Work in 2026 will focus on continued excavation of the hillfort where you’ll assist in exposing the road and the search for a gate. You’ll also work to excavate two burial mounds at a previously unknown Roman Iron Age burial site.

As the site is excavated, will bring a deeper understanding to Late Prehistoric settlement patterns and how the native people interacted with the Roman conquest.

By joining archaeological work at King’s Park you’ll gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills with a mix of traditional and modern archaeological techniques. Participants work alongside experts, directly contributing to meaningful discoveries while fostering a shared appreciation for Scotland’s archaeological treasures.

On your first night, you'll meet Dr. Cook for a pint at a local pub and Dr. Cook will provide orientation and training as you work together. Everyone is welcome, no previous knowledge or experience is required. ​​

​​

Daily schedule

• Breakfast is included at the hotel

• You’ll be met at your hotel by a member of the dig team and take the 15 minute walk to the site for a 9am start time

• 9am on site for a briefing and to begin work

• Coffee breaks included

• The group breaks for packed lunch together, You’ll be bringing your own lunches and snacks.

• 4pm daily fieldwork ends with a review of your daily finds​

• On your final evening, you'll join the group for a farewell dinner

​​​

You will be trained in the techniques of excavation, including: 

• Hands-on Fieldwork Training

• Stratigraphy training

• Archaeological Planning, Reporting and Documentation

• Heritage Conservation Initiatives

All artifacts will be analysed by the National Museum of Scotland then processed through the Scottish Treasure Trove system for deposition in a local museum.

The nature of excavation requires participants to be physically independent, with the ability to carry a backpack with a water bottle, and sit, kneel, crouch, and lay on the ground for extended periods of time in hot outdoor conditions. The activity will also include standing and walking for extended periods of time in primitive outdoor conditions. There are toilets on-site.

​​​​​​​

Optional Fieldtrips and Lectures

For an additional fee, Dr. Cook is available after fieldwork is complete to lead the group for a tour along Stirling's City Walls—known as the Back Walk— that follows the line of the medieval city walls dating from the 16th to 18th century. He is also available to lead a lithic and pottery lecture and session. 

​​

Click here for more details on what to expect on a archaeology dig. 

​

Accommodations: Stirling Highland Hotel, double occupancy are within a 15 minute walk of the site

Meals: Breakfast and a packed lunch each day. Dinners are on your own with a farewell dinner together the last night

All accommodations including breakfast and a packed lunch and beverages are included in the cost. In addition, all training, tools and equipment are included. 

​

Please note that all field work is weather dependent. Scottish weather is variable, so please pack:

• Hiking boots, preferably waterproof

• Wear clothes that can get dirty and bring layers for changeable weather, including rain

• Waterproof rain jacket

• Sunscreen

• Gardening/work gloves

• A wide-brim hat

• Water bottle

​​

Not included:

• Transportation to and from Stirling. Transportation to and from Stirling can be provided for an additional fee, upon request. 

• Transportation within Stirling

1. What makes King's Park significant?

   ​​The site is a previously unknown native hillfort, which I discovered. Radiocarbon dating indicates it was occupied through the Roman Invasions of Scotland, and its inhabitants seem to have survived the only recorded genocide in Britain.

2. What has been most surprising about your discoveries at this location?​

   It was a surprise to identify and date the native cemetery to before the Roman invasion.

3. What are your current research objectives at King's Park? 

   Our current research is focused on properly dating and characterizing the site.

4. What was most important or rewarding find at this site?​

   We were thrilled to find a tiny fragment of Samian ware that was kept for over 100 years. We surmise it served as a bribe paid during the Flavian invasion.

• Pricing is per person based on double occupancy.

• Single occupancy is £2399 

• Travel logistics managed by Pathfinders

• ​Rates remain subject to change until such time that full and final payment has been received and confirmed. Rates can change based on availability, exchange rates and changes implemented by service providers.​

​​

Includes:

• All tools for archaeological excavation are provided, along with dedicated on-site training, instruction, and supervision.

• The cost of the dig includes funds to support the archaeological fieldwork and research

• 6 nights accommodation at Stirling Highland Hotel

• Presentations, private tours and excavation days with the researchers & site permit holders

• Breakfasts and packed lunches

• Activities as indicated in the itinerary.​

​​

Excludes:​

• International airfare

• Transportation to and from Stirling

• Transportation to and from the site daily

• Dinners not mentioned

• Personal, travel and medical insurance (mandatory proof needed)

• Alcoholic beverages

• ​​​​​

Fees and Cancellations: 

Full payment is due upon booking. 

Cancellations: Once a booking is confirmed and payment is made, a 20% cancellation fee will be charged up to 61 days prior, a 50% cancellation fee will be charged if cancelled between 60-31 days before the trip. Cancellations under 30 days before the trip are 100% non-refundable. 

• Meet Murray Cook

• We Reveal Scotland Under the Romans

• Stirling Archaeology Up-to-Date News​​​