Scotland’s role in the First World War was significant and, as we learn more about the conflict and the archaeological evidence though local and national projects and new information and resources, we hope this will help to keep the legacy alive and be a fitting commemoration for current and future generations to share. At first the War seemed like an adventure for many, and there was an initial rush to enlist with the British Expeditionary Force. Thousands of volunteer regiments were also sent for training, many at Stobs Camp, near Hawick and subsequently sent to the front. Closer to home, hundreds of sites and structures were built for the defence of Scotland and much about these can be found on the CANMORE website.
How can I get involved?
We are leading on the Stobs Camp Project looking at the period of the First World War when Stobs Camp, just outside Hawick, was a Prisoner of War camp. There are opportunities for both local people and those much further afield to contribute to the work of the project.
Homefront Legacy project is looking for volunteers to help survey, research and record buildings and sites that played a role before, during and after the conflict. Archaeology Scotland have helped run and co-ordinate Homefront Legacy Training events in Invergordon, Haddington and Hawick. This project is being coordinated by the Council for British Archaeology and you will need to register and log in to download the Online Recording Toolkit. You should talk to your local authority archaeologist about your ideas for recording as there may be help available or projects already started in your area.
What’s happening?
A wide range of organisations are involved in the commemoration. Check out Historic Environment Scotland’s First World War website in the Learning section. Many local projects have been developed recently and it’s worth keeping an eye on these websites for updates on what’s happening.
- Archaeology Scotland, Adopt-a-Monument
- Edinburgh WWI History Hub
- Edinburgh’s War
- First World War.com
- Glasgow Life (First World War trail and schools initiative)
- RCAHMS
- Remembering Scotland at War
- Scapa Flow Landscape Partnership
- Scapa Flow Visitor Centre & Museum
- Scotland’s Urban Past
- Sites and Monuments Records
- The First World War Centenary
- The Scottish War Memorials Project
