A wonderful week.

The Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments Scotland (RCAHMS) were here all week for their first week of Record Revision as part of the Archaeological Research Project. There are over 1000 records for Bute in the RCAHMS database (CANMORE). When the architectural and 'find spot' records are taken out this leaves 461 archaeology sites to be updated. This will take 7 weeks.Four representatives from RCAHMS arrived on Monday and have spent the week going out with interested community members revising the record.

The Royal Commission team is lead by Alex Hale and with him this week were Iain Parker, George Geddes and Angela Gannon.

This all sounds a bit dry but let me tell you that it was a magnificent week. Taking to the land with the team is an unmitigated delight. Watching their work, hearing their deliberations and having the privilege of being involved is such a joy. Every Royal Commission person I have ever met has been a pleasure to spend time and these guys were no exception, and I have to admit to shedding a tear on their departure.

They will be back w/c March 30th and details of their routes will be available by the middle of next week. Please send an email if you are interested to be involved. Personally I can't wait.

We also had a good meeting with more that 30 Bute farmers on the evening of the 18th. Thanks to all who attended. This was a joint meeting with Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) and Lucy Sumsion. We covered Biodiversity and Cross-Compliance, Farer training, DBLPS walls and hedges, SRDP options for Thom's Cuts and changes for legislation with regard to crow cages and snares.

We were also out filming the 6 month review of the project in the glorious sunshine.