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The Isle of May is a small island at the mouth of the Firth of Forth, with a 1000 year long history of ecclesiastical use. Excavations have revealed that the monastic settlement and burials on the island lasted from the 4th to 16th centuries. Important new research on the excavated human remains has now yielded fascinating insights into the lives and deaths of a few individuals during the early medieval period.  This has emphasised the significance of the religious establishment here as a place of pilgrimage and healing, providing rare glimpses of severe medical conditions as suffered by these people.  


Peter Yeoman has worked in Scottish archaeology for more than 40 years, directing major excavations at Edinburgh Castle and on the Isle of May, while also writing a number of books. Through the 1990's he was Council Archaeologist for Fife, before joining Historic Scotland. He now works freelance, pursuing his own research interests and leading archaeology tours at home and abroad.


All events in our lecture series include an opportunity to meet the guest lecturer, coffee and cakes and a special tour of the Castle.


Take advantage of our offer. Book 10 lectures today for a special price: £86.63.


Photo by Sean D Langton

About the lecturer

Peter Yeoman has worked in Scottish archaeology for more than 40 years, directing major excavations at Edinburgh Castle and on the Isle of May, while also writing a number of books. Through the 1990's he was Council Archaeologist for Fife, before joining Historic Scotland. He now works freelance, pursuing his own research interests and leading archaeology tours at home and abroad.

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Lauriston Castle Lecture Series

Sick Picts from the May Island Monastery: Disease and Healthcare in Early Medieval Scotland.

Lauriston Castle

The Life and Times of HMS Unicorn

Tuesday 16 October 2018, 10:30am HMS Unicorn is a rare survivor. One of the oldest ships in the world still afloat and the oldest ship in Scotland, she was built in 1822 and has been...

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Landing in Paradise

Landing in Paradise: The Vikings in Scotland.

Wednesday 24 October 2018, 10:30am

The Vikings in Scotland

The Viking period saw a great outpouring of people from the Scandinavian homelands as Vikings roamed far to the east, south and west in their...

Archived event

This is an archive page for a past event

Find out what's happening now and upcoming in our What's on section.

More info