Digging Deeper

We are pleased to announce that in September 2026, this Project will make history by embarking on the first dedicated archaeological excavation in search of the Perth Charterhouse!

In March 2025, we were greatly encouraged by the enthusiastic response we received when sharing the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) results with members of the local and stakeholder communities (see Next Steps). Since then, the Project team have been working hard to secure funding to undertake an archaeological excavation, which was the highest priority next step voted for by the community. We are pleased to share that the Guildry Incorporation of Perth and the King James VI Hospital Trust have generously pledged funds that will enable an excavation to go ahead. The aim of the dig will be to investigate a cluster of the GPR responses in the north east corner of the King James VI Hospital grounds that might form part of the Charterhouse complex.

The excavation will be led by a professional team from AOC Archaeology Group, assisted by volunteers from the community where the Charterhouse once stood.

Perth residents and visitors are warmly invited to come along during the dig week to observe the excavations or catch up on the latest discoveries via our online Dig Diary (URL link to follow).

Dig Open Days

We are participating in Archaeology Month and the Doors Open Days Festival, hosting two open days on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 September between 10am and 4pm. There with walking tours, dig talks, family-friendly activities and a mini-exhibition. We look forward to welcoming anyone with an interest along to find out more as we rediscover the story of King James I, his Charterhouse and the aspirations he had for Perth.

Pillar-style stone monument, with a gravelled area around it. In the background there are leafy trees and a tall stone buildingPhoto courtesy of Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 

Dig Details in a Nutshell

  • Dig Dates: 14-20 September 2026 in the gardens of the King James VI Hospital Buildings at the corner of Kings St and Hospital St, PH2 8HP (Google drop pin).
  • Daily Dig Updates: Onsite at the Carthusian Monastery monument and online (URL)
  • Dig Talks: 18-19 Sept, 11am and 3pm at the Monastery monument.
  • Dig Skills: 18-19 Sept, family-friendly activity drop-in, 10-4pm.
  • Charterhouse precinct historic walks: 18 and 19 Sept, 10am and 2pm departing from the Carthusian Monastery monument.
  • Charterhouse Project mini-exhibition: 19-20 Sept, view historic documents and meet project team members in the PSNS library room, Perth Art Gallery.