Ross travelled to Drumelzier in his Renault Kangoo van, and has stayed overnight in it whilst he’s been volunteering on the dig. Ross describes himself as an Anarchistic Socialist Republican.
He retired from Community Learning and Development in West Dumbartonshire (in Local Government) fairly recently. Ross enjoyed the job, which had a vast remit and covered a broad range of work. Centred around adult literacy, numeracy and English Speakers of Other Languages, it also involved youth work. Improving employability skills was another factor – this could include qualifications, supporting play-schemes so parents could go to work and fundraising to help communities develop their own projects. Empowering people and boosting their confidence was at the heart of his work.
Ross’s degree was in History, from Stirling Uni. He was interested in history from an early age – watching documentaries on TV etc. He feels that he should have done archaeology from an earlier age, but found it really hard to get volunteering positions – his experience is that archaeology isn’t really geared up for volunteer opportunities or easy to find out how to get involved.
Ross helped to set up the Clutha Archaeology Group whose purpose is to promote and encourage interest in the study of archaeology, history & heritage, in particular to Greater Glasgow & the Clyde Valley area.
