Scottish Archaeological Research Framework (SCARF)

ScARF is a collaborative project funded by Historic Scotland and led by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.  It began in late 2008 and is scheduled to complete in March 2012.  

ScARF’s ambitious aim is to involve everyone in Scottish Archaeology in assessing what we know and where the most significant gaps are in our knowledge, in the hope that opportunities will be found to undertake research which will strengthen the framework of our understanding of the past as approached through archaeology.  Inevitably, the work is at a fairly strategic level, looking at broad areas of knowledge rather than finely detailed aspects.  

It is hoped that the resulting Framework will be of use to all participants, and will help to ensure that resources (which are always scarce) are directed into key areas of research – this could apply to academic funding sources and to Historic Scotland’s archaeology programme, but could equally apply to maximising the research value of developer-funded archaeology or setting the efforts of local enthusiasts into national context.     

The project is steered by a group drawn from the leading Scottish national institutions, the universities, local authorities, commercial archaeology units and the voluntary sector, and chaired by Roger Mercer OBE, former Secretary of RCAHMS.  The work programme is divided into a number of Panels, mainly based on specific periods but with some arranged around themes.  The first 3 Panels to begin work are focussing on the Neolithic, the Medieval period and the Marine & Maritime theme.  The project is administered by Dr Jeff Sanders.

More details and progress reports can be found on the Society’s website