The purpose of this page is to provide access to some of the presentations and documents that have been given or discussed at MAD Discussion Group sessions.

Tertia's powerpoint can be seen here.

Candy Hatherley of Aberdeen University spoke about The Hillforts of Fortriu. This was about trying to find evidence of Pictish settlement and activity in Easter Ross. Candy has dug on the Tarbert Peninsula and has plans for more digs this coming summer. Her presentation and notes can be found here.

• Photos of some of last summers digs and finds can be found here:
  • Tarrel Dun - a hive of archaeological activity
  • Tarrel Dun - the summit laid out
  • Easter Rarichie - a fine inside wall
  • Wester Rarichie - Coal bracelets

Andrea has povided a wealth of background information and references to supplement the informative and stimulating talk she gave on the relationship between The Lords of the Isles, Clan Donald, The Earldom of Ross, and her own Urquhart Castle. Intriguing......... click below to access:

• Some maps and references - click here
• Strathnaver and the Earldom of Ross - a further explanation - click here
• Brown - Lord of the Isles - scanned document - click here
• Caldwell - Lord of the Isles - scanned document - click here
• Oram - The Lords of the West - scanned document - click here
• MacDougall - Achilles' Heel - scanned document - click here
• Munro - The Lordship of the Isles - scanned document - click here

         To download Cait McCullagh's presentation slides please click here.

         To download Cait's presentation notes please click here.

Sylvina Tilbury, Highland Council’s Historic Environment Record Officer, gave a presentation of the Highland HER and how the resource has developed in the 4 years since launching the HER website. Following on from the recent user survey she talked about the user experience and future improvements. She demonstrated and invited discussion on how NOSAS members can contribute, and why such contributions are so essential for the preservation of Highland’s archaeological and built heritage.  She also explained the difference between the HER and CANMORE.  After her presentation she hoped that members had understood why information has to be duplicated both to HER and Canmore. 

A pilot is being run at the moment by a group of NOSAS members using the new form in order in minimise re-writing everything for both systems.  The group will then pass on their knowledge to other members of NOSAS.  

If there are other opportunities to join with the HER to develop ideas or to help I am sure we would welcome the opportunity.

To download a copy of Sylvina's presentation please click here.

Please click here for Simon Gunn's presentation slides and here for an outline of his talk with reference to the slides.