Hillforts: from the Pentland Firth to the western Mediterranean

Amongst later prehistoric settlement types found in Scotland, hillforts offer particular scope for exploring diverse linkages through Britain and Ireland to the nearer continent. A selection of these will be outlined, from aspects of the architecture of their defences, through evidence for violence and the use of fire in their destruction, to the character of the societies they may have contained.

The lecture will be followed by a Q&A. Attendees are also welcome to stay for a free drinks reception from approximately 7pm where you can discuss the lecture and other interests with the speaker, Society Fellows and other attendees.
This talk will be presented by Abercromby Emeritus Professor Ian Ralston OBE MA PhD DLitt FRSE MAE FSA FSAScot, University of Edinburgh.
Ian Ralston is Abercromby Emeritus Professor of Archaeology, Edinburgh University; and was formerly non-Executive Chair of CFA Archaeology. His career began at Aberdeen University. He has held visiting positions in Paris and Budapest; and at the University of the South, Tennessee. He has chaired the Scottish Group of CBA, the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel, and the Institute of Field Archaeologists. He is a former President of this Society. He has published primarily on Scottish archaeology, the European Iron Age and applied archaeology.

This will be a hybrid event which will take place both in Augustine United Church and online. Please keep an eye on the Society website, e-newsletters and your email inbox for the latest news and further information on Society events.

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All attendees are requested to act with respect to one another during this hybrid event.

Anyone making comments which we believe to be inappropriate (e.g. offensive or abusive) will be removed from the event immediately. Equivalent procedures (e.g. with regard to spam) will apply online.

Please note, the hearing loop facility at Augustine United Church is currently unavailable. The venue is working to get this fixed as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The main entrance to the church is up four steps with a handrail.

Step free access is available via a door to the right of the building - please ring the bell for attention. Please note there is a tight turn in this passageway.

A standard accessible toilet is available on the ground floor and lower level (accessible via lift).

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If attending via Zoom, captions are included.

You can find further information on Accessibility here.

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Header image credit: Bennachie from the east, north of Inverurie, Aberdeenshire (© Andrew Wood via Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0)

Host or Publisher Society of Antiquaries of Scotland