Helen Spencer

@helspencer.bsky.social

Head of Research at Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. PhD in archaeological glass science. Consultant in museum and heritage collections care. Trustee at Tarbat Discovery Centre. Interested in all things #archaeology #museums #glass #Scotland #heritage

Are you interested in the early medieval archaeology of South West Scotland? Join us at the SWSARF workshops at the Dick Institute (2nd Oct) and Dumfries Museum (3rd Oct) to hear all about the South West framework so far and contribute to the early medieval chapter. Register now: bit.ly/3SrJgpJ

Dundonald Castle by Billy McCrorie, CC BY-SA 2.0

Fascinating world of ancient #glass: an amazing #Roman glass jug with a smaller glass jug inside – a so-called joke-jar that shows the skill of the glassmaker. Presumably made in workshop in Cologne, found in a grave in Stein am Rhein, Switzerland, 4th c. AD. 🧵1/2

A translucent greenish glass jug with a long neck, a wide base, and a single handle, containing a smaller, almost identical jug sealed inside it. The outer jug shows signs of age with visible cracks and scratches.

New draft chapters for the @SWScot_ARF project are now available! You can explore and comment on the Iron Age and Roman Campaigns drafts at bit.ly/4osL2SW If you're interested in the Iron Age and Roman periods, please join us at the upcoming SWSARF Workshops in Ayr and Dumfries: bit.ly/4evR3tF

Roman brooch found at Curragh, South Ayrshire © GUARD Archaeology

We had a wonderful day in Kilmartin on Saturday launching brand-new prehistoric rock art sections of the Future Thinking on Carved Stones framework, as well as five new case studies! You'll find more information and links to the new rock art chapters in our latest newsletter: bit.ly/4dFAkDH

Participants of the Rock Art Gathering, Kilmartin © ScARF; bottom left: © Joana Valdez-TullettClockwise from top left: Arrangement of ‘flower’ motifs at High Grange © Joana Valdez-Tullett; ScRAP rock art recording training at Port of Menteith, Stirling in 2018 © HES; Circular carvings at Achnabrek, Kilmartin, image by ScRAP © HES; Creating rock art with the Faifley community, part of the FaifleyRocks! project © Tertia Barnett

Last Saturday I was back in Kilmartin for the Rock Art Gathering event at Kilmartin Museum. For a few years now, Kilmartin is a yearly pilgrimage for me and every time I go back it feels like a warm hug. It is a place for smiles, laughter and friendships. 1/

Photograph showing a room with a screen at he end displaying the opening slide of the event, with a picture of the rock art site of Achnabreck. On the right side of the screen, the banner for ScARF - Scottish Archaeological Research Framework. A photo of the cover of the printed programme of the event. It has a photo of people looking at a rock art panel. On the left to this programme, there is a notebook and a pen from ScARF. A room with people attending the Rock Art Gathering at Kilmartin Museum. A photograph of the programme of the event, with the line up of speakers and evens.

RDW Glass is offering an exciting Stained Glass Residency, taking place over 3 weeks in September 2026. This unique opportunity,led by glass artists Keira McLean and Rich Welsh, invites artists of all backgrounds to explore stained glass as a storytelling medium. #stainedglass #glasgowart #glasgow

Stained Glass Residency - Scottish Contemporary Art Network

RDW Glass is offering an exciting Stained Glass Residency, taking place over 3 weeks in September 2026 (Monday 7th of...

sca-net.org

We have very limited spaces left to join us in Kilmartin, but there's still plenty of online places available. Head to our Eventbrite page for more information or to book your place now: bit.ly/4s85XMi

ScARF@scarf-scot.bsky.social · 6mo ago

Are you interested in Neolithic and Bronze Age rock art? Join us at Kilmartin Museum on the 16th of May for a free, hybrid event led by the wonderful Tertia Barnett and @joanavaldez.bsky.social. In-person places are limited, so book soon if you're interested! More information: bit.ly/4s85XMi

Tertia and Joana lead a fieldtrip to see local rock art in Faifley, West Dunbartonshire during the RSE funded rock art workshops in 2025 © ScARF

The ReACH team is growing! We’re looking for a Research Officer to join our team - helping to document and support Scotland’s churches at risk of closure & develop a national heritage resource. 📍Edinburgh (hybrid) 🗓️ Full time, fixed term More info & apply here: www.socantscot.org/news/work-wi...

Work With Us: ReACH Research Officer - Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is looking to hire a new member of staff to help deliver the Research in Action on Church Heritage (ReACH) project. Working closely with Scotland’s Churches Trus...

socantscot.org

Are you interested in the Iron Age and Roman archaeology of South West Scotland? Join us at our SWSARF workshops this June! We'll be at Ayr Town Hall (20th June) and Dumfries Museum (27th June) discussing the latest draft chapters of the South West framework. Register for free: bit.ly/3Qr32QG

Excavating the site of an Iron Age enclosure on Little Wood Hill, Threave Estate, D&G © Rathmell Archaeology Limited

We have plenty of exciting events coming up this spring and summer! 🌻 Whether you're interested in rock art, the Iron Age and Roman period or the archaeology of the Clyde Valley region, there's something for everyone. You can read all our latest updates in our April newsletter: bit.ly/4stEELT

Top: Excavating and recording the terminals of an Iron Age enclosure on Little Wood Hill, Dumfries and Galloway © Rathmell Archaeology Limited; bottom left: Participants of the 2025 Kirkcudbright Rock Art workshop at High Banks © ScARF; bottom right: Newark Castle, Inverclyde © ScARF

Looking forward to visiting Kilmartin again next month for our final #RockArt workshop funded by @royalsoced.bsky.social Still a few places left in person but partially hybrid as well! Book now!

ScARF@scarf-scot.bsky.social · 6mo ago

Are you interested in Neolithic and Bronze Age rock art? Join us at Kilmartin Museum on the 16th of May for a free, hybrid event led by the wonderful Tertia Barnett and @joanavaldez.bsky.social. In-person places are limited, so book soon if you're interested! More information: bit.ly/4s85XMi

Tertia and Joana lead a fieldtrip to see local rock art in Faifley, West Dunbartonshire during the RSE funded rock art workshops in 2025 © ScARF