This year has presented us with a diverse series of projects. The level of fieldwork has been variable, with several large projects still in gestation rather than in progress. One interesting trend, reflected on this year’s front cover, is the emergence of 19th and 20th-century archaeology as an area of interest, with recent projects including farm cottages, an airfield and a prisoner-of-war camp. Our previous work on the farm cottages at St Madoes had also featured as a case study in Historic Scotland’s guide to recording clay buildings. The airfield (at Findo Gask in Perthshire) contained a remarkably well-preserved range of early wartime buildings and structures, while the prisoner-of-war camp, at Bonnytown in Fife, contained late wartime concrete huts, obviously ancestral to the post-war prefabs.

Specialist and post-excavation work has been busy this year. Horse Cross, Perth is being written up, the Perth High Street project is beginning to gather momentum, and we have done some interesting specialist work for other units, particularly animal bone from prehistoric sites.

The first phase of the Perth signage project is now installed, and is attracting a good level of public interest. A second phase of work is at an early stage, but will gather momentum later in the year.

SUAT continues to be well represented on outside bodies, with David Bowler serving on the Council of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and the local society (PSNS). David Perry also serves on the PSNS Council. Derek and Adrian serve on the TAFAC Council, and Derek is Assistant Secretary of the Medieval Pottery Research Group and a founding member of Scottish Church Heritage Research Ltd. Adrian is also leader of the local Young Archaeologists Branch. Catherine serves on the Abertay Historical Society and has been nominated for the Council of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

An important development this year has been Adrian’s secondment to Historic Scotland for six months as an Inspector. Adrian is being kept busy travelling around the country, but will certainly find the experience invaluable.

Otherwise, there have been no great changes in staff this year. We have continued to benefit from the help of volunteers, students and school placements, especially in dealing with the archives of older, unfunded projects.

Thanks are due as always to the staff for their energy and dedication. Particular thanks are due to the Chairman, Vice-Chair and Trust Council, for their continuing support, advice and encouragement.

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