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To celebrate the tenth Highland Archaeology Week (11^th-19^th October 2003), The Highland Council’s Archaeology Unit has issued a major challenge throughout the month of September to all archaeological enthusiasts in the area.   Highland Archaeology Week In Caithness

The challenge is to expand the wealth of public information on the Highland Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) held by the Council’s Planning and Development Service where it will be available for local and national researchers in the future.

Anyone adopting the challenge is asked to send in information about unknown sites of archaeological interest along with photographs of the sites and location details to the Council for inclusion in the SMR. The results will be announced and prizes awarded at the Highland Archaeology Week Seminar held on the Royal Highland Hotel, Inverness on the 18^th October.  Prizes have been generously sponsored by Historic Scotland, History Scotland magazine and several Inverness shops, including Jessops who are offering reduced price film processing to everyone who takes part.

Co-ordinated by The Highland Council’s Planning and Development Service, Highland Archaeology Week is supported by Ross & Cromarty Enterprise, Forest Enterprise, The Royal Highland Hotel and White’s Electronics, Inverness. Over 121 events are organised by a wide range of community groups and heritage societies, museums and heritage centres, professional archaeologists and organisations like Scottish Natural Heritage and many others.  There are events throughout the Highlands Caithness to Skye and from Nairn to Argyll.

John Wood, Highland Council’s Senior Archaeologist said: "Archaeology is really growing in popularity and Highland Archaeology Week is a great opportunity for people of all ages to find out more about their heritage in fun and imaginative ways. With over 121 events taking place across the Highlands, our programme has something for everyone.

“This year, for the first time, there is a Gaelic event involving a walk to the Glenmore Sheiling and Stills organised by Sinne, the Badenoch & Strathspey Gaelic Group, and a bi-lingual Gaelic event following a guided walk through Inchnadamph Natural Nature Reserve to Bone Caves with Highland Council Ranger John Clare."

Highland Archaeology Week programmes are available from all Highland Service Points and libraries, from the Council’s Archaeology Unit, tel: 01463 702502 or on the internet at www.higharch.demon.co.uk