Whithorn has been a benchmark in archaeology, particularly thanks to the extensive research dig carried out in the 1980’s by Peter Hill and his team. The Whithorn Trust was established in 1988, when the excavations unearthed discoveries which were so rich and important for the story of Scotland's development that the area became a Scheduled Monument and further excavations were commissioned. The W
hithorn Archaeological Collection is part of the Dumfries and Galloway Collection which has Recognised status. It is housed at Stranraer, where the regional museum is situated. The Whithorn Trust has launched Cold Case Whithorn to commission expert analysis of Whithorn’s extensive skeletal remains led by Dr. Adrian Maldonado, Glenmorangie Fellow at National Museums Scotland. The project will illuminate the unsolved questions: who were the earliest Christians in Scotland – at Whithorn - and when did they arrive? How and when did Whithorn develop as a monastery? Scientists can now answer this, extracting individual portraits from osteological analysis. In addition to this, the project will excite public debate by sharing films of the results on social media, opening “staff only” areas, carrying out “CSI” style science in local Primary Schools and our secondary school will visit research laboratories and meet experts. Our project continues to develop in 2021, with new testing and other areas of research - follow our journey here!
