Papers of J Symington Grieve, archaeologist, Edinburgh, Scotland
551 126
Description Papers of J Symington Grieve, archaeologist, Edinburgh, Scotland
Date 1910 to 1935
Collection Papers of J Symington Grieve, archaeologist, Edinburgh, Scotland
Catalogue Number 551 126
Category All Other
Scope and Content A collection of notebooks with sketches, photographs and negatives reflecting Symington Grieve's interest in the archaeology and natural history of Argyll (in particular, Colonsay and Oronsay, 1913-25). Some of the material may have been used for Grieve's publication 'The Book of Colonsay and Oronsay'.
System of Arrangement The collection is divided into written material and photographs.
Access Conditions Open, but note that access may be subject to conservation requirements. Please contact the archive to confirm access in advance of a visit.
Administrative History J Symington Grieve (c.1849 - 1932) was a Scottish naturalist, antiquarian, and archaeologist, most notable for his studies of Mesolithic and Viking-era burials on the Scottish islands. He excavated shell-mounds at Caisteal nan Gillean in 1879 and 1882, recovering bone and stone tools, and additionally worked on studies of Mesolithic diets, the results of which helped shape ideas of the Mesolithic period in Scotland. He also oversaw the removal of unique Viking brooches from a ship burial on Oronsay to the National Museum of Scotland. He was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and wrote numerous articles and books on his excavations and studies, including his ultimate piece, "A Contribution to the History of Western Scotland by Symington Grieve: "The Book of Colonsay and Oronsay: Forty-four Years of Research and Discovery in Early Scoto-Irish, Norse, Icelandic, and Danish History. The First Discovery in Scotland of Remains of the Azilean Archæaological Period, the Rediscovery of the Lost Islands of Culenrigi and Toraighe, and Story of the Clan Cholla in Colonsay" (1923).
Accruals No further accruals are expected.
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