Winter Lecture Series: Heritage dendrochronology in Scotland’s archaeology, buildings and landscapes

Tree-ring analysis of old timbers provides precision dating, often to a specific year, and also indicates where the parent trees grew. Dendrochronology in Scottish archaeology and historic buildings cumulatively reveals wider historic timber trade patterns and the form and fate of Scotland’s own woodlands. When applied to shipwrecks the precise dating combined with provenance can allow the identity of a wreck to be established, as in the recent study of a shipwreck on Sanday, Orkney. Application of tree-ring studies in historic woodlands goes beyond historical objectives, informing conservation work and ecological restoration projects. Hear about examples from across Scotland of how amazing tree-rings are.

Coralie is a dendrochronologist and environmental archaeologist who has worked in Scotland since completing her PhD on the dendrochronology of Exeter Cathedral in 1988. In 2009 Coralie set up her consultancy Dendrochronicle which undertakes commissioned projects on heritage tree-ring dating and historic wooded landscape studies across Scotland. She is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of St Andrews and was formerly a director at AOC Archaeology for many years. She is a Member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Amongst her voluntary roles, Coralie is an Honorary Fellow of Scottish Environment LINK and a member of the ICOMOS International Wood Committee.

The talk will be held at Holyrood Park Education Centre, 1 Queen’s Drive, Edinburgh EH8 8HG.