The history of Scotland's royal burial site and what new technology is telling us about its past.

Join us at Dunfermline Abbey for a curious look at the history of the Scottish royal mausoleum and the many royal burials connected to the lost medieval Benedictine Abbey. Although much of the original abbey was replaced by a Protestant church in the early 1800s, new technology is helping us uncover more of its story.

Using ground-penetrating radar (GPR), experts are revealing clues hidden beneath the Abbey and helping historians better understand the site's complex past.

The event will include:

A short introductory talk about the history of the site, delivered inside the abbey.

A live demonstration of ground-penetrating radar equipment and how it is used.

An interactive session where attendees can examine real radar scan images and explore what they might reveal about the church interior.

A closing Q&A, followed by an opportunity to explore the site at your own pace and chat informally with the speakers.

Please note: The abbey can get quite cold inside, so we recommend bringing suitable clothing to stay comfortable during the event.

This event is at Dunfermline Abbey, not at the festival hub at the RSE. Please note you will need to make your own way to the abbey.

There is also another workshop taking place earlier in the day, exploring both the science of stained glass and the conservation efforts that go into preserving these artworks. You can book tickets here.

Important points to note

This event is suitable for age 16+

Event format: This event is a workshop and may involve some audience interaction. This could involve group activities, individual activities, quizzes or hands-on activities.

Content warning: Please note that this event may contain references to burials.

Filming: Photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed.

SPEAKER

Professor Michael Penman

Professor of History, University of Stirling

Professor Penman (PhD, St Andrews, 1999) – is a researcher of medieval Scottish politics, religion and culture at the University of Stirling, author of books about both Bruce monarchs, Robert I 1306-29 (2014) and David II, 1329-71 (2004), as well as editor of several volumes on medieval themes such as Anglo-Scottish Relations, Tomb Monuments, and the Battle of Bannockburn. His current projects have a focus on Dunfermline, one of the kingdom’s ancient capitals and its newest city, leading on a radar survey of medieval church remains beneath the modern Church of Scotland building (2016-), and exploring Sir Patrick Geddes’ famous 1904 plan for west Fife’s regional development.

SPEAKER

Erica Carrick Utsi

GPR Consultant, EMC Radar Consulting (Ely)

Erica is a graduate (MSc Science) of the University of St Andrews and a leading GPR consultant, publishing researcher and teacher with over 40 years’ global experience in the profession. She has pioneered GPR’s application in heritage contexts, not least in the survey of major churches such as Westminster Abbey. She is the author of Ground Penetrating Radar: Theory and Practice (2017) as well as co-author of the project report for the Dunfermline Abbey GPR project.

SPEAKER

Alex Birtwisle

GPR Consultant, Atlas Geophysics (Powys)

Alex is a graduate of Anglia Ruskin University (BSc Science, 1994) and has established his expertise in the application of geophysical surveying in both industrial and heritage contexts through work for several companies. Since 2006, he has been Director of his own Atlas Geophysical, based in South Wales with a global client base. His expertise includes project management of investigations on highways, airfields, masonry and concrete structures as well as service/utility mapping, UXO location and archaeological investigations.

About the Curious festival

The RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 5 − Sunday 13 September 2026!

Curious is Scotland’s annual festival of knowledge. Across its seven-year history, Curious has welcomed over 10,000 attendees into its yearly programme of talks, workshops, discussions and exhibitions – all covering different topics and subject areas. There’s no need for you to have any prior specialist knowledge before coming along, just bring your curious self! With plenty of events both in person and online, you can take part from anywhere.

You can check out the full programme of events here.

Accessibility

We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or have any questions related to how we can support this event, please contact curious@theRSE.org.uk. Accessibility information for Dunfermline Abbey can be found on their website.

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Description supplied by the event organiser.