What we do and How to join in

At NOSAS we hold many events throughout the year, of very different types.  No-one attends everything, but most importantly all members are equally welcome at all events.  Events are held at weekends and on weekdays.  The notes below are to help you choose and join in, and also enable the leaders to plan, and know the numbers to expect.

MAD Evenings (‘Monthly Archaeological Discussions’)

The format is.... a presentation from a guest speaker, followed by a brief intermission for tea/coffee, and then a discussion of the issues raised.

Held monthly throughout the winter, normally at 7:30 pm in Strathpeffer Community Centre.  Details advised through regular emails and the ‘What’s On?’ tab.  No booking necessary.  There is a suggested charge of £2 as a contribution towards room hire, coffee and biscuits.

Driven by Covid and the geographical spread of our members, some of these talks are delivered online through Zoom.

Winter Walks

Held approximately monthly throughout the winter, these are walks to locations of archaeological interest, led by a member of NOSAS.  A brief handout is usually provided.  If convenient the day often ends at a suitable location for tea and cake.

Details advised through emails and the ‘What’s On?’ tab.  This will indicate the length of the walk, and likely conditions.  Usually you will need to register for the walk with the Walk Leader. In some cases numbers are limited for safety or other practical reasons and places will be allocated to those contacting the leader first.

NOSAS Projects

These are projects where NOSAS leads, or where NOSAS as an organisation has a particular responsibility.  In each case there is a named project leader.  Details of major events will be notified through the general emails but if you are interested in taking part you should contact the leader directly.  You will then be put on the project mailing list and kept advised of all events.  The website has a page of current projects.

Ad Hoc Walks (‘fossicking’ walks)

These walks are often arranged at short notice (24 – 48 hrs), typically to take advantage of weather conditions.  Unlike the winter walks their purpose is to explore and record.  Recent walks have been along sections of coastline, but they could be anywhere.  Members who are interested and wish to be kept informed should email Anne Coombs and ask to be added to the Ad Hoc walks mailing list.

NOSAS Training Events

NOSAS arranges training events from time to time, recent examples being Plane tabling, First Aid, Photogrammetry and QGIS.  Members will be notified by regular email well in advance.  There may be a charge in some cases.

Non-NOSAS Events – excavations, training, conferences, lectures

We are always interested in archaeological projects, events and conferences in our area, and keep members advised through regular emails.  Members wishing to join in should contact the relevant organisation directly.  You should say that you are a NOSAS member – other members may be there too.  NOSAS often supports such projects through loan of equipment and through publicity.  Recent examples include the Cromarty Medieval Burgh Community Archaeology Project, Clachtoll broch, Kirkmichael and Swartigill excavations.