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About The SCAPE Trust
The SCAPE Trust was established as a charitable company in 2001. Its aims are to research, conserve and promote the archaeology of Scotland's coast. Defining the 'coastal zone' is difficult, but generally, SCAPE is interested in all archaeological sites and historic landscapes that have either a proximity to, or relationship with, the coast. The charity is run by a board of directors comprising both archaeologists and others with an interest in Scotland's shores. Tom Dawson manages the day to day running of the company's affairs.

SCAPE has worked on a series of projects concerned with Scotland's coastal archaeology, many of which were undertaken with partner organisations. SCAPE is co-ordinating the Shorewatch project and works with local groups and societies to locate, record and monitor sites on Scotland’s coast. SCAPE’s work with Shorewatch was awarded the 2004 Silver Trowel for the greatest initiative shown in an archaeological project.
Tom Dawson collects the Silver Trowel on behalf of Shorewatch

SCAPE initiated the detailed examination of an eroding prehistoric site on the coast of Unst, Shetland where it worked in partnership with the Unst Amateur Archaeology Society, the Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division and. After completion of the excavation, the site was adopted as part of the Council for Scottish Archaeology’s Adopt a Monument scheme.

Excavations have also been carried out on the island of Baile Sear, North Uist where an Iron Age wheelhouse and associated structures have been uncovered; and at Brora, Sutherland work has concentrated on the eroding saltpans.

SCAPE has overseen surveys of the coasts of Coll; Tiree; Islay; Ayrshire; the Inner Clyde; parts of Kintyre and Arran; North and South Uist (both east and west coasts); and Scottish Borders. It has also undertaken the survey of Colonsay and Oronsay.

Excavations at Sandwick, Unst, the Shetland Isles

SCAPE has conducted research into fish traps on the Moray Firth and the Firth of Forth and has worked on developing airborne remote sensing as a means of finding sites buried in the dunes of Coll and Tiree. It is currently analysing all data collected in the Historic Scotland coastal surveys and will be working with others to help devise an action plan for future work at threatened sites.

In 2007, SCAPE teamed up with the Herald newspaper to organise a nationwide photographic competition. With a first prize of £1,000, Capturing the Coastline helped to publicise Scotland’s coast and the problems it faces. Winners were selected by a panel of judges, including world-famous landscape photographer, Colin Prior. An exhibition of winning photographs is currently touring Scotland.

SCAPE has received funding for projects from a variety of organisations, and thanks are due to Historic Scotland, The Heritage Lottery Fund, The University of St Andrews, The Carnegie Trust, The Russell Trust and The Crown Estate.