Since the research overview discussed in ScARF Roman Chapter, which drew particular attention to lack of publication of key fieldwork (ScARF 2012, 69), there has been progress on the publication of previous work at sites relevant to the Roman Period in south east Scotland. Relevant sites and publications include Cramond (Cook et al 2017), Inveresk together with its wider environs (Kirby 2020; Will and Leslie forthcoming), Dere Street (White et al 2014; Dunbar and Engl 2016) and Traprain Law (Hunter et al 2022). Work is on-going on bringing data from Inveresk and detailed cataloguing of data from Curle’s excavations at Newstead (leather, iron and glass at least). However, it remains critical to improve access to legacy data. Priorities include bringing the Newstead & Environs Project to publication, documentation and integration of information contained in grey literature, full documentation of artefacts within museum collections from sites of this period (perhaps most notably Newstead). Development driven archaeology creates an ongoing need to compile records of small-scale interventions in specific sites into more integrated records.
Existing collections of physical remains in museums and other archives provide an important body of data that is relevant for many of the research questions discussed below. Many approaches might be used for reanalysis, including contextual, typological, technological and functional, but additional recording is required. This body of material perhaps has particular relevance to a wide range of scientific analyses, although it should be noted that retrieval and storage may make some types of analysis (for example residue analysis) challenging.
The backlog of publication of prior work needs to be addressed, including the full publication of artefacts and ecofacts stored in museums and further scientific analysis done on that material. Grey literature, especially material not accessible through ADS, should be systematically catalogued and made accessible. Museum collections and Treasure Trove artefacts also need to be fully documented and photographed. Public friendly interfaces should be further developed. Developments in imaging such as 3D scanning and photogrammetry should be used where appropriate to enrich the digital record.