Each summer, students from the University of Edinburgh take part in the Holyrood Fieldwork Project, an excavation on the slopes of Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park. The project gives students hands-on experience of archaeological fieldwork while exploring one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. This year’s dig has already uncovered intriguing evidence of past human activity, and students have shared their experiences from the first week below.

Jack Morris — Days 1–2

This week on the Holyrood Fieldwork Project, we began our survey of Arthur’s Seat’s volcanic landscape. We trekked around the summit to examine charred patches left by recent wildfires, study the scatter of basalt boulders across ancient lava flows, and trace the intrusive dykes that shape its rugged profile.

We then set out an 8m x 8m trench. The turf was carefully removed and stacked, and each layer of soil (or “stratigraphic horizon”) was exposed and recorded. By the end of the first day, the trench—64 square metres in total—was securely cordoned off with orange plastic sheeting.

On day two, we built on this work by learning the core terminology of archaeological excavation: cuts, fills, and contexts. We also practised distinguishing subtle soil colours before using levelling tools to prepare the trench floor for precise documentation. By the end of the second day, our trowels had reached the distinctive reddish-yellow subsoil. Here we uncovered fragments of glass and pieces of slag, evidence of past human activity on this dramatic volcanic site.

Fig 1 — Site view: Excavation site on the slopes of Arthur’s Seat.

Hugo Yasumoto — Days 3–4

On day three, the reddish-yellow subsoil quickly became visible in several areas as we cleared away the last of the topsoil with trowels. Much of the soil was damp, and we spotted frogs and lizards taking advantage of these conditions.

Day four was focused less on digging and more on developing our wider fieldwork skills. Although we did not manage to remove all of the topsoil, we had two important training sessions. The first introduced us to the use of GIS (Geographical Information Systems) in archaeology and the equipment needed for accurate digital recording. The second explored different types of artefacts, ranging from prehistoric blades, pottery, and slag, to more recent finds such as clay tobacco pipes.

This artefact session was especially valuable in helping us learn how to distinguish between natural objects and items shaped by human activity. For example, shards of pottery can be identified by their layered fabric and surface decoration, while stone fragments without these features are more likely to be natural. We also learned how to recognise slag and stones altered by fire. Later that same day, we discovered several pieces of slag in the trench—an excellent opportunity to apply what we had just learned.

Fig 2 — Removing topsoil and exposing the first structures of the terraces

Anna Polovinkina — Days 4–5

On day four, we were able to put our new knowledge of artefacts to the test. We found patches of charcoal, more slag, a fragment of a clay pipe, and several pieces of quartz. It is not yet clear whether the quartz was deliberately worked in the past or simply broken during excavation, but further finds should help us decide. In Iron Age Scotland, quartz is often discovered in settlements in the form of cores, struck flakes, or tools, so it may provide important insights. The charcoal suggests past burning, while the clay pipe is a much more recent object but still adds to the story of the site.

By day five, we had nearly finished removing the topsoil. The trench surface is now much clearer, and possible structures are beginning to emerge. We think there may be two buildings—one at the upper side of the trench and one at the lower—separated by what looks like a terrace. This interpretation is based on the arrangement of the stones: some are aligned in a straight, linear fashion, while others are curved and set at different angles. Such a layout would fit with what we know of Iron Age settlements, where terraces were often used in connection with houses or cultivation.

That said, archaeological interpretations can change quickly, and we will only know more as excavation continues.

Fig 3 — Exposed stratigraphy and a linear stone feature revealed in the trench.