The Pit and Pod is the weekly blog of the Archaeology Podcast Network full of updates, news and opinion. Written by co-founder Tristan Boyle and special guest writers

The value of everything and the funding of nothing, a common trope in public archaeology projects and one of the reasons that make public outreach projects so precious. I have seen so many projects with active social media running for years with only either a small bit of funding or solely done by motivated volunteers. It’s no secret that volunteering makes up a huge chunk of the labour done in the heritage industry but it seems that visibility of that fact has not changed much of the landscape. Over the last decade, with economic measures all over the world cutting down on spending or reducing projects for public benefit, it is easy to be caught up in the piranha mentality of a small funding pool. The vying for potential cash to cover a year or so or for a part-time employee is draining and demoralising and it’s a testament to the strength of conviction of many people who run projects that they keep at it.

In saying that, when a project does come along and do well, and get the funding it needs, it is a cause for celebration in the industry. So when I heard that the Caithness Broch Project successfully got funding I was over the moon for them. I have been in contact with Kenneth McIlroy over the last number of years, and I want to congratulate the whole team on their efforts in raising the prominence of an area of the north of Scotland that has a fantastic physical heritage. One of their goals, (and possibly the coolest) is to construct an iron age Broch, which is a large round building found in Scotland.

This marks a chance for the CBP to really ramp up what they can achieve and I am definitely watching that space to see what they can accomplish.

For all the other projects that you know about that are finding it difficult to keep going or keep funding, please remember to show your support. On the APN, we are member supported and that has such a positive impact on the work we do, it is amazing that people want to help us achieve more. So every time you share something on social media, cite a podcast in a paper or tell someone about podcasts in archaeology then you are doing us a favour and you are appreciating our work.

While money helps, it is important to remember that it is not the only currency. Likes, Retweets, Follows, Subscribes; in the modern age, these are as much currency as dollars and pounds. And as we celebrate our 5th anniversary, it is only because of the support we get socially and monetarily that we are able to continue on with our mission.

Tristan

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Please contact tristan@archaeologypodcastnetwork.com for more information