Highland Archaeology Festival

Celebrating Highland Archaeology, History and Heritage

The festival is provided by the Highland Council and runs over 3 weeks each late September/October to celebrate the heritage of the Highlands from earliest settlers to modern times, below ground and above. Whether you are a seasoned archaeologist or a complete beginner, the festival will let you explore an amazing range of places and collections. There’s something to suit everyone and many of the events are free!

HAF 2023 has now finished.

Keep checking this page for information about HAF 2024.

HAF Events and Special Exhibitions

Check out the Events Calendar for around 100 events organised by organisations, museums and individuals.

The Museums & Exhibition tab has special exhibitions put on during HAF, and opening hours for museums during the festival. Do stop and visit local museums and archives during HAF!

There may be new events and exhibitions added, so keep checking! Any changes in dates, times or cancellations will be listed in the News section of the website - do check before you make final plans.

For those who don't use the internet, or prefer to browse a document, the events and exhibitions are also available in a pdf file in the Document Library.

HAF Conference

Please visit the Conference section of our website to book your place. The final programme can be viewed there or in the Events calendar. Bookings are via Eventbrite.

Feedback

We need your feedback and suggestions about the festival, this year especially as budget cuts bite. A feedback form can be downloaded from the Document Library which you can print out and post, or email back to highlandarchaeologyfestival@gmail.com. Alternatively there is an online form you can fill in by clicking here. Or just email us with any comments. If you value the Highland Archaeology Festival, please let us know!

Trails and Geocaches - available year round

The HAF geocache trail is still active, and there is also a list of self guided trails.

Festival reports

The reports for the previous festivals are in the Document Library

Adopt an HER Record

Is there a Highland site or object that is special to you?

The Highland Historic Environment Record (HER) is the Council’s online database of all known heritage in the Highlands. We’re looking for help to keep it accurate and for photographs of many of the sites and finds included. Can you help?

We’re inviting you to adopt an HER record. This may be as simple as just sending us a good photograph. Or you could include descriptions of the present state, forward other out of copyright material which should be included or links to them, add a bibliography or send corrections if needed. Your work will be acknowledged in the record unless you request otherwise. Look out for a display of adopted records at the HAF conference.

Free workshops!

Not familiar with using the HER? If your organisation would like a workshop please contact us on her@highland.gov.uk