There are currently seven regional research frameworks either completed or ongoing. These have been part-funded by Historic Environment Scotland and are being co-ordinated through ScARF. When complete they will all be available and searchable as part of the ScARF website and will tie directly into the national framework.
The regional research frameworks will complement the national ScARF but will focus on assessing the state of knowledge in each region and how it differs from the national picture and changes in our knowledge since it was launched in 2012. They will highlight key regional differences and future research priorities in each geographical area.
These research frameworks are a key part of Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy
Regional Archaeological Research Framework for Argyll (RARFA)
RARFA was the first regional research framework to be completed, created in partnership with Kilmartin Museum and working with those in the archaeological community who are actively researching the archaeology of Argyll.
Highland Archaeological Research Framework (HighARF)
The project to create a regional research framework for the Highland council region, was led by ARCH (Archaeology for Communities in the Highlands) and supported by the Highland Council local archaeologists. This research framework was launched in 2021.
Perth and Kinross Archaeological Research Framework (PKARF)
The project to create a framework for the Perth and Kinross region was managed by Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust. This new framework was launched in September 2022.
South East Scotland Archaeological Research Framework (SESARF)
This regional research framework project covers the archaeology of the local authority areas of the City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. The first chapters were launched in 2023, with the remainder to come in 2024.
Scotland’s Islands Research Framework for Archaeology (SIRFA)
The SIRFA project is developing a regional research framework for the three island groups of the Western Isles, Shetland and Orkney. The final framework is due to be launched in 2024.
Clyde Valley Archaeological Research Framework (CVARF)
Future plans are being put in place for a regional framework of West Central Scotland – the ‘Clyde Valley’. This three year project began in 2023.
South West Scotland Archaeological Research Framework (SWSARF)
Our latest regional research framework project began in 2024 and will cover North, East and South Ayrshire as well as Dumfries and Galloway.