I started out in archaeology – the prehistory of Scotland – excavating many archaeological sites throughout eastern Scotland, and also in Norway. Over twenty years ago I began to develop expertise in the archaeology of modern defence and its accompanying military history. My work in both distant and recent history has in turn led to an interest in the mythologization of the past.
I spent over thirty years in government agency Historic Scotland and its predecessors, working to promote the conservation and understanding of Scotland’s historic environment. Nowadays, I undertake documentary and field research for my own projects and for local and national government organisations, specialising in the extraction of meaning from large bodies of complex evidence.
I am the author of over 100 publications covering a wide range, including:
- major archaeological reports in journals articles and books
- publications on the policies for and practical work of the conservation of our heritage
- guidebooks to individual sites and general introductions to parts of the past
- a series of journal articles on the ‘Battle of George square’ in Glasgow in 1919
- articles on the mythologization of history for political ends
Recent research projects include:
- the definitive description of the anti-invasion defences of Scotland, published as If Hitler comes: preparing for invasion: Scotland 1940 (2013)
- Research report The Stobs camp and training area 1902–1962: ‘The Scottish Aldershot’ or ‘…a rain-sodden cam called Stobs. (for Historic Scotland/RCAHMS, 2015)
- A detailed analysis and description of the defence of the Firth of Forth through two world wars, in its historical context, published as The Fortification of the Firth of Forth 1880-1977: ‘the most powerful naval fortress in the British Empire’ (2019)
- Important papers on the effects of nationalism on writing ‘British’ prehistory, starting with: ‘”A veritable chauvinism of prehistory”: nationalist prehistories and the “British” late Neolithic mythos’
- Two books, one for Pen & Sword, the other a scholarly monograph, on the ‘Battle of George Square’ in Glasgow in 1919, with Louise Heren.
- A journal article on the military uses of Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, during the First World war
Current projects include:
- A journal article on the infrastructure of First World War infantry induction and training
- Further research on the English/British nationalist appropriation of the prehistory of Britain and Ireland
Contact information
If you have any comments or queries do get in touch on info@gordon-barclay.net