Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

Who we are

The Society was founded in 1780 and incorporated by Royal Charter in 1783. Its purpose as defined in the charter is to ‘investigate both antiquities and natural and civil history in general, with the intention that the talents of mankind should be cultivated and that the study of natural and useful sciences should be promoted’.

As a modern charity, the Society relies mainly on members (known as Fellows) for its independence and most of its income. There are currently around 2,600 Fellows around the world, with the majority residing in the UK. The Society promotes the understanding and conservation of Scotland’s historic environment for the benefit of all. It publishes high-quality books and peer-reviewed papers, runs an annual programme of lectures and conferences, and administers research grants and prizes to support best practice and encourage new and innovative research into Scotland’s past.

The Society is an impartial voice for Scotland’s past, and acts as an advocate for the heritage sector, responding to government consultations and chairing meetings and symposia.

The Society also leads ScARF, the pioneering Scottish Archaeological Research Framework, and Dig It!, a national project celebrating and encouraging participation in Scottish archaeology.

The Society is a charitable organisation registered in Scotland (SC010440) and governed by a voluntary, elected Board of Trustees called Council.

Our culture and values

These are central to everything we do as a charity.

Collaboration

We collaborate with other organisations, individuals and groups for the betterment of Scottish heritage wherever it is found. Working together in the spirit of collegiality and Fellowship as a learned society, we will ensure our independent voice for Scotland’s past and act as a focal point for its diverse strands.

Opportunity 

We affirm that everyone should be able to access, participate in and enjoy Scotland’s past, ensuring equality of opportunity in the work that we do. We are committed to public engagement through coordinating innovative projects and making our resources and events free to access wherever possible.

Transparency

We support transparency in all decision-making relating to Scotland’s heritage ensuring that everyone has the chance to engage and get involved.

Research Excellence

We support high quality study of Scotland’s past through our own publications, developing research frameworks, and promoting excellence through grants and awards. We will strive to improve standards and knowledge of all aspects of Scotland’s past, even those that might be considered contentious or uncomfortable.

Equality

We are proud to be an actively anti-racist, pro-equality and pro-diversity heritage charity in Scotland. We believe that no one holds a monopoly on Scotland’s history and that it should be shared by and for everyone; the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is committed to working towards equality and accessibility in the Scottish heritage sector and beyond. The Society will ensure that:

• All members of our community and stakeholders are treated with fairness, dignity and respect.
• We uphold and value protected characteristics and will not discriminate on grounds of, including but not limited to, age, disability, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or gender reassignment.
• We will challenge inequalities and remove barriers to equality and diversity in heritage activities.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is proud to be an inclusive, anti-racist, pro-equality and pro-diversity heritage charity. We believe that no one holds a monopoly on Scotland’s history and that it should be shared by and for everyone. For over 240 years, we have provided expertise, support and resources to enhance and promote the understanding and enjoyment of Scotland’s past around the world. We empower and facilitate research and innovation, advocating as an independent voice for heritage matters, and sharing knowledge of the past with everyone; we are committed to working towards equality and accessibility in the Scottish heritage sector and beyond.

Our policy is available on our website https://www.socantscot.org/policies/equality-diversity-gender-balance-policy/