Scotland’s Archaeological Human Remains Collections project

Archaeological human remains provide a first-hand intimate connection with people who lived and died in the country we now call Scotland. The application of scientific techniques such as ancient DNA and isotopic analysis, as well as imaging techniques like 3D modelling and facial reconstruction, allow us close insights into aspects of past lives and identities, such as what people may have looked like, when they may have moved from one region to another, and who they were related to. Through these methods, archaeological human remains in Scottish museums contribute to high-impact collaborative research and innovative national and international narratives about the human past in Scotland and the wider world.

As more human remains are uncovered and research interest grows, so does the need to expand storage capacity and enhance the ethical care of these important collections. In 2024, Scotland’s Archaeological Human Remains Collection (SAHRC) project was initiated, led by National Museums Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland and involving partners from across the UK heritage sector. In collaboration, we aim to address critical issues facing the sector, encompassing the trajectory of human remains from their excavation to curation and analysis. Of key importance is the need for clear processes by which human remains enter museum collections following excavation.When human remains are retained, they require specialist curatorial care. This presentation will outline some of the ways we are striving to achieve this, including the development of curatorial guidelines and national research frameworks.