Paid Volunteer at Ancient Odysseys

DATES: July 18-24 2027

Near Stirling, Scotland lies an incredibly important ancient structure called Gallow Hill. The site has been excavated by Dr. Murray Cook since 2020 and is now recognized as an 8,000-year-old Neolithic chambered burial cairn. Cremated human remains have already been found at the site. Also, a modest piece of flint and chert was found in 2026, This modest piece of rock is in fact the oldest artifact every to be found in the Stirling area. It is a core, which our ancestors used to knap a composite blade with which to hunt bears and lynxes. The site has been continuously occupied with evidence of a later Bronze Age settlement.

Gallow Hill is still in the early stages of excavation. In 2027, you will assist Dr. Cook in a rare opportunity to excavate this Late Bronze Age settlement and to look for internal features. In addition, you will help study the Neolithic timber fence line encircling the mound. It was here that kerb stones and a fragmented cremated human skull were found. Was this structure part of a ritual area? Were more tools knapped here? What else is under the soil? You can help to find out.

By joining archaeological work at Gallow Hill you’ll gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills with a mix of traditional and modern archaeological techniques. Participants work alongside experts, directly contributing to meaningful discoveries while fostering a shared appreciation for Scotland’s archaeological treasures.

Daily schedule

• Breakfast is included at the hotel
• You’ll be met at your hotel by a member of the dig team to drive to the archaeological dig site for a 9am start time
• 9am on site for a briefing and to begin work
• Coffee breaks included
• The group breaks for packed lunch together, You’ll be bringing your own lunches and snacks.
• 4pm daily fieldwork ends with a review of your daily finds​​​​

You will be trained in the techniques of excavation, including:

• Hands-on Fieldwork Training
• Stratigraphy training
• Archaeological Planning, Reporting and Documentation
• Heritage Conservation Initiatives

All artifacts will be analysed by the National Museum of Scotland then processed through the Scottish Treasure Trove system for deposition in a local museum.

Cost: from £1,759pp includes dig fees, accommodations, breakfasts and lunches