Stephen T Driscoll

Professor Stephen T Driscoll is a leading archaeologist at the University of Glasgow, specializing in Historical Archaeology with a focus on early medieval Scotland (AD 400-1100). He has directed transformative excavations at sites like Edinburgh Castle, Glasgow Cathedral, and Govan Old Church, integrating archaeology with historical evidence to explore Scotland’s social institutions.

• Research Interests: Early Medieval Celtic World, Pictish and Viking Studies, Monumental Sculpture, Assembly Places, Socially-Engaged Archaeology
• Leadership: Chair of Scottish Strategic Archaeology Committee (2013-19), Director of Centre for Scottish and Celtic Studies, Organizer of 2015 European Archaeological Association Annual Meeting
• Prominent Projects: SERF Project (Strathearn Environs and Royal Forteviot), Govan Stones Heritage-Led Regeneration

Publication Trends: His work spans interdisciplinary monographs, excavation reports, and analyses of Viking-age sculpture, emphasizing Scotland’s connections to Ireland, western Britain, and northern Europe. He pioneered community-based archaeology, as seen in the Govan Young film project.

Teaching: Delivers Honours-level courses on The Picts and the Formation of Alba and Northern Britons, alongside Postgraduate modules in Celtic and Viking Archaeology.

Students: Supervised PhDs on topics including medieval Scottish rural settlements, country houses, judicial assemblies, and Hebridean church provision.

Professional Impact: Authored Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy (2015), a model for Ireland and Europe, and led the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF)-supported reinterpretation of Govan Old Church.