An American-born woman who moved to Scotland has been made an MBE for services to community archaeology in the Highlands.
Dr Susan Kruse, 62, of Strathpeffer, came to the UK in 1977 to do postgraduate work in Viking and Anglo-Saxon archaeology.
She moved to the Highlands 21 years ago with her family and firmly sees Scotland as her home. Here she was first a tutor for the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA), providing courses on a variety of topics, including a popular archaeology series.
Over the years she has continued her involvement with the WEA, most recently on an ongoing project investigating women’s suffrage in the Highlands.
Around nine years ago Susan co-founded Archaeology for Communities of the Highlands (Arch), putting lifelong student-centred learning at its core. Over the years Arch has developed and been involved in projects throughout the Highlands.
She has written several books on the local heritage stemming from projects, some for Arch and some on behalf of other projects.
Current projects include investigating World War I remains on the Black Isle, and an experimental archaeology project, where craftspeople provide demonstrations and hands-on activities relating to objects and crafts from all periods.
She also works for Highland Council to organise the yearly Highland Archaeology Festival and is currently a volunteer leader for the Inverness Young Archaeologist Club.
A committee member of the North of Scotland Archaeology Society, she has been a volunteer on a number of heritage, environmental and childcare organisations over the years.
Dr Kruse said: “I’m flattered to have been nominated for this award, and delighted that community archaeology has been recognised in this way. I’ve always interpreted archaeology in its broadest sense, from earliest settlers to the present, with above and below ground remains. I’ve been passionate about community participation in local heritage.
“There is so much around us in the Highlands, and so much to explore, record and understand.”
