Description
Edinburgh and St Giles Cathedral is set to celebrate their 900th anniversary in 2025, and a collaborative project with the City of Edinburgh Council Archaeological Service (CECAS) has commenced to explore the lives of the city’s early inhabitants through the examination of 12th- to 15th-century burials excavated at St Giles in the late 1970s and early 1980s.This multidisciplinary initiative leverages cutting-edge scientific techniques to uncover new insights into Edinburgh’s first residents. Key areas of underpinning research include isotopic analysis conducted in partnership with the University of Aberdeen, ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis with the Francis Crick Institute, and facial approximations with the University of Dundee. These investigations aim to deepen our understanding of the origins, diets, health, and identities of the medieval population.
The project will produce significant academic contributions, including archaeological publications, while emphasizing public engagement. A key element of its impact will be a major exhibition and installation at St Giles, running from April/May to November 2025. This event, timed to coincide with the Edinburgh Arts Festival and the Fringe, will showcase the findings and foster connections between contemporary audiences and the city’s medieval heritage. Additionally, the project will engage an intern from the Forensic Art and Facial Imaging MSc programme at Dundee, offering continued mentorship and opportunities for advanced skills development.
Period | Apr 2025 → Nov 2025 |
---|---|
Event type | Exhibition |
Location | Edinburgh, United KingdomShow on map |
Degree of Recognition | National |