Society's Community Led Approach to Local Archaeology is Highly Commended

North of Scotland Archaeology Society (NOSAS) members were thrilled to hear that they have made the short list of four finalists contending for the Council for British Archaeology's new Marsh Community Archaeology Award, the winners of which will be announced this week.

The Society, which will celebrate its 10th Anniversary this autumn and is already in receipt of an 'Highly Commended' Award from the Council for their archaeological investigations in Glen Feshie, now stands to be further honoured for their work which draws members from all corners of the north – from the Northern Isles to Argyll – to research, survey, excavate, interpret and communicate their local archaeology through community digs, training events, presentations, publications and exhibitions.

Conon Bridge woman, NOSAS Secretary and author of GLEN FESHIE - THE HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY OF A HIGHLAND GLEN, Meryl Marshall, shared the members' sense of joy and achievement: 'We are delighted. It is so encouraging for us to receive this recognition and it demonstrates just how important it is for us to continue our contacts with communities in the Highlands and Islands; supporting each other together to discover, appreciate and understand better our rich archaeological heritage.'.

Bob Powell, Highland Council's Principle Museums Officer, was more than pleased to endorse the NOSAS' application for the prestigious award:

'To date Glen Feshie is perhaps the most outstanding work that NOSAS are known for. However, as a member of the Scotland's Rural Past Project Advisory Group, I am also aware of the significant survey and documentation work that they are currently carrying out in Strathconon. This is important work and it is a great example of a community organisation undertaking work for which we have little capacity within our own established heritage institutions, to a continuing high standard, and for the benefit and interest of local communities and beyond.'.

To find out more about NOSAS, including information on joining in its activities and to purchase copies of GLEN FESHIE visit the society's website at http://www.nosas.co.uk/