Started over 50 years ago, the Edinburgh Archaeological Field Society has been a significant player in the Scottish Archaeological world ever since. The Society was founded in April 1971 and started with a project based at Fast Castle in Berwickshire. This project lasted until 1986 and the significance of the work done led to the Society winning the prestigious British Archaeological Awards’ Pitt Rivers Award.

Excavations at Cramond were a strong feature of the Society from 1975 to 2008. Members assisted CECAS, National Museums Scotland (NMS) and various commercial archaeological units as well as running our own excavations. Most of the Cramond excavations were uncovering the Roman history of the area, but an EAFS led excavation from 1988 to 2001 found the remains of the demolished 17th century village of Nether Cramond as well as Mesolithic features from c8500 BC.

We are involved in fieldwalking, watching briefs, survey and excavation in conjunction with other local archaeological organisations. Over the years EAFS has grown a reputation for geophysical survey in support of other non- commercial organisations. Our members and our surveying equipment have traversed the length and breadth of Central Scotland.

We work closely with Local Authority Archaeological Services, the National Trust for Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland. A number of our members have developed expertise in glass, textiles, ceramics, bones and ancient technologies.

Our Honorary President is John Lawson, Archaeology Officer, City of Edinburgh Council Archaeology Service (CECAS).