excavation, survey and recording;

• equipment, materials and site welfare;

• finds processing, environmental archaeology and specialist analysis;

• post-excavation work and reporting;

• archive, digital recording and interpretation activities;

• accessible and inclusive participation opportunities;

• community engagement, volunteering and public activities;

• participant support where required to reduce barriers to taking part; and

• evaluation of the pilot and development of a sustainable future model.

The field school will address a genuine archaeological research question relevant to understanding Assynt's historic landscape, combining professionally robust research with community participation and skills development.

As part of the wider 2027 programme, we also propose a two-day archaeology and heritage conference celebrating Historic Assynt's 30th anniversary. This would bring together archaeologists, researchers, volunteers and community members involved over the past thirty years, revisit previous projects, present current research and field school results, include archive displays and site visits, and consider future archaeological priorities for Assynt.

2. Why is your project important for your community?

Assynt has an exceptionally rich archaeological landscape and a long history of community involvement in researching and caring for its heritage. Its remote location, however, means opportunities for structured archaeological training and practical participation can be difficult and costly to access.

Historic Assynt's recent community heritage programme has demonstrated strong interest in practical, place-based engagement with local heritage. The field school would create a progression route from introductory community activities into more substantial archaeological participation and skills development.

Accessibility and inclusion will be built into the programme, with opportunities extending beyond physical excavation to finds, environmental work, archive research, recording, interpretation and public engagement.

The proposal aligns with priorities identified through the Sutherland Area Place Plan, particularly community capacity and resilience, opportunities for young people, employment and economic opportunities, environment and climate, and sustainable tourism. It also supports collaborative working and investment in skills within remote communities.

3. What positive impact will your project have?

Expected outcomes include:

• increased local archaeological and heritage skills;

• opportunities for young people, volunteers, students and early-career practitioners;

• increased confidence and capacity for community stewardship of heritage;

• professionally robust new archaeological research;

• progression routes into further learning, volunteering and careers;

• stronger partnerships between community, professional and educational organisations;

• new archaeological records, interpretation and public resources;

• economic benefit through visiting participants using local accommodation and services;

• wider public engagement with Assynt's heritage; and

• evidence to determine whether a recurring Assynt field school is sustainable.

The 30th anniversary programme will also capture and celebrate Historic Assynt's legacy, reconnect people involved in previous projects and use that experience to help shape the next phase of community archaeology in Assynt.

4. What key milestones have you achieved so far and what will your next steps be?

Community Engagement & Support Evidenced: Initial community heritage engagement has been undertaken through Historic Assynt's recent programme. Further targeted consultation on the field school proposal is planned with community organisations, potential participants and partners.

Project Plan / Feasibility / Business Case created: Initial feasibility and options work has been undertaken. Development of the detailed pilot programme, curriculum, delivery model, inclusion strategy and business case is now progressing.

Necessary Consents Obtained: Not yet applicable. The archaeological research site and final programme are still being developed. Landowner and archaeological permissions and any other necessary consents will be obtained before delivery.

Quotes Obtained: Initial discussions are underway with professional archaeological partners. Detailed quotations will be obtained once the pilot specification and research design are sufficiently developed.

Funding Applications Submitted: Not yet. BeConnected forms part of the project's early funding-development stage. A funding package will be developed once detailed costs are established.

Next steps: Complete consultation and pilot design; confirm research aims and fieldwork location; agree professional and community partnerships; establish permissions, staffing, welfare and accessibility requirements; obtain costs; develop the funding package; and finalise the 2027 delivery programme.

5. What is your anticipated start date/end date?

Project development: Autumn 2026–Spring 2027 Pilot field school: Summer 2027 wiht events either side.  30th Anniversary Conference: Autumn 2027, potentially aligned with the Highland Archaeology Festival Post-excavation, reporting and evaluation: following fieldwork and completed as part of the 2027 programme.