Reading and Recording the Drumbeg Landscape
Historic maps show that Drumbeg sits within a much older landscape of settlement, cultivation, routes, peat working and community life.
This two-day event will use the village hall as a base for exploring that landscape through archive research and practical field recording.
The days will move from the historic Drumbeg township and Peat Road to the burial landscape at Nedd.
Dates: Friday 16– Saturday 17 October 2026
Base: Drumbeg Village Hall
Booking: Details to follow
Day One — Drumbeg and the Peat Road
We will begin indoors with archive material and historic maps, looking at how Drumbeg developed and what documentary sources can tell us before we enter the field.
Working with the Assynt Ranger, we will then walk part of the Drumbeg Peat Road and explore the archaeology, history and natural landscape along the route.
Participants will learn how to look for evidence of past settlement and land use and how observations made in the field can be related back to historic maps and records.
Day Two — Recording at Nedd
The second day will focus on the historic graveyard at Nedd.
Participants will be introduced to simple monument recording and archaeological photography techniques before helping to create a consistent record of surviving grave markers and other features.
What you’ll learn
Across the two days we will introduce:
- map regression;
- desk-based archaeological research;
- landscape observation;
- basic site recording;
- grave-marker recording;
- archaeological photography.
Who is it for?
Anyone interested in Drumbeg, Nedd, local history, archaeology or learning practical recording skills.
You are welcome to attend one or both days, subject to final booking arrangements.
No previous archaeological experience is necessary.
What to bring / accessibility
Field activities will involve outdoor walking and uneven ground. Suitable footwear and waterproof clothing will be required.
More detailed information about routes, accessibility and refreshments will be provided when booking opens.
Part of Historic Assynt: (Re)Connecting Communities Stage 2 — taking the archive into the landscape and turning local knowledge into practical heritage skills.