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.

​

Work at the Gallow Hill project receives no external funding and has no dedicated excavation team. Dig fees are the sole source of funding that keeps the project active. By joining Dr. Murray Cook, you will assist in uncovering Stirling’s significant place in Scottish history and bring a deeper understanding of Late Prehistoric settlement patterns of the Forth Valley.

 

On your first night, you'll meet Dr. Cook for a pint at a local pub and Dr. Cook will provide orientation and training as you work together. Everyone is welcome, no previous knowledge or experience is required. ​​

​​

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​

• On your final evening, you'll join the group for a farewell dinner

​​​

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.

 

Physical Requirements: Archaeology and paleontology fieldwork can be physically demanding, often requiring participants to walk over uneven terrain, stand for extended periods, bend, kneel, crouch, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Digging and excavation may involve using hand tools, brushes, shovels, or picks, as well as lifting and carrying equipment, soil, rocks, or specimens. Participants should generally have enough mobility, balance, strength, and stamina to perform these activities safely, although specific physical requirements vary considerably by excavation and can often be accommodated with advance notice. Click here for more details on what to expect on a archaeology dig. 

​​​​​​​

Additional Fieldtrips

Dr. Cook is available after fieldwork is complete to lead the group for a tour of other sites in and around Stirling.

 

Accommodation: Dunblane Hydro​

Meals: Breakfast and a packed lunch each day

1 dinner is included. The rest are on yourn own

All accommodations including breakfast and a packed lunch and beverages are included in the cost. In addition, all training, tools and equipment are included. 

​

Transportation between your hotel and the archaeological site are provided each day. 

​

Please note that all field work is weather dependent. Scottish weather is variable, so please pack:

• Hiking boots, preferably waterproof

• Wear clothes that can get dirty and bring layers for changeable weather, including rain

• Waterproof rain jacket

• Sunscreen

• Gardening/work gloves

• A wide-brim hat

• Water bottle

​​

Not included:

• Transportation to and from Dunblane can be provided for an additional fee, upon request. 

1. What makes Gallow Hill significant?

   The site has multiple defences which has given the impression of a Roman military fort 

2. What has been most surprising about your discoveries at this location?​

   It's been a surprise to see the time depth at Gallow Hill. We are finding Neolithic, Late Bronze Age and Roman iron all in the same spot!

3. What are your current research objectives at Gallow Hill? 
   Dating and phasing are always important at the start. From there, we will expand excavations outside the upstanding structure to look for secondary and earlier structures 

4. What was most the important or rewarding find at this site?
   We found a smashed rotary quern fragment. This indicates to us just how many were produced. It also indicates the key role that grain production and this surpluses played in the economy. ​

 

Additional Reading

• Meet Murray Cook

• Stirling Archaeology Up-to-Date News​​​

• Pricing of £1759 is per person based on double occupancy.

• Single occupancy is £2449 

• Travel logistics managed by Pathfinders

• ​Rates remain subject to change until such time that full and final payment has been received and confirmed. Rates can change based on availability, exchange rates and changes implemented by service providers.​

​​

Includes:

• All tools for archaeological excavation are provided, along with dedicated on-site training, instruction, and supervision.

• Transportation to and from the site daily

• The cost of the dig includes funds to support the archaeological fieldwork and research

• 6 nights accommodation in Dunblane

• Breakfasts and packed lunches + one dinner

• Activities as indicated in the itinerary.​

​​

Excludes:​

• International airfare

• Transportation to and from Dunblane. (Trains are available from Edinburgh Waverley to Dunblane at a cost of about £13.00 one way)

• Dinners not mentioned

• Personal, travel and medical insurance (mandatory proof needed)

• Alcoholic beverages

​​​​​

Fees and Cancellations: 

Full payment is due upon booking. 

Cancellations: Once a booking is confirmed and payment is made, a 20% cancellation fee will be charged up to 61 days prior, a 50% cancellation fee will be charged if cancelled between 60-31 days before the trip. Cancellations under 30 days before the trip are 100% non-refundable.