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Historic Scotland

TAN 13
The Archaeology of Scottish Thatch

This Technical Advice Note (TAN) is the fourth publication in the wider series to deal with Scottish Traditional Building topics. It has been prepared to compliment TAN 4 Thatch and Thatching Techniques, A Guide to Conserving Scottish Thatching Traditions, published in 1996. That volume gave the historical background to thatching and outlined the technical advantages and disadvantages of the various Scottish thatching techniques that have been used. It also described surviving thatches, whilst noting the decline of associated traditional skills in the face of techniques introduced from elsewhere.

This publication starts to redress that imbalance through exploring the value and methodology of archaeological recording and analytical techniques, and their relevance to the thatching industry in Scotland. As with other TANs, it cannot be prescriptive, and it should not be used as a source from which to take a definitive specification. Rather, its value lies in the development methodology based on case studies. This brings a new dimension to the study and understanding of thatch roof construction.

Although this approach has been adopted with the archaeological profession in mind, its value should not be underestimated for other professional groups involved in the repair, maintenance and reconstruction of Scottish Traditional thatched buildings. However, given the general validity of the approach, and the high quality of supporting illustrations the recommended methodology will also have a much wider international application.

Historic Scotland is indebted to Timothy Holden of Headland Archaeology Ltd, and to the other contributors, for the detailed work that has been involved in producing this TAN.

Its release greatly adds to the value of advice currently available and should do much to ensure the continuing survival of the wider variety of Scottish thatch and thatching techniques that still exist, albeit under threat.

INGVAL MAXWELL Director, TCRE