ARCHAEOLOGISTS will this year begin surveys on Edinburgh’s iconic Calton Hill to “uncover” the secrets of the famous mound’s ancient history and historic use.
Conservationists, who are working with an Edinburgh archaeology firm on the project, say that “surprisingly little” is known about the hill’s historic use before its famous monuments were built despite its status as a centre of human activity.
Archaeologists will now look to reveal the hill’s secrets using drones and remote-sensing methods to examine the land surface.
The project will begin this month, with regular workshops keeping the public updated on the results.
The project is being undertaken by the Calton Hill Conservation Trust in partnership with Headland Archaeology, a firm with headquarters in Leith.
It is thought that the prominence of Calton Hill would have made it a focus of human activity in years gone by, just as it is today.
Despite this, very little is known about the history of the hill prior to the late 18th and early 19th century, which saw the construction of the Calton Hill Observatory and two separate monuments to the Napoleonic Wars.
The project will scrutinise the “archaeological potential” of the hill – indications of ancient human activity.
The project will utilise “non-invasive” drone photogrammetry, the process of capturing many overlapping photographs of a desired target for 3D rendering.
These examinations of the land and 3D models will be entered into a geographical information system (GIS) and compared to the historic record.
A spokesperson for Headland archaeology wanted to stress the non-invasive nature of the project, meaning there will be no excavation of digs undertaken.
They continued: “This project is focussing on research, non-invasive survey, and community engagement.
“By engaging local residents and community members in a series of workshops and events, we hope to increase the awareness and interest in the archaeological potential of Calton Hill.”
Workshops will be hosted to keep the public informed about the project and explain how new technology is being utilised to advance understanding of the hill.
In a statement, the Calton Hill Conservation Trust gave more details on these workshops.
The statement reads: “Participants will be invited to explore the history of the hill, discover what’s currently known about its history and archaeology, and develop an understanding around what is left to uncover.
“Walks will explore learnings on the ground and will be an opportunity for people to get outside and interact with the hill, to discover more about its historic landscape.
“Participation is free for both members and non-members.”
TheSE workshops will take place at 10am on Saturday 31 January, Saturday, 7 February, Saturday 21 February, and Saturday 28 February.
