This document sets out a Regional Archaeological Research Framework for Argyll. It was created by Kilmartin Museum, working with those in the archaeological community who are actively researching the archaeology of Argyll. Further information on how this Framework was created can be found in Section 2.8.
The focus of this RARFA is on archaeology, which is defined here as “the study of the human past through its material remains” (Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy 2015, 3).
The Regional Archaeological Research Framework for Argyll is a summary of archaeological knowledge and understanding of Argyll to the end of 2016. It is a resource and forms a strategic summary of key questions for future research.
For reasons of practicality, marine and maritime themes were not yet covered in this framework, however, there are plans to address this imbalance (see Section 2.8 and Section 2.9 below for further detail).
The RARFA builds upon and compliments the Scottish Archaeological Research Framework (ScARF).
The authors and funders hope that the RARFA will be used by the different audiences to guide and facilitate research in the area. It should support future research, but it is not intended that it will be used to constrain research, or other work, interests and activities.
The RARFA is freely available through the ScARF website. The resource is linked from the Kilmartin Museum website and anywhere else relevant. The resource is also available as a downloadable pdf file, although those seeking the most current information should turn to the website in the first instance.
Acknowledgements:
Kilmartin Museum is most grateful to all those who contributed to the Symposium and gave their enthusiastic support for the production of the RARFA. Thanks also to all those who have contributed to the RARFA, itself, whether as being active members of period working groups, individual contributors and/or consultees. In addition, we are most grateful for the support of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council for assistance with the preparation and delivery of the Symposium and Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and the Scottish Archaeological Research Framework for grant aiding the production of the Regional Archaeological Research Framework for Argyll.
The authors give grateful acknowledgement of the huge contribution developer-funded archaeology, academic and community archaeology ‘together’ make towards understanding the past – without which this framework would not have come about.