Welcome to the Spring 2008 e-newsletter from RCAHMS
This year we commemorate a century of surveying and recording Scotland's past. On 7th February RCAHMS turned 100, and to mark the occasion all staff and commissioners (past and present) were invited to attend a birthday tea party at John Sinclair House. The event was a huge success and a great opportunity to catch up with old colleagues — not to mention a good excuse to eat lots of cake!
September 19th 2007 saw the official launch of RCAHMS keystone centenary project Treasured Places with an online vote to find the nation's favourite archive image from the RCAHMS national collection. 100 images were selected including archaeological sites, castles and monuments, feats of civil engineering and pieces of urban architecture, showcasing the journey in which our nation's built heritage has unfolded.
Over 22,000 people voted via a specially created website, www.treasuredplaces.org.uk, to decide their winner.
RCAHMS are planning two summer expeditions to map the archaeology of the remotest part of the British Isles.
Situated 41 miles to the west of Benbecula in Scotland's Outer Hebrides, St Kilda is the only location in the UK to hold dual UNESCO World Heritage Status for both its environment and culture. After a long human history infused with tragedy, the islands were evacuated on August 29, 1930, the remaining 36 people carrying furniture on their backs to the pier as they left their homes — and Europe's last hunter-gatherer community — behind forever.
RCAHMS has joined forces with the Scottish National Portrait Gallery to present Faces and Places. The exhibition will highlight the collections from both institutions and will be held at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery from April to July 2008.
In February 1908, Sir John Sinclair, Secretary of State of Scotland appointed the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. To mark our centenary, RCAHMS invites you to John Sinclair House to see The First One Hundred. Come and view the exhibition on display in the foyer and public search room that tells the story of the Commission and its work over the past century.
Positioned at the westernmost entrance to Edinburgh's Princes Street, St John's Episcopal Church enjoys the enviable picturesque backdrop of the castle and Old Town. Despite later additions, it stands today much as it was when first designed almost 200 years ago — a celebrated architectural monument and place of worship in the heart of Scotland's capital.
RCAHMS is pleased to announce the release of its first ever publications brochure.
Drawing on the experience and expertise of RCAHMS dedicated staff, and the outstanding resource of its unique archive collection, RCAHMS publications deliver immaculately researched and wonderfully illustrated titles to anyone with an interest in Scotland's history and built heritage.
To celebrate our centenary, we have planned an action packed year of exhibitions, seminars, workshops and website launch.
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