We are a new business set up during the summer of 2004, with the aim of promoting the rich and diverse archaeological heritage of Skye and Lochalsh, on the west coast of Scotland.  Our team leaders have a well-established background and knowledge of the area, having participated in research and contract driven archaeology projects during the past 16 years.

Steven Birch, MA PIFA FSA Scot, is a freelance archaeologist based in Skye, where he has worked on a wide range of commercial archaeology contracts and research-based projects. 

Research-based archaeology includes 5 years work on the Scotland’s First Settlers Project, directed by Dr. Karen Hardy and Caroline Wickham-Jones, to investigate the earliest settlement of the Inner Sound, on the Scottish west coast.  For the past two years Steven has also been co-directing survey and excavation work at High Pasture Cave near Kilbride, Skye.  Excavations in the cave combined with a detailed survey of stone-built structures on the surface, is providing evidence of domestic and possible ritual activity during the Iron Age.

Steven has also worked on a wide range of underwater archaeology projects including the investigation of three Spanish Armada wrecks off the west coast of Ireland, for which he conducted detailed documentary research.  He also provides assistance for Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Services, undertaking guided walks and special interest events with an archaeology theme.  Steven has also worked with Aberdeen University’s Continuing Education Department during the past two years, providing lectures for the University’s winter programme throughout the Highlands & Islands.

Martin Wildgoose, AIFA, has provided a wide range of commercial archaeological services throughout the Highlands of Scotland during the past 16 years, through his business Archaeological & Ancient Landscape Survey. Specialising in archaeological landscape survey, Martin has also worked on the Scotland’s First Settlers Project and has directed a wide range of research-based excavations on the island including prehistoric houses at Ord, Coill a’ Ghasgain, Achnacloich and Tungadale, and the Leitir Fura Cave.

Martin has also worked extensively with Highland Council’s Education, Culture & Sport Services, assisting with organised archaeological walks and survey days.  Prior to his move to Skye from Derbyshire, Martin worked with Sheffield University’s Archaeology Department of Prehistory, carrying out survey and excavation work on multi-period landscapes, especially on Roman, Romano-British and Anglo-Saxon sites in the Derbyshire Peak District.  Both Martin and Steven are members of the Institute of Field Archaeologists and the Council for British Archaeology, while Steven is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

In addition to our team archaeologists, we work with a number of local experts with various fields of interest who assist with the development and leading of our holidays.