Historic Environment Scotland and The Seafarer’s Charity fund major new project to uncover the Firth of Forth’s maritime heritage. Join our community effort to map historic sites and hunt for shipwrecks from Stirling to the Outer Forth.

Wessex Archaeology have received funding from Historic Environment Scotland and The Seafarer’s Charity  to run a community heritage and engagement project investigating the maritime heritage of the Firth of Forth, in Scotland. Participants are using historic maps and charts alongside their own knowledge of the area to find and map buildings and other historic structures related to ships and boats from Stirling to both sides of the Outer Forth. Later in the year, they will turn to wreck-hunting and work with our marine specialists to investigate the dangers at sea, including rocks, sandbanks and other hazards, that mariners faced in the past. They will also look at how people navigated at sea in the past and identify areas where currently undiscovered wrecks are most likely to be. 

Why map the maritime history of the Firth of Forth?

Before there was a good road and rail network, the sea was how people got around and moved materials long distance. The Forth has formed an artery for movement, trade and exchange in the centuries prior to easy, rapid land transport, enabling waterborne access to the heartlands of Scotland. It acted as a base for fishers and creelers, provided shelter from storms and nurtured the industries required for all of these. The Forth was Scotland’s window onto the wider world, with trading contacts extending across the North Sea, Baltic and out into the North Atlantic. 

Get involved!

The project is looking for anyone with an interest in maritime heritage, the Forth and or experience at sea to get involved. No previous experience of online mapping or heritage is required, just enthusiasm and interest. You can contribute your stories, your experience, your time or a combination of those to help us map out the maritime heritage of the Forth. We’re also looking for people who have no knowledge of marine matters but are interested in learning from those who do. 

If you want to get involved or know people who would enjoy this project, then follow this link, read more and Get Involved!
Mapping the Maritime History of the Firth of Forth | Wessex Archaeology

Interested in maritime heritage and want to take part? Email Marine Archaeologist and Project Lead, Ben Saunders to sign up and get mapping! Email Ben directly b.saunders@wessexarch.co.uk